Zohra Ansari: The Fearless Freedom Fighter for India's Unity

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 11 August 2025 Zohra Ansari, a dedicated freedom fighter, born in 1915 in Delhi, taught Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi, who called her "daughter" and "Ustad Bi." Raised in a freedom-fighting family, she sold her grand home, Dar-us-Salam, to fund Congress against the Muslim League, supporting India's unity. She died in 1988 in England. Main Points: · Zohra Ansari, born 1915, was a dedicated Indian freedom fighter. · Taught Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi, who called her "daughter" and "Ustad Bi." · Raised in a freedom-fighting family, lived in Dar-us-Salam. · Sold her home to fund Congress against Muslim League in 1946. · Died in 1988 in England, committed to India's unity. ----- Some sacrificed their lives for India's independence, some spent half their lives in jail, some suffered torture at the hands of the British, some sold everything they had for India's independence. One such name is "Zohra Ansari" whom Mahatma Gandhi used to address as "daughter" or "Ustad Bi" (possibly Ustad Bi). Zohra Ansari was a freedom fighter and a person who taught Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi and sold her house and sacrificed it in the name of India's unity. Zohra Ansari was born in 1915 in Delhi. Her father's name was Mohammad Asghar Ansari and mother's name was Ayesha Bibi but she was raised by her uncle Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari and aunt Shamsunnisa Ansari who were famous freedom fighters. Being from a family of freedom fighters also had a deep impact on Zohra Ansari. Zohra Ansari's house, Dar-us-Salam, was as magnificent as a palace, which was the center of movement of freedom fighters, activists, scholars and leaders. In her palace-like house, there was often a gathering of freedom lovers. Often, sitting in her house, the outline of future strategies and programs was made. Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Nehru, and the Ali brothers used to visit their house frequently. When Zohra Ansari's mother Shamsunnisa Ansari was busy with responsibilities, Zohra Ansari used to help her. She also got the opportunity to meet and serve great leaders and freedom fighters. Zohra Ansari has been very intelligent since childhood. She had a special interest in literature. She had mastered Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Hindi. She was also very eager for the independence of her country India. She was always eager to participate in every movement started by Mahatma Gandhi. Zohra Ansari was married to Shaukatullah Shah Ansari, who was a prominent figure in the national movement. Zohra Ansari's entire family was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and they used to participate in the movement by following the path and ideals shown by Mahatma Gandhi. Zohra Ansari also spent a long time as a worker at Mahatma Gandhi's Wardha Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi was highly impressed by her proficiency in Urdu and requested Zohra Ansari to teach him Urdu. It was because of teaching Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi that Mahatma Gandhi used to address her as "Vastad Be" (possibly Ustad Bi) and “Beti”। In a letter written on 22 December 1932, Mahatma Gandhi wrote that he was waiting for a letter from Zohra Ansari. Zohra Ansari's parents often went to jail for participating in movements, which was a matter of pride for any freedom fighter. Zohra Ansari also wanted to get arrested while participating in movements like her parents. When Gandhiji came to know about her strong desire to go to jail, he wrote a letter to her and explained to her, advised her to be patient and promised that he would certainly be given a chance. In a letter, Mahatma Gandhi addressed Zohra Ansari as his "daughter" and wrote, "Beti Zohra, when Abba Jaan came, did you forget me? I wait for you every day, please tell me about Abba Jaan's condition, please pray for me to be successful in the sacrifice I have been ordered to make by God. Greetings to Abba Jaan and Amma Jaan,prayers from Bapu". Her father died in 1936 and her mother died in 1938. After the death of her parents, Zohra Ansari and her husband continued to participate in movements and strive for independence. When the activities for India's independence intensified and the time of independence started coming closer, a new challenge started emerging before India. The Muslim League was one of those forces who wanted the partition of India. In 1946, when elections were to be fought between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress, the Congress needed funds to bear the election expenses. Zohra Ansari sold her house Dar-us-Salam to raise the money. Because Zohra Ansari was a staunch opponent of the divisive activities of the Muslim League, Zohra Ansari did not want the people with the two-nation mentality of the Muslim League to win, so by selling her house, she supported the Congress candidate and in favour of the unity of India. On 28 July 1988, Zohra Ansari, this great Muslim woman, who sacrificed her life for the unity and integrity of India, died in England. ---- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession, focusing on writings about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/zohra-ansari-freedom-fighter-unity/d/136457 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism