Syed Nabiullah

Syed Nabiullah (سيد نبي الله) was a prominent Barrister of Lucknow, India, and one of the eminent leaders of All India Muslim League.

Syed Nabiullah was born in Kara/Manikpur village in the District of Allahabad in 1860. He was one of the first few students who passed BA from Mohmmedan Anglo-Oriental College, established by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Later at the behest of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, he and his brother Syed Habibullah went to England to study law.In England he became a Barrister-At-Law at Lincoln's Inn.

Nabiullah had a tall gaunt and imposing structure. He didn't have his left eye and had set a stone modelled eye. Nabiullah was the toast of Allahabad and his hometown: Kara. He was a man of discipline and strictly adhered to his routine with punctuality.

In 1885 Nabiullah returned to India from England and established his law practice in Lucknow. In Lucknow he also became active in local and national politics. He was one of the founding members of All India Muslim League, as well as one of its prominent leaders. He was one of the 35 delegates, of the deputation who went to Simla on 1 October 1906 to meet Lord Minto. He was a distinguished member of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference at Dhaka, Dec 1906, in which formation of the All Indian Muslim League was resolved, and at the same time he became a member of this newly founded party.

Syed Nabiullah served as President of All India Muslim league for two years, and presided over its Nagpur session in 1910.He remained actively involved with the All India Muslim League till his death. He was held in very high esteem by other leaders of All India Muslim League because of his balanced views, talent and selflessness.He died in 1925 aged 65 years.

He served as the chairman of the Lucknow Municipal Board from 1916 to 1923.A road in Lucknow is named Nabiullah Road after him.

His brother Syed Habiullah was also a well known lawyer of Lucknow. He was also related to Syed Zahur Ahmad of Lucknow to whom his sister Fatima Bibi was married. Syed Nabiullah had a son Syed Waliullah and two daughters: Jannati Bibi and Ahmadi Bibi. Syed Waliullah was his only surviving son and Jannati Bibi was his only surviving daughter.