Birth
Masood Ahmed Khurshid Sanori Sahib was born to Molvi Qudratullah Sanori Sahib (ra) and Raheeman Bibi Sahiba (ra) as the eighth child out of the fourteen children bestowed on them as the sign of acceptance of prayer of the Promised Messiah (asws). Molvi Qudratullah Sanori Sahib narrates the incident in his biography as follows:
“After a few months of my marriage to Raheeman Bibi Sahiba, she became ill; hakeems and doctors informed me that the lady’s reproductive organs were so weak that there is no way that she could bear children. Upon receiving the sad prognosis, Raheeman Bibi’s father Chaudhri Karim Bakhsh Sahib (ra) (wassiyat # 19), took his daughter Raheeman Bibi to visit the Promised Messiah (asws). Before leaving for the visit Qudratullah Sahib gave a letter to his wife for presentation to the Promised Messiah (asws), in which he had stated the medical prognosis and sought permission to re-marry. Raheeman Bibi Sahiba was herself an only child of Karim Baksh Sahib (ra) all his children had died in infancy. When Raheeman Bibi Sahiba presented the letter to the Promised Messiah (asws), he read the letter and said, “I will pray”. Only a few moments later he said; “Write to Qudratullah, with the Grace of Allah the Almighty you will have so many children that you will find it hard to care for them all”.
As a miraculous outcome of the prayer, Raheeman Bibi Sahiba was blessed with fourteen children – and just as the Promised Messiah (asws) had foretold, five of them died young. Nine children were blessed with long lives ranging between 60 to 88 years. Each one of these in turn has been blessed with many children and grand-children of their own. Al-Hamdolillah.
Qudratullah Sahib states that before the birth of Masood Ahmed, he himself and his wife saw special dreams and Molvi Abdullah sahib Sanori, a famous companion of the Promised Messiah (asws), saw a dream in which he was told that “Qudratullah will be granted a son blessed with very high intelligence”. A pious Lady, who lived in Sanor, had told Raheeman Bibi Sahiba before the birth of Masood Sahib that she saw the sun shining bright on Molvi Qudratullah Sahib’s house. The Sun is called “Khurshid” in Persian, hence when Masood Sahib grew up; at the age of 15 he added the name “Khurshid” with his name. At the time of his birth on April 18, 1923, Hadhrat Musleh Mauood (ra) named him Rehmatullah and then in a second letter, he gave him the name Masood Ahmed. In the U.S. he was generally referred to as Sanori Sahib by all who knew him.
Education and Training
After acquiring initial schooling in Sanor when Sanori Sahib was around 13 years old, his father, Molvi Qudratullah sahib, was appointed a manager for the farms of Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) in Sindh Province, India (later Pakistan).
Molvi Sahib thus left for Sindh, at that time he wrote to Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) requesting prayers and guidance for the education of the children, especially the boys; he wanted them to become trained professionals. Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) wrote back and said “Get the boys educated to the Matric level (high school qualification) I will pray Allah Ta’Ala will make them progress and grant them Blessings”. This prayer of Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) was accepted with the Grace of Allah the Almighty, the evidence of which has been in the lives of the children and the future generations. Al-Hamdolillah.
At the age of sixteen in 1939 when Sanori Sahib completed his matriculation, Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) very graciously allowed him to train as an accountant in his office in Qadian which dealt with the affairs of the farms; He did not enjoy robust health, therefore, Huzur graciously directed him to work flexible hours. This relaxed policy of work helped him a great deal and he learnt the skills of typing, book-keeping, accounting. He worked hard and had the opportunity to meet with Huzur numerous times during this responsibility. Later in life he used to say that he had learnt how to use a phone personally from Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) and that under his personal guidance, the administrative skills he had learnt benefited him for the duration of his life and he was able to teach them to many others for whom the skills became similarly invaluable. On completion of the training for 18 months, he worked as an accountant on Huzur’s farms after which he moved to Quetta in Baluchistan Province.
