ACKNOWLEDGING THE ROLE OF PROF FARIDA KHANAM

One of the significant aspects of Farida Khanam’s role in my life revolves around our daily discussions on scientific and religious subjects. These discussions are not mere casual conversations; rather, they form an integral part of our intellectual evolution. I am grateful for God’s grace that I have never experienced intellectual stagnation, as the process of my intellectual development continues to unfold. Undoubtedly, one of the sources fuelling this ongoing growth is the scholarly exchange I engage in with Farida Khanam on a daily basis. For this reason, I often refer to Farida Khanam as my intellectual assistant. An example highlighting our intellectual collaboration can be found in the book, Woman: Architect of Humanity. Towards the end of the book, I added a short essay in the section titled “Dedication.” In this article, I emphasized the sacrificial role played by Hajar, mother of Prophet Ishmael in ancient times, which marked the beginning of a new era in human history. I further expressed the need for a woman to step forward and assume a similar role in contemporary times. After completing the article, I shared it with Farida Khanam, as is our usual practice. Upon reading it, Farida Khanam expressed her opinion that focusing solely on one woman for ushering in the second era was not appropriate. She suggested making it more inclusive and relatable, so that every woman could see herself as the intended recipient and understand the role she too must play. Taking her advice into consideration, I revised the text accordingly. In my personal experience, I have found that women are particularly suited for these enriching discussions. With their innate qualities, they possess the ability to excel in such endeavors. Farida Khanam’s long-standing involvement with the Al-Risala Mission was not a simple matter for her. Throughout this journey, she encountered numerous challenges and faced adverse circumstances. However, her dedication to the mission never wavered. In observing Farida Khanam’s experiences, I have discovered a crucial attribute of women: unwavering loyalty. A relationship driven solely by rationality cannot endure for long. I am grateful for God’s grace that I have never experienced intellectual stagnation, as the process of my intellectual development continues to unfold. One source that fuels this growth is the scholarly exchange I engage in with Farida Khanam on a daily basis.