By the time I reached the age of discretion, Hazrat Choudhry Sahib was very well-known as a great man and a wise leader throughout the world. I had the pleasure of listening to his speeches during the Jalsa Salana.
He was extremely eloquent, and his delivery style was unique. He had the uncanny ability to explain even the most complex concepts in an easily comprehensive manner.
This simplicity of his expression made his speeches accessible to everyone. That is how I came to know him initially.
My first direct contact with him that I vividly remember was when my late father (Hazrat Maulana Abu’al Ata) invited some respected members of the Jama’at for dinner to his house “Bait-ul-Ata” (Darul Rahmat Wasti—Rabwah). Choudhry Sahib was one of the guests.
When Choudhry Sahib was about to leave, my father told me to accompany him to his bungalow in Darus Sadr Gharbi. Choudhry Sahib and I set out on foot. Because of his towering personality and my extreme reverence for him, I was hesitant to speak.
However, Hazray Choudhry Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan talked in a relaxed manner about serveral things. I realized that he had a very addectionate, relaxed, calm and simple nature.
At one point, he took hold of my upper arm and realizing how lean it was, he said, “Is that all?” When we finally reached his bungalow, Choudhry Sahib thanked me, and I requested him for his prayers before leaving. This short meeting only lasted 15-20 minutes but left a pleasant and lasting impression on me that I relish even today.