Kazi Saad-ud-Din Khan facts for kids

Saad-ud-Din Khan (born around 1848 – died after 1914) was an important politician in Afghanistan. He served under two rulers, Abdur Rahman Khan and Habibullah Khan. For a time, he was even Habibullah Khan's father-in-law!

Saad-ud-Din was the Governor of Herat for 18 years, from 1887 to 1904. Later, in 1914, he became the Chief Justice of Afghanistan. He was given a special title, "Khan e Ulum", which means "Master of Knowledge".

Early Life and First Jobs

Saad-ud-Din was part of the Barakzai dynasty, a powerful family in Afghanistan. He was born around 1848. His father, Khan-i-Mulla, was the Chief Kazi (a type of judge) of Afghanistan.

Saad-ud-Din followed in his father's footsteps and became a Kazi in Kandahar during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. He kept this job for a while after the war. Later, he was called back to Kabul.

Working with the Afghan Boundary Commission

In September 1884, Saad-ud-Din took on a new role. He became the Afghan representative for the Afghan Boundary Commission (1884–1886). This commission was set up to mark the borders of Afghanistan.

During this time, British officers noted that Saad-ud-Din was very dedicated to his country and to the Amir (the ruler) Abdul Rahman. Captain Pelham James Maitland described him as someone who wanted the best for Afghanistan and its ruler. Another officer, Captain Yate, wrote in 1886 that Saad-ud-Din worked hard to protect Afghanistan's interests. He was very cautious about the British government's actions, always making sure they benefited Afghanistan.

Governor of Herat Province

After the Boundary Commission finished its work near Herat Province, Saad-ud-Din returned to Kabul in October 1886. Soon after, the current Governor of Herat, Nazir Muhammad Sarwar Khan, was removed from his position.

In 1887, Saad-ud-Din became the new Governor of Herat. He held this important job for a long time, until 1904. People said he was very knowledgeable, especially in religious studies.

In 1903–1904, he was very careful about the movements of a British official named Henry Dobbs near the Herat border. He even raised concerns about the British possibly disrespecting a graveyard.

Saad-ud-Din's daughter was married to Amir Habibullah. However, their marriage ended in 1903. After this, his influence with the Amir began to lessen. In December 1904, he was replaced as governor and called back to Kabul.

Later Career and Family

In May 1905, Saad-ud-Din was appointed Khan-i-Mulla and Kazi of Kabul. He also became a member of the Majlis-iShura, which was a council. He continued to be a Kazi in Kabul in 1908 and was becoming well-liked. In 1914, he was appointed Chief Justice, known as Qazi-ul-Quzat.

Saad-ud-Din had eleven sons. One of them, Abdul Shakur Khan, became Qazi-ul-Quzat after his father. Another son, Abdul Karim Khan, held several governorships.

Saad-ud-Din was the head of the Ulumi family and the Karirn branch of the Ulumis.