An interview with Master Ayub – A tribute to Pakistan’s 75th birthday!

Most of you are probably familiar with Master Ayub – Wikipedia who runs an open air school in F-6, Islamabad. Starting with one child he found on the streets who was handicapped, Master Ayub began his small project with a few students and soon he was teaching more than 2o children.

How it all Started

His first student was selling some things during the day and he found him crying in the evenings. When Master Ayub asked him the reason for his crying, the boy replied that I don’t want to earn money by begging but I need a lot of money to support family and to study. So Master Ayub bought him a cycle and told him to sell newspaper. He also encouraged him to come in the evening to study with Master Ayub. It’s been 39 years and Master Ayub has been helping children on the streets since then!

He told me numerous stories of helpless parents, children getting into criminal acts such as theft. He has been a firefighter by profession and has received a Pride of Performance Award by the government of Pakistan.

Master Ayub’s Personality

You can probably find a lot of information and some videos online about Master Ayub. What I found most touching about his stories was his humility. While I was interviewing him, so many people came to him for spiritual help for different ailments such eye pain, toothache etc.

He gave me so much respect and attention and did not ask for anything in return. But I must say that if you can provide any help i.e. in the form of services, providing books, notebooks, stationary, please consider giving charity here.

Master Ayub had tears in his eyes when he told me that he did not have children of his own! His wife lives in the village doing the same charitable work that he is providing in Islamabad.

His Struggles

It was sad to know that people have bothered him a lot as well; accusing him of making a lot of money. He was hard working since childhood. At a young age his mother died and later his father passed away. His father advised him to look after the young siblings and so Master Ayub made sure his younger brothers and sisters studied well and got them married off. Hence, he was always a compassionate person!

When he moved to Islamabad from his village, he struggled finding a job. As a firefighter he loved rescuing people. He believes, ‘everyday we should help people and Allah will help us’.

He is highly inspired by Prophet Muhammad (P.b.u.h) and his love for imparting education. He encourages everyone to share knowledge in whatever capacity possible. His words reminded me of this quote of our beloved Prophet (P.b.u.h):

“The best of charity is when a Muslim man gains knowledge, then he teaches it to his brothers (others).”

Volunteering Opportunities

There are many students who work with Master Ayub voluntarily for a stated period of time before joining university. So anyone from Islamabad in or near F-6, this is a great opportunity for you! If you are going for higher studies or simply want to do something good, you must visit this place.

We buy our children so many toys, devices, take them out for food etc, and still they are so thankless. Keeping the spirit of 14th August alive, take your children to Master Ayub’s little place (It is open from Monday to Saturday between 4 pm and 7 pm and closed on Sundays and whenever it rains). Encourage them to take a look at this school; bring some stationary gifts for the children. And I urge schools to bring students here for some voluntary work. This will definitely benefit them in terms of personality development, empathy and character building.

‘Let’s educate Pakistan together!’

Stay tuned for a video on our youtube channel about Master Ayub’s amazing work.