Innā lillāhi wa innā ʿilayhi rājiʿūn. Indeed, to Allāh we belong, and to Him we are returning.
It was with great shock that many in the Arab World received the news of the passing of Dr. Ahmed Khaled Tawfiq; a great Egyptian novelist considered the most influential Arab author in this era.[1]
Dr. Ahmed was a medical doctor before deciding to enter the writing scene – his most famous work is the pocket series ‘Mā Warā al-Tabī‘ah’ (What is behind the ordinaries). What attracted audiences, and the younger Arab demographic in particular, was the distinct style of Dr. Ahmed, his mixture of humour and the depiction of harsh realities. The younger generation saw his musings and novels as relatable to their own struggles and endeavours.[2]
“This is my philosophy, I always expect the worst. And every time, my expectations turn out to be far-fetched in light of reality. This fills my life with a series of pleasant surprises.”[3]
The Tanta-born author was suffering from illness and passed away at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt on the evening of 2nd of April 2018.[4] Thousands commemorated Dr. Ahmed across social media, all citing how the author played a role in their lives. Dr. Ahmed, through his unique style of writing, instilled the love of reading books in the hearts of many people.
A stern advocate against oppression Ahmed Khalid Tawfiq was vocal in his support for Muslim struggles across the globe. Among his most heroic stances was his objection and condemnation of the Rabaa square massacre committed by Sisi-led forces.[5]
We pray that Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) grant patience and strength to all his family. May Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) have mercy on him, forgive him and elevate his ranks in Jannah, Amīn.
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Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes
[1] https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/46849/Author-Ahmed-Khaled-Tawfik-passes-away
[2] http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/18/63/294943/Books/BestSeller/Wellknown-Egyptian-author-Ahmed-Khaled-Tawfik-dies.aspx
[3] https://twitter.com/AhmedKTawfiq/status/929725596820738053
[4] https://enterprise.press/stories/2018/04/03/author-ahmed-khaled-tawfik-passes-away-at-55/
[5] https://www.tahrirnews.com/Posts/printing/459347/أحمد-خالد-توفيق+قتلى-رابعة+فض-رابعة
