Hamidullah Hamidi, a long-time Qatar resident, has published his third book titled ‘The Leader’ which has been printed and published by renowned publisher Book Home, Mozang Road, Lahore.
The 416-page book is a noble biography of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Some quotes and five pages describing the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are in English while the remaining book is in Urdu.
“I have narrated and explained the glorious aspects, character, qualities and practical wisdom of the amazing life and essential activities, attributes, and characteristics of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as a minaret of guidance, bearer of glad tidings, and as glorious and great leader,” remarked Hamidi.
His first book on spiritual and psychological subjects was Sakoon Dil and the second book was Sozay Dil (book of short stories in Urdu language). The preface of the book was written by Dr Wahidul Rehman Khan of Urdu University of Education, Lahore. Most of stories were printed in publications like Yaran-e-Watan, Akhbar-e-Jahan, Safeena, Nawa-i-Waqat and the magazine of Islamia College Sialkot.
Hamidi is among those educated Pakistani expatriates who arrived in Qatar in early 70’s in search of a better future. Besides earning livelihood, he pursued his literary and artistic passions and set an example for those who believed in acquiring knowledge throughout their life.
Hamidi, who hails from Kotli Loharan, West Sialkot, graduated from Jinnah Islamia College, Sialkot in 1974. Sir Asghar Sodaee was his economics teacher.
“My literary passion started by writing humourous articles and letters to the editor on social and political issues in renowned Pakistani Urdu newspapers. My first article titled ‘Mazdoor’ was published in College magazine and was selected as the best article,” said Hamidi in an interview with Qatar Tribune as he shared his life experiences while discussing his hobbies and interests.
After arriving in Qatar, he started his career with National Car Company and then joined Messrs Bernard Sunley, the main contractor of Hamad General Hospital. Later, he joined SED, now Kahramaa, and after serving for 30 years he retired in 2010.
“I have two daughters and a son, and they are married. During my job with Kahramaa, I was awarded six certificates of appreciation, achievements, Shukran and a special appreciation certificate for developing a procedure for warehousing. I also got a certificate of Best Employee of the Year in 2007 and cash prize from Kahramaa authorities,” said Hamidi.
After his retirement, Hamidi realised that he had already wasted lot of time. Amon Goeth once said, “I have wasted time and now time has wasted me.” Hamidi planned to utilise his time to achieve his objectives and fulfill his dreams of writing new books and to do memorable deeds.
“Mostly, I pass time in reading, writing, painting calligraphy and focusing on spiritual world to purify my heart and to achieve peace of mind,” noted Hamidi.
During high school and college life he was very active in social activities and writing. He was in-charge of library, captain of a cricket club, manager of a social welfare society, editor of a semi literary magazine named Jaiza -- the first paper published in Kotli Loharan West.
He secured certificate of Islamic Studies in 2006 from Qatar’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and got a diploma of water painting and Arabic calligraphy from Arts and Crafts (Fanoon) Society of Qatar in 2006. He also got a diploma in stock inventory, planning, warehousing, materials quality management and internal auditing. He was a member of Doha Toast Masters Club in 2009, and in 2007, he was interviewed by Qatar Radio Urdu Service.
He is interested in reading Islamic and history books, Seerat Nabi, Urdu literature, science and psychology. His hobbies are writing, painting, calligraphy, photography and diary writing. He has a personal library in Pakistan and some collection of Urdu and English books are also stocked here in Qatar. He is fond of writing letters to newspaper editors on different social issues and won a prize for highlighting the issue of higher education of children of expatriates. He is planning to compose old memories from his diaries.
