In June 2022, I launched my second novel, ‘The Choice of Uncertainty’ at a gathering of just over a hundred people including my friends, family and supporters. The event started off with welcoming my guest and allowing them to nibble on an amazing array of snacks and canapes. Mojito style and other soft drinks were also available.
The event started with the recitation of Qur’an by 9-year-old Nayeem Uddin, his soothing and well recited verses set the scene for the event ahead. I then went on to introduce myself, I talked about my book writing journey and the books I published during Covid. I had Shafia Begum read a passage from the book I published in collaboration with the Muslimah Sports Association Positive Minds Group, it was a piece by Salma Quaium on her journey of recovery and self-heal.
I talked about my book, ‘A Ramadan Lockdown 2020’ which was written during the Pandemic and captured lessons and hidden blessing as well as the unique Ramadan we all experienced.
‘The Choice of Uncertainty’ was then revealed, I spoke about what inspired me to write this book and how I wanted my readers to feel. Samiha Zaman, who was my very first reader and my proofreader told the audience what she thought of the book and all the emotions she felt whilst reading the book, she then read a couple of pages from my new novel.
There was a question-and-answer session, and I was asked what inspired me to write to where I get the time to write, my audience were keen to understand where my ideas came from and where I was heading with my books.
We then moved onto the second part of the evening, which was focused on the proceeds of my books. As a co-founder of the Al Hajj Abdul Matin Welfare Trust, I have dedicated a large portion of the sales of my books to this charity, where we have helped the poor and needy of Bangladesh with fresh water, food, medicine, shelter, income and marriage.
Mohammed Zaman, the Founder of the Al Hajj Abdul Matin Welfare Trust, lead this section, presenting all the projects we have carried out so far on a PowerPoint presentation and Shorful Islam, a trustee of the charity talked about the future of the charity. Fundraising was led by Shirajