By Sajjad Hameed
- Professor Abdul Hameed Khan, a brilliant scholar from Pakistan, overcame adversity and discrimination to excel in science and education.
- He authored award-winning textbooks and translated the Quran, but his contributions remain largely unrecognized.
- His life story serves as an inspiration to persevere in the pursuit of knowledge and leave a lasting impact on the world.
A remote village named Mehndipur in Hoshiarpur, India, cradled the life of Professor Abdul Hameed Khan (1909-1971). Orphaned at a young age, adversity became his constant companion. Yet, a burning flame of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge flickered within him, defying the harsh realities of his circumstances.
Professor Khan’s journey was far from ordinary. Growing up as a Muslim student in pre-partition India, he faced challenges at every turn. His professors, harboring discriminatory views, discouraged him from pursuing science, claiming it wasn’t his cup of tea. He was even denied admission to the Rurkee School of Engineering, and his dream of studying civil engineering seemingly shattered.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Professor Khan’s spirit remained indomitable. Financial constraints, logistical hardships, and even the negativity of his teachers only fueled his determination. He found solace in the vast ocean of knowledge, enrolling in Punjab University to pursue his Master’s degree in Physics. His path was paved with struggles, but his unwavering dedication to learning propelled him forward.
Professor Khan emerged from his academic trials as a marvelously versatile scholar. He possessed an exceptional brilliance and a creative mind that blossomed in various domains. His expertise extended beyond the realms of physics, encompassing poetry, music (he was an accomplished harmonium player), and linguistics.
His passion for science education manifested in numerous textbooks he authored. These books, covering topics like properties of matter, heat, light, and mechanics, were awarded the prestigious Adamjee Award for four consecutive years. Countless students across Pakistan, during the 1950s and 60s, found themselves immersed in the clear and concise explanations offered by his textbooks.
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Professor Khan’s intellectual pursuits extended beyond the confines of his scientific endeavors. He embarked on a monumental personal project – translating the Holy Quran into Urdu. This translation, a testament to his deep faith and his mastery of both language and scripture, was published posthumously by his family for free distribution, ensuring his dedication to enlightening others remained unfaded even after his passing.
Professor Khan’s life was a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He was a man of simple tastes, who found joy in the pursuit of knowledge, unmindful of material comforts or societal accolades. He personified the image of a scholar, often found lost in a world of books and papers, clad in his signature attire – a white shirt, khaki pants, sola hat, and loose Peshawar chappals. Even during leisure walks, his mind would be actively scribbling formulas and notes on any scrap of paper he could find, a constant reminder of his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Professor Khan’s story, however, is tinged with a touch of sadness. Despite his immense contributions to science education and his dedication to sharing knowledge, he passed away unheralded and unsung. His name, which should have been etched in the annals of history, faded into relative obscurity.
His legacy, however, lives on. His devoted daughter, embodying his unwavering spirit, tirelessly worked to publish his Quranic translation, venturing into the labyrinthine alleys of Urdu Bazar for months on end. Six editions have been printed to date, ensuring his legacy continues to touch the lives of countless individuals.
Professor Abdul Hameed Khan’s life stands as a beacon of inspiration. It reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge, like a star, can illuminate the path even in the darkest of times. His story, though largely forgotten, deserves to be remembered and celebrated, serving as an inspiration for generations to come. It is a call to acknowledge the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to enriching the world with their knowledge and wisdom, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact and inspire long after their passing.