To the respected believers in North America,

Peace be upon you.

With great sadness and sorrow, The Council of Shia Scholars of North America grieves the demise of one of its senior members, Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen, Maulana Syed Tilmizul Hasanain Rizvi (may Allah elevate his status) who passed away on Sunday, September 26th, 2021, in New Jersey. We extend our condolences to the Imam of the Time (p), the ‘ulāma’, and the Shia community of North America.

HIWM Syed Tilmizul Hasanain Rizvi was born in 1941 and studied in Sultanul Madaris in Khairpur, Jamia Imamia in Lahore (Pakistan). He also attained the highest degrees from Punjab University in linguistics, and Master’s degree in the Arabic language from Sindh University. He entered the teaching profession and even authored textbooks on grammar.

In 1984, Maulana S. Tilmizul Hasanain Rizvi came to the USA at the invitation of Muslim Foundation Inc., NJ, and gradually settled down in this country to serve the cause of the Shia faith. Initially, he was also involved in the hawzah that was started in Medina, New York. After that, he settled in New Jersey and continued to guide various centers and organizations in that state.

Maulana Syed Tilmizul Hasanain Rizvi (may Allah elevate his status) was also a prolific writer who authored and translated in Urdu many books, booklets, and articles in various subjects ranging from the Qur’ān and its interpretation to ahadith and akhlaq, and also the translation of the diwān of Amirul Mu’mineen ‘Ali (peace be upon him). He also produced the annotated and abridged Urdu translation of Tafsir as-Safi of Mulla Fayd al-Kashani. By abridging this tafsir, he was able to present this famous tafsir to the Urdu-speaking world while avoiding its controversial aspects. Among his last works was the Urdu translation of the Qur’ān based on word-by-word format, but he was also able to maintain the flow in the language.

His eminence Syed Tilmiz was recognized by several jurists (marja’) in Najaf and Qom seminaries, and received wikala (religious representative) to serve Shia Muslim community in all their religious matters. He was a valuable member of the Consultative Body of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America, and the Council always was blessed by his consistent support, attendance, and participation since its establishment until now.

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (p), is reported to have said: “When a learned [religious scholar] dies a void occurs in Islam that nothing will fill except if he is succeeded by one like him…” Hujjatul Islam Maulana Syed Tilmizul Hasanian Rizvi’s void was indeed a loss for the Shia community. May Almighty Allah accept his endeavors and elevate his status. The council also extends its sincere condolences to his family on their loss, especially to his son, Hujjatul Islam Syed Rizwan Rizvi, who is an active and dedicated member of this Council. May Allah give them strength to bear this loss.

On behalf of The Council
Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, Secretary-General
19 Safar, 1443 AH – September 27, 2021

Source: https://imam-us.org/condolences-on-the-passing-of-his-eminence-syed-tilmizul-hasanain-rizvi