ABM Salahuddin Ahmed

 July 1,  New York (UNA): The cover of the remarkable book 'Pursuit of Divine Insight' by distinguished researcher and engineer Ahmed H. Khan was unveiled at a simple ceremony held at the Thikana residence in Jackson Heights, New York, recently, in the presence of prominent community members.  This exceptional book succinctly yet profoundly presents various themes from the Holy Quran. One of its special attractions is its visually stunning calligraphy, which is sure to captivate readers.  The core message of the book is: "The Divine whispers to those who seek with an open mind." According to the author, the pursuit of truth is not possible through narrow thinking, arrogance, or preconceived notions. Instead, it requires humility, patience, self-criticism, and the courage to think freely.  Speaking about the book, the speakers noted that it will encourage readers to reflect on the creation of Allah, the message of Islam brought by the Prophets (peace be upon them), spiritual practice, free thinking, and the deeper meanings of divine knowledge. Additionally, the book will help one shape oneself into a truly humane individual.  The event was organized by the South Asian Writers and Journalists Forum on Sunday afternoon, June 28. The chief guest was Imam Shamsi Ali, Director of the Jamaica Muslim Center and a renowned Islamic thinker. The welcome speech was delivered by the author, researcher Ahmed H. Khan.  The lively session was moderated by Dr. Abu Mahmudul Hasan, Senior Director at Siemens Digital Industries Software and an engineer. The keynote speaker was Professor Dr. Nasim Uddin, Director of the Graduate Program at the University of Alabama and President of the Birmingham Islamic Society.  Participants in the discussion on the book included writer and columnist Mahmud Reza Chowdhury, Commodore (Retd.) Engineer Syed Kalim Ullah of the Bangladesh Navy, and Sami Ur Rabb, Executive Director of the Al-Mamur School Board of Trustees.  Additionally, goodwill speeches were delivered by M.M. Shahin, President of the Editorial Board of the weekly Thikana and former Member of Parliament, and prominent industrialist and social worker Syed Zaki Hossain. Finally, a vote of thanks was given by Akbar Haider Kiran on behalf of the organizing forum. At the start of the event, Ahmed H. Khan presented the key themes of his book through a slideshow. He stated that spiritual realization is not an instantaneous occurrence; it is the fruit of prolonged self-exploration—a matter of knowledge and practice. Just as success teaches us, failure, pain, loneliness, and struggle can also lead one to profound understanding. However, acquiring that lesson requires an inquisitive mind and a sensitive heart. According to him, every experience in life carries a message.  The author further said that when a person views their experiences not merely as events of joy and sorrow but as sources of learning and insight, spiritual maturity develops within them. This maturity guides them toward truth, justice, love, and humanity. The attraction to truth is natural within every human being, but realizing it requires keeping the mind open. The path to self-purification begins with acknowledging one's own faults, weaknesses, and limitations. When one can free themselves from arrogance and narrow-mindedness, new doors of perception open before them.  A special feature of the book is that it does not present Islamic knowledge merely as information; rather, it strives to make it feelable, contemplative, and heart-touching. Combining the deep teachings of the Quran, the wisdom of authentic hadiths, the beauty of Islamic art, captivating calligraphy, and contemporary relevance, the book takes readers on a unique journey. Here, knowledge does not remain confined to the intellect; it touches the heart, expands one's vision, and teaches one to ponder life's purpose. Such presentation is especially significant for the younger generation, who are growing up in an age of images, designs, visuality, and rapid communication. To convey the truth to them, the language of truth must remain unchanged, but its presentation must be vibrant, beautiful, and relevant. This book has recognized and fulfilled that need.  The speakers also observed that in today's rapidly changing modern world, people are increasingly dependent on technology and running after external success. Yet amidst this frenzy, they often drift away from their inner selves, identity, and moral sense. In such a reality, 'Pursuit of Divine Insight' will inspire readers to think, look within, and explore the deeper meaning of life—and help them build themselves as true human beings.  During the discussion, the speakers noted that the book does not confine the concept of spirituality within the boundaries of any particular religion, race, or culture. Rather, it presents spirituality as a universal human experience. The author has highlighted compassion, honesty, humility, justice, forgiveness, and genuine love for others as essential practices on the path to divine truth. The book also includes thoughtful discussions on the busyness of modern life, over-reliance on technology, and the impact of social media. The author believes that although people today are more connected than ever before, they are often disconnected from their inner world. External noise, competition, and the desire for recognition drown out the silent voice of the soul. Yet truth often reveals itself not through loud proclamation, but through silence and deep contemplation.  Guests at the event remarked that in the current context of mental stress, anxiety, social division, and self-centered living, books like this carry special significance. Spiritual reflection and self-exploration can play a vital role in building self-confidence, tolerance, a positive outlook, and human values.  Ahmed H. Khan informed that this book is the culmination of his long-term research. Around $4,000 was spent solely on its calligraphy. The glossy hardcover edition is priced at US $60. All versions of the book will soon be available on Amazon.com.  Also present at the event were: Professor Dr. Mohsin Patwari, Chairman of the Al-Mamur School Board of Trustees; Jabed Khosru, Executive Editor of the weekly Thikana; ABM Salahuddin Ahmed, Editor of the weekly Hokkotha and Ajker Telegram; Emdad Dipu, Editor of Amar Sylhet.com; Dr. Rafiqun Islam, writer; Emad Chowdhury, community activist; Amjad Hossain, President of the Engineers Association; prominent politician Shahin Azmal; Zainal Abedin, President of the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group (BAG); Dr. Syed Al-Amin Russell; Mosharrof Hossain, CEO of the Literary Academy; writer and journalist Monija Rahman; poet Roushan Hasan; writer M. Aminul Haque Chunnu; community activists Anisul Kabir Jasir, Jahangir Hossain, Enayet Hossain Jalal, and Afzur Rahman Chowdhury, among others.

Author's Biography: Ahmed H. Khan is a seeker of Islamic knowledge, researcher, and writer. He has played a significant role in establishing multiple Islamic educational and Da'wah-oriented institutions in various countries around the world. He is the author of the first Swedish-Bengali dictionary published in Sweden. Recently, he retired from his engineering profession and now devotes more time to Islamic education, research, and writing. He earned his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a master's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. He hails from Kulaura Upazila in Moulvibazar District, Bangladesh. Throughout his long career, he has held important positions in engineering management and high-tech software industries at Ericsson Inc., T-Mobile, Verizon, Washington Mutual, and Apple. Alongside his professional life, he is the founder of the US-based non-profit organization anti-islamite.com. This organization, currently in its formative stage, aims to provide legal, social, and humanitarian assistance to Muslims who are victims of Islamophobia and discrimination in the United States.