Marriage
On 5th Feb. 1942, Hadhrat Musleh Maoud – Khalifatul Mesih II (ra) announced Masood Ahmed Khursheed Sahib’s nikah (marriage) to Nasrah Begum Sahiba daughter of late Babu Abdul Ghafoor Sahib (ra) and late Noor Bibi Sahiba (ra). Nasrah Begum Sahiba was an orphan brought up by her uncle Munshi Noor Mohammed Sahib (ra). Hadhrat Musleh Maoud (ra) decided to be her “wali” (guardian) at the nikah. On 11th May 1942, Huzur graciously attended the wedding when it took place at a simple ceremony at the house of Nasrah Begum Sahiba (the bride)’s uncle, accompanied by Hadhrat Amman Jan Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahiba (ra), Syeda Umme Nasir Sahiba (ra), Syeda Umme Tahir (ra) and three of Huzur’s daughters. Huzur (ra) advised Sanori Sahib: “Take good care of her, she is our daughter”. This instruction he carried out most vigilantly, throughout their lives. Their home was a serene picture of wedded bliss. He treated her with marked respect and affection, always mindful of her needs and sensitivities. He treated Nasrah Begum’s brother, who was a young orphan, with love, great deal of care, and supported him throughout his life.
Children
By the Grace of Allah the Almighty, the couple were blessed with eleven children. Out of eleven, three of their daughters passed away at an early age. Nine of them, by the Grace of Allah, grew up to be healthy adults and received University education. Currently all of them have settled in USA, Canada, and United Kingdom along with their children.
At the time of their death, by the Grace of Allah, Sanori Sahib (ra) and Nasrah Begum (ra) had been blessed with a progeny of 45. This included their children, grand children and great grand children. As of November 2013, by the Grace of Allah, their number has increased to 61.
Professional Life
It was a directive from Hazrat Khalifatul Mesih II (ra) that Ahmadi youth should enhance their educational standards. While in Quetta, working full time, Sanori Sahib maintained his private studies and completed Adeeb Fazil and Adeeb Aalim exams with flying colours. Although he did not get the opportunity to appear in formal examination, he pursued and completed the private study of the B.A syllabus. He got a Job as an accountant with the Arsenal offices in Quetta where he worked until around 1945.
With the Grace of Allah the Almighty his proficiency with the Persian language and good communication skills opened doors of trade opportunities with Iranian businessmen. After successfully forming business relationship with contacts in Iran he moved to Lahore and set up his own Business offices. Allah the Almighty blessed him with handsome success. In 1956 he moved offices to Karachi and moved to this cosmopolitan city with his family. He set up offices in the heart of the city and very successfully carried out his import-export trade ventures including such goods as dried fruit, saffron, jute goods, paper etc. With the Grace of Allah, the Almighty, his hard work, honest dealings and good nature produced excellent rewards.
Devoted Services to the Community
As the Blessings of Allah the Almighty rained down on him, he continued with his unconditional devotion and service. In his offices, whenever there was a need, he would provide free training to youngsters. He would help members find employment and set up businesses. In Karachi he served as the Secretary Social Welfare for many years; every Friday before Jumaa prayers the announcement would be made that all persons who were facing any difficulties should contact him, his phone number would be announced. A lot of people would respond and he would then try his level best to help and for further help, he would also put them in touch with other useful contacts within the Jamaat.
He always made every possible effort to attend Jamaat meetings and gatherings. Friday Prayers were a must, where he would always attend observing full decorum for the blessed day. He remained an elected member of Majlis-e-Shoora central consultative body for many years and performed his duties with great devotion. In 1980 he had the honor of addressing the annual Jalsa in Qadian. He worked closely with Secretary Wassaya and encouraged and assisted many in getting registered with the blessed Wassiyat scheme. He himself registered for Wassiyat at an early age and was most vigilant in making his payments; equally, he encouraged and guided his children to do the same from a young age.
Hospitality
For many years, the city of Karachi possessed the only International Air and Sea port in Pakistan. Therefore, a large number of Jamaat families who had to travel abroad or were returning via Karachi would always find accommodation and care at Sanori Sahib’s family home; including missionaries, friends, family, acquaintances or other Jamaat guests and dignitaries. People embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj received hospitality, care and assistance by him, his family and staff.
Care of Parents
Sanori Sahib was a very dutiful son. He accorded the utmost respect and care to his parents, always vigilant in taking care of their needs and comfort. Besides a regular allowance, which he deposited with the parents for their needs, he undertook their expenses for travelling for Hajj. He handed over funds to his father to have a spacious six bedroom house built in Rabwah, which was used as a guest house for family and friends. The house remained in the possession and use of the Parents as long as they lived, he was so respectful in this matter, and always referring to the house as his father’s house to the point that even his own children did not know. When a delegation of the Jamaat was travelling to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) the need was felt for a companion of the Promised Messiah (as) to accompany them, he offered to pay all expenses for his father for the tour so that the Jamaat members could benefit from the company of a Suhabi of the Promised Messiah (as). The visit proved very fruitful and was of good advantage for the Tarbiyyat and training of members. On many schemes run by the Jamaat besides making handsome contributions himself, he would also make contributions on behalf of his parents. He bought a hall adjacent to the Mosque in Golimar area of Karachi, for extension of the Mosque and donated it to the Jamaat on behalf of his parents.
