Muhammad Asif Mohseni (Persian: آیتالله العظمی محمد آصف محسنی) (26 April 1935 – 2 August 2019) was an Afghan Shia cleric and political figure. He was widely regarded as the leading Twelver Shia marja' in Afghanistan and was the founder of the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan (Harakat-i Islami-yi Afghanistan). He belonged to the Shia Pashtun community.
Early life
Mohseni was born on 26 April 1935 in the city of Kandahar, in Afghanistan. Details about his early education and religious training are a part of his biographical record within Afghan Shia circles.
Religious leadership and political activity
As a high-ranking cleric, Mohseni held the title of Grand Ayatollah and served as a religious reference (marja') for many Afghan Shias. He combined religious authority with political engagement, establishing the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan as an organized political and social force.
Death
Mohseni died in Kabul in August 2019 at the age of 84.
Basic facts
- Name: Muhammad Asif Mohseni
- Born: 26 April 1935
- Place of birth: Kandahar, Afghanistan
- Religious affiliation: Twelver Shia (marja')
- Ethnicity: Shia Pashtun
- Political organization: Founder of the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan
- Died: August 2019 in Kabul
For the Persian-language form of his name, see Persian.