The Silent Luminary: Remembering Baqir Sahab

The renowned Aga family of Kashmir traces its roots to the Budgam district, a region known for its spiritual legacy and cultural depth.

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The family’s noble lineage began with Hakeem Syed Hyder, a revered spiritual healer and guide, who settled in Budgam approximately 150 years ago. Through his wisdom and piety, he became a beacon of hope and enlightenment for the local populace.

His son, Aga Syed Mehdi, carried forward this luminous legacy by pursuing religious studies in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — a revered center of Shia scholarship. Upon his return, he emerged as a leading religious authority and an emblem of spiritual guidance within the Shia community of Kashmir.

Today, the spiritual stewardship continues through his descendant, the present-day Aga Sahab, who is recognized as the spiritual leader of the Shias in the region. His leadership embodies the values of knowledge, compassion, and service to humanity — principles deeply rooted in the family’s traditions.

In honor of this illustrious lineage, Budgam’s main market is named after one of its most distinguished sons — Aga Syed Yusuf Al-Mousavi — a towering religious figure known for his piety, intellect, and dedication to communal harmony. The Aga family's enduring contributions to faith, education, and spirituality remain a cornerstone of Budgam’s identity and Kashmir’s spiritual heritage.