Masood Sahib tried in his life to fulfill the directives of Allah the Almighty and Holy Prophet (saw), in whatever way he could
Serving the Parents and always ‘keeping caring arms lowered around them’: the Quranic directive was fulfilled by him in an excellent manner, his father has very gratefully noted it down in his autobiography. Relatives of his own and of his wife benefitted from his kind and generous treatment. Widows, orphans, the needy who asked and those who did not ask received from his generosity. He would seek them out and would take pains to have the funds delivered to them. While in Atlanta he came to know of a young man who had been imprisoned for some mistaken case. Sanori sahib visited him in Prison arranged for his bail, helped him settle down, arranged his wedding, in keeping with the injunction of the Holy Qur’an: (ch:76 v:9).
Helping in Domestic Chores
He always carried out his personal chores himself, in compliance with Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saw), inspite of servants and so many family members around him he would insist on washing his own plate after meals, polished his shoes. Generally helped around the house.
Patience and Submission to the Will of Allah the Almighty
On 31st December 1969, Sanori Sahib grievously injured his left leg by falling from a moving train into the gap between the railway track and the Platform. He was taken to the Fazl e Omar Hospital in Rabwah. His Holiness, Mirza Nasir Ahmad Khalifatul Mesih III (rh) came to visit him in hospital and said: ‘You came to Rabwah for the sake of Allah the Almighty, He will grant you health and you will come back walking by yourself”. Al-Hamdolillah for 42 years after the accident he traveled to a large number of places in the world, attending annual conventions of the Jamaat, mosque opening-ceremonies and other Jamaat events. Inspite of loosing half of his left leg in the accident, he was always extremely patient, keeping a cheerful smile on his face, always expressing gratitude to Allah the Almighty for His innumerable bounties. This miraculous recovery was a sign of acceptance of Prayers of the Khalia.
Love for Allah the Almighty, Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (saw)
Sanori Sahib loved to read and teach the Holy Qur’an. This was his preferred activity after offering prayers. Besides offering the obligatory prayers, he loved to offer nawafil (voluntary Prayers) for long periods of time. He had memorised a large number of Prayers of the Holy Qur’an and Holy Prophet (saw) and would recite them with tears flowing, in submission to his Beloved Lord. From 1956 to 1991, the years when he was living in Karachi, every Ramadan ul Mubarak he would offer his house as the centre to the Jamaat to hold Darsul Quran for the full month, where Jamaat scholars would present commentary on one Sipara every day. Sanori Sahib himself would always listen to the commentary very attentively and take notes. He would later through the year read the commentaries of the Holy Quran and add to his notes.
Excellent Writing Skills
He had very neat calligraphic hand writing and was extremely punctual and expressive in his letters. He had the ability to present a picturesque description of events by describing them in words. For an Ansarullah Essay competition held in Pakistan, he won the first Prize of Rs.2000. The Topic of the article was: “The Blessed Life of the Holy Prophet (saw)”. As he loved the Holy Prophet (saw) immensely, he had the tremendous urge to publish the life and conduct of the Holy Prophet (saw), so he had 1000 copies published as a booklet and had it distributed. With permission from Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Khalifatul Mesih V (aba) he deposited payment for another 1000 copies to be published in Qadian with the request that these be distributed in India. He had the Blessing of performing Hajj, (once in the company of Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib and Chaudhri Shabbir Ahmad Sahib), second time he performed Hajj with his wife Nasrah Begum Sahiba. He felt the need of a good guide book so he wrote one and published 1000 copies and distributed them, which has helped and encouraged a number of people to undertake the sacred Pilgrimage. He loved the books of the Promised Messiah (as)
When the books were first published as a set, Sanori Sahib bought one set for himself and one each for his 9 children. Some sets for his parents and a number of sets for foreign missions to be placed in libraries the world over. He would regularly read some pages of one of these books before going to sleep. He noted down in his memoirs that he had completed the reading of all the books of the Promised Messiah a.s. He would make notes on the margin of the book to remind him of points for further reflection. Reciting the Persian poetry with zeal and fervour.
