Kargil, October 11, 2025:
The Kargil district today mourns the passing of Hujjat-ul-Islam wal Muslimeen Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad Ilmi, a revered Islamic scholar, teacher, and one of the senior-most pillars of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) Ladakh.
According to his close friend Sheikh Mohammad Yourbaltak, Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad Ilmi (R.A.) received his early Islamic education in his native village Soth and later proceeded to the holy city of Najaf Ashraf, Iraq, where he spent eight years pursuing higher Islamic studies. After returning to his ancestral home, he dedicated his life to religious education, guidance, and community service.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Sheikh Ilmi also played an active role in public life. He served as District President of the Indian National Congress for some time and later as a Government Teacher, where he earned great respect for his knowledge, integrity, and service to society.
A devout and long-standing supporter of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil, Sheikh Ilmi was known for his deep faith, compassion, and his efforts to promote the values of Islam, unity, and moral guidance among the believers.
A large number of mourners participated in his funeral procession. His mortal remains were first kept at Hozia Ilmiya Isna Ashriya Kargil for public mourning, and after a brief Majlis, were taken to his home village Tumail, where Namaz-e-Janaza was led by Hujjat-ul-Islam Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, President of JUIAK Ladakh.
In his address, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi described Sheikh Ilmi as “one of the foundational pillars of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil,” adding that his demise has created an irreplaceable void in the religious and social landscape of Kargil. He extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Soth, Tumail, and the wider community of Kargil. Representatives from various villages also attended the funeral and expressed their grief and condolences.
Haji Anayat Ali, Former Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, also expressed deep grief over the loss, calling Sheikh Ilmi “a true servant of Islam, a teacher of ethics, and a source of wisdom for all who knew him.” He said, “Sheikh Ilmi was not only a scholar but also a moral and spiritual guide throughout my life. His teachings reflected the true essence of the message of Karbala and the path of Imam Hussain (A.S.).”
Haji Anayat prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and bestow patience upon the family and followers to bear this immense loss.
Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan, Former Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, also paid rich tributes to the late scholar. Remembering his contributions during the 1987 Tumail landslide, he said, “Sheikh Ilmi was instrumental in helping the affected families during the disaster, working closely with the district administration to facilitate their rehabilitation and the establishment of the present Tumail Colony at Kurbathang.”
Kacho Ahmed Ali described him as a compassionate and selfless soul who always stood with his people in both joy and sorrow, adding, “His passing on a Friday is indeed a divine blessing.” He, along with his family, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family — Nono Sajad, Nono Murtaza, Nono Sadiq, and Hajia Fatima — praying for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family.
Sajjad Hussain Kargili, Political Incharge of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) Ladakh and a noted social activist, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hojjatul-Islam Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad Ilmi (R.A.),” he said. “His lifelong service, humility, and guidance to society will be remembered with gratitude. Heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, and admirers. May Allah (SWT) grant him Maghfirah and the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus.”
The people of Kargil remember Sheikh Ilmi (R.A.) as a scholar who embodied wisdom, piety, and compassion — a man whose life was devoted to spreading the light of knowledge and the message of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.). His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
