Prof Iqbal Ahmad Qasmi, Former Head of Ilmul Advia at AMU’s Unani Faculty, Passes Away; Colleagues Remember a Scholar of Deoband and Aligarh

Prof Iqbal Ahmad Qasmi, former Chairman of the Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology) in the Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, passed away on 3 November 2026. The faculty held a condolence meeting on 10 November and adopted a resolution describing him as a dedicated teacher, guide, researcher and author whose loss has left a void in Unani medicine.

The meeting was chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Unani Medicine, Prof Syeda Amina Naz, and attended by faculty members, senior academics and his colleagues.

A bridge between Deoband and Aligarh

Prof Amina Naz called his death an irreparable loss to the faculty, to AMU and to the Unani medical community in India and abroad. She said Prof Qasmi brought together two traditions in one person: the religious and intellectual scholarship of Darul Uloom Deoband and the modern, research-led approach of AMU.

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Prof Ubaidullah Qasmi spoke about his religious and academic background and said this blend of Deoband and Aligarh scholarship defined his personality.

His work in Unani pharmacology

Colleagues recalled how he helped build up the teaching of Ilmul Advia, the Unani study of drugs and pharmacology.

• Prof Abdur Rauf remembered his role in developing the subject and strengthening teaching and departmental work.
• Prof Asiya Sultana spoke of his guidance in raising the standard of academic and clinical research, and his support as a senior colleague.
• Prof Mohsin and Dr Shamshad paid tribute to his research papers, his work on medicinal substances and plant-based drugs, and his affection for his students.
• Prof Ruby Anjum recalled his role in training Haj pilgrims and his work in religious, welfare and social causes.

Books he leaves behind

Over a career of about five decades, Prof Qasmi wrote several important Unani works, including:

• Kitab-ul-Mufradat
• Dastoor-ul-Murakkabat
• Qamoos Asma-ul-Advia
• Kitab-ut-Taklees
• Kitab-un-Nabz

The resolution also noted his key role in the project to translate and edit Ibn Sina’s Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb in Urdu, one of the founding texts of Unani medicine.

The faculty said his scholarship and his guidance on Haj and social welfare would continue to inspire students and teachers. Read the faculty’s tribute on the AMU website.

For current students of the faculty, see our guide to AMU Unani PG admission 2026-27.

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