Are Shah Bano and Mohd. Ahmed Khan’s 5 Children Still Alive?

The story of Shah Bano Begum and her legal battle for alimony has captivated many in India. Her case against Mohammed Ahmed Khan in 1985 became a pivotal point in discussions around personal law and secular law in the country.

Shah Bano and Mohammed Ahmed Khan’s Children

Shah Bano Begum and Mohammed Ahmed Khan have five children: three sons and two daughters. Here’s a brief overview of their lives.

• Hamid Ahmed Khan: Born in 1933, he was the eldest son and worked as a technical assistant in a textile mill.
• Saeed Ahmed Khan: The second son, born in 1940, held a managerial position at a transport company. His current status remains unknown.
• Jamil Ahmed Khan: The youngest son, born in 1945, served as a branch manager at the Citizen Urban Cooperative Bank. He has been a key supporter of his mother throughout her challenges.
• Siddiqua Begum Khan: The eldest daughter is Shah Bano’s only legal heir as of January 2026. In 2025, she contested the film “Haq,” citing inaccuracies that recalled family trauma.
• Fatima: The details surrounding Fatima are sparse. She last made headlines during the original trial and her current situation is unknown.

Hamid Khan, the eldest brother, has passed away. Jamil remains alive but faces financial difficulties and avoids public attention. The family’s low-profile existence has changed as they recently addressed the film “Haq.”

The Landmark Shah Bano Case

The case of Shah Bano divided public opinion in India and highlighted the complexities of Muslim personal law. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor, allowing divorced women to seek maintenance under secular law.

This decision led to significant backlash, prompting the Congress government to enact the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986. This legislation limited a husband’s financial obligations to the period of iddat—90 days after divorce.

Following the enactment of this law, Shah Bano’s husband discontinued her previously promised monthly maintenance allowance of Rs. 179. After years of struggle, the Supreme Court revisited the 1986 law in 2001, reaffirming Shah Bano’s original right to maintenance. Unfortunately, she had passed away in 1992 and was unaware of this eventual legal victory.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Shah Bano

The ongoing dialogue about the Shah Bano case illustrates its lasting impact on Indian society. Her children continue to advocate for her legacy, reflecting the importance of their mother’s fight for justice.

What are your thoughts on Shah Bano’s children honoring their mother years after her death? Share your insights with us at El-Balad.