The Afghan Martyrs — Page 35
family seat. All members of the family achieved a high degree of purity and sanctity. They were famous for caring for the poor. As the number of family members grew, the size and range of their property also continued to grow. The true basis of their progress lay in the attribute of hospitality with which they were abundantly blessed. Before the time of our grandfather Syed Mohammad Shareef, not much attention was paid to religious practices, but from his very childhood he paid special attention to this important aspect and consequently he made considerable progress. As we owned a lot of land and other property our family became known as the I Sahibzadas'. Our father was one of three brothers. Syed Mohammad Haneef was the eldest, Syed Abdul Azeez was the youngest and our father was in the middle. They had two sisters Syedah Abida and Syedah Shehar Bano. From his childhood our father was engaged in the acquisition of knowledge. He was inherently inclined towards religion and he had no taste for absurd or frivolous pursuits. He himself stated that from his very childhood, with a great craving desire he would repeatedly invoke Darood. From which he said he derived great satisfaction. He had deep love for the Holy Quran and therefore he made it a habit to recite it regularly in a clear loud voice. " Education After primary education in Khost the Sahibzada went to Peshawar where he stayed for many years. He then attended various religious academies in India. From amongst his tutors Hadhrat Moulvi Abdul Hayee of Firang Mahal of Lucknow, who was a famous scholar, deserves special mention. He was a descendent of Hadhrat Abu Ayub Ansari (MAPH). He lived in a locality 35