Today, February 26, marks the anniversary of the passing of my Nana’s father — who was also my father-in-law Kalimullah Khan Sahib’s Dada, and Anwer Mahmood Khan Sahib’s Dada. He left this world on February 26, 1954, seventy-two years ago.

He was blessed with a remarkable lineage: 24 children, 87 grandchildren, and 277 great-grandchildren — and by the grace of God, I am one of those 277.

The write-up that follows was authored by his son, Professor Habibullah Khan Sahib, and is taken from Kalam-e-Gauhar, his collection of poetry, published by Kalimullah Khan Sahib — my father-in-law and the father of Nabeela, Shameela, Aaliya, and Aatifa. It is both a tribute and a window into the life of a man whose legacy continues to live through generations.

Our ancestors are believed to have come from Najibabad. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the family migrated, and my great-grandfather eventually settled in Rampur. He was a man of remarkable ability and influence. Because of his competence and leadership, he rose to occupy the high post of Prime Minister of the State of Rampur. Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan awarded him a large jagir in recognition of his services. During the Mutiny of 1857, he saved the lives of many Englishmen, and in appreciation, the British Government granted him an additional jagir in Muradabad. During his tenure, our family enjoyed considerable power, prestige, and respect.

My grandfather, Major Abdul Ali Khan, also served with distinction. He was the Second-in-Command of the 6th Cavalry Regiment and was conferred the title of “Sir” by the Government in recognition of his service. Later, the Nawab of Rampur invited him to join the Council of Ministers. Our family’s association with leadership, governance, and responsibility continued across generations.

My grandmother, Aabadi Banu Begum, came from a distinguished and prosperous family of Sambhal. Her life, however, was marked by early trials. At just 27 years of age, she lost her husband and was left to manage the household and raise her children alone. With his passing, the family income became limited, yet she never allowed circumstances to weaken her resolve. With remarkable strength and discipline, she ensured her children received proper education. They were first enrolled in local schools, and after completing matriculation, were sent to Aligarh College for higher studies. She was deeply religious, punctual in offering namaz five times a day, and maintained a household rooted in faith and discipline. That spiritual environment shaped the character of her children in lasting ways.

You can read a post from me about Aabadi Banu Begum who is also referred lovingly as Bi Amma – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tribute-abdi-bano-begum-bi-amma-shukoor-ahmed-pukrc/

My father, Hazrat Moulana Zulfiqar Ali Sahib, was born in 1869. He was only 11 years old when his father passed away. His elder brother, just two years older, also died young. The remaining siblings — Shoukat Ali, Nawazish Ali, Mohammad Ali, and their sister Ahmadi Begum — were all younger than him. Despite these early losses, my father pursued his education with determination. He studied in Bareilly and later moved to Aligarh, where he completed his FA. Financial constraints made higher education difficult, and recognizing the burden on the household, he chose to take up employment so his younger brothers could continue their studies. That decision alone speaks volumes about his sense of responsibility.

He joined government service around 1894–95. In 1902, he was transferred to Meerut as Inspector in the Excise Department. The following year, he was appointed Naib Tehsildar, and by 1905, he was posted to Allahabad on Special Duty. In 1907, he was promoted to Tehsildar. His competence eventually led to his services being requisitioned by the Rampur State, where the Nawab entrusted him with heading the Excise Department as Superintendent. He served in that capacity until 1918 and earned a reputation for efficiency, integrity, and dedication. The Nawab held him in high esteem and would summon him personally if he was absent even for a day. Yet envy among certain senior officials led to unfounded allegations against him. Though never proven, these intrigues created an unhealthy environment, prompting him to resign and return to British Government service.

Despite prestige and authority, his heart was inclined elsewhere. In 1920, responding to the call of the Khalifa, he sought retirement and dedicated his life to serving the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. He served for many years as Secretary Umoor-e-Aamma (Foreign Affairs) and later as Chief Secretary of the Jamaat. In 1930, Nawab Raza Ali Khan of Rampur requested the Caliph to lend my father’s services once again to the State. With permission, he served there for five years, but his true passion remained with the Community, and he returned to the Jamaat headquarters. During his service, he was part of delegations meeting Viceroy Lord Reading in 1921, presented gifts to Prince William in 1922, and participated in the Muslim League Annual Conference in 1927.

Beyond his official roles, he had varied interests. He loved hunting and would go lion-hunting atop an elephant, sometimes waiting patiently from platforms built high in trees. He maintained a collection of rifles and pistols and even prepared cartridges for smaller game. At the same time, he had a deep love for gardening and tree plantation, nurturing various plants in pots and appreciating fragrances and fine perfumes. He was particularly fond of mangoes — Rampur being famous for them — and would send the finest varieties to Hazrat Masih Maud and other respected members of our Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He also enjoyed tennis and cricket and played regularly at the Officers’ Club in Rampur.

When asked why he did not follow his younger brothers into India’s political freedom struggle, he would respond thoughtfully. He would say that while they worked for the independence of a nation, he had chosen a larger responsibility — striving for the spiritual liberation of mankind from the clutches of evil. He believed that such roles are assigned by the Almighty, and one must serve where one is called.

At the time of Partition, he was in Delhi. By the grace of God, he safely migrated with his family to Lahore and was allotted a bunglow on Upper Mall. By then, he was nearly 80 years old. Severe knee pain and obesity restricted his mobility, and much of his later years were spent resting. After the marriage of his youngest daughter (Razia Begum), he moved to his son-in-law’s home, where he remained until his passing. Though not afflicted by any major disease, weakness from immobility and digestive issues gradually overtook him. He passed away on 26 February 1954 at the age of 86. His funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Musleh Maud (RA) at Ratan Bagh, and he was laid to rest in Bahishti Maqbara (Heavenly Cemetery). His had promised to pay 10% or his income and wealth to our faith community which is called Wassiyat was registered at serial number 75, reflecting that he was among the earliest participant in the scheme.

Looking back at these generations, I see a consistent thread — service, dignity, resilience, faith, and responsibility. Titles and estates may fade, but character endures. That legacy remains the true inheritance of our family.

Note: A lot has been written about him in my pictorial book which is going to be printed soon and also in Kalam-e-Gauhar, Ek Dana Jauhar (Biography of his son Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib (compiled by his son Anwer Mahmood Khan) and Hayat-e-Habib (Biography of his other son Professor Habibullah Khan Sahib (compiled by his son Kalimullah Khan).