Migration
Three of his children were in the U.S.A so he decided in 1991 to migrate there. In old age he found himself vulnerable in the increasingly lawless situation in Pakistan. One big advantage of living abroad was that he could travel to London for annual conventions. In the U.S. he lived in Florida for a few years, later he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He formulated a bond of love with members of the Jamaat wherever he lived. He offered his house to be used as Salat and Juma’a centre. He worked tirelessly to help members in their education and religious training, whilst inculcating a zeal for financial sacrifice. He received awards from Majlis Ansarullah U.S.A for many years. While in Florida he received a prize for “Highest Participation in Test Papers by the Miami Jama’at”. In 2004 he was awarded the “Life Long Service Award”. For the last years of his life 2008 and 2009; both years Meritorious Service in Finance Awards were received by him.
Progressive Thinking
At the age of seventy years Sanori Sahib acquired computer skills and then went on to such expertise that he would guide others how to put the computer to good use for the service of Islam. He explained that the computers and internet have surfaced as they have been granted by Allah the Almighty for spreading the message of Islam, and this is exactly in line with the prophecies of the Holy Qur’an.
Zeal for Tabligh
Sanori Sahib always carried in his pocket some leaflets about Islam and Ahmadiyyat. He would hand out leaflets wherever he found a person receptive, whether in the shopping mall, a taxi, a hospital, the park – indeed, wherever the opportunity arose. He would start the conversation by introducing himself, saying I am a Muslim and then built up the discussion. He wouldn’t beat about the bush and would come outright say that Messiah Jesus Christ died in Kashmir after accomplishing his mission, and the Messiah for this age as Promised, has come. He met quite a few people who wanted to know more – and it never dampened his spirit if anyone would not not show an interest.
It was his practice to acquire copies of the English translation of the Holy Qur’an in large numbers and distribute them to acquaintances. The same he did for other books: Saving the Saviour, Welcome to Ahmadiyyat: The True Islam and until a few days before his death he was most zealously sending parcels the World over of the latest book: “Holy Prophet of Islam (saw)”. He had prepared a small leaflet describing how important it was for everyone to acquire and spread this book. High-lighting the fact that His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Mesih V (aba) had written the foreword of the book.
Humility
Whatever he was able to accomplish, he thanked Allah Ta’Ala for it and never took credit for anything. He dressed neat and clean but very modest and simple. He disliked pomp and formality. He believed in complying with the demands of Tehrik-e-Jadid, to adopt a simple life style in order to save for the service of Islam. Except for necessities he did not like to spend on himself but where Jamaat services were concerned he would have no hesitation in spending.
This humble servant of Islam and Ahmadiyyat devoted every moment of his life trying to win over the Pleasure of Allah the Almighty, by being an obedient servant of the Holy Prophet (saw) and the Promised Messiah (as). Sanori Sahib instructed that Huzur’s permission be sought for his burial in a plot assigned for Moosis in U.S.A. He left this transient World to return to His Beloved Master on 23rd of September 2010. His Funeral Prayers were offered after Friday Prayers in Atlanta. The Burial took place at “Maqbaratus Salam Moosian” section in Maryland, on September 25, 2010. Inna lillahe wa inna alaihe rajeoon.
Funeral Prayers led by Hazrat Khalifatul Mesih V (aba)
In his Friday sermon on November 12, 2010 at Masjid Bait-ul-Futuh London U.K., His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Mesih V (aba) very kindly mentioned Sanori Sahib. Huzur (aba) said: “Masood Ahmad Khurshid Sanori Sahib served the Jamaat in various capacities, especially he served prominently in Karachi Jamaat and later in U.S.A as well. His daughters and their children are also serving the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty elevate his Status in the hereafter” (Ameen). Then very kindly Huzur (aba) led the Funeral Prayers in absentia, after the Jumaa Prayers (Al-Fazl International 3rd Dec. 2010). anori Sahib always carried in his pocket some leaflets about Islam and Ahmadiyyat. He would hand out leaflets wherever he found a person receptive, whether in the shopping mall, a taxi, a hospital, the park – indeed, wherever the opportunity arose. He would start the conversation by introducing himself, saying I am a Muslim and then built up the discussion. He wouldn’t beat about the bush and would come outright say that Messiah Jesus Christ died in Kashmir after accomplishing his mission, and the Messiah for this age as Promised, has come. He met quite a few people who wanted to know more – and it never dampened his spirit if anyone would not show an interest.
By Hamida Sanori Farooqi