Family's main income earner throughout the majority of the novel, Quiet, hard-working who “Keeps his head down night and day”, doesn't form friendships easily. Accused of Fatima's suicide and is imprisoned and beaten, but refuses to give a false confession. Whilst in a juvenile detention center, Abdul has a spiritual awakening through his teacher, The Master, and Abdul decides to devote his life living honestly and by virtue. When he is released from prison pending trial, he returns to work, no longer stealing or cheating. He begins to lose hope in Annawadi and a better life towards the end off the novel however his family brings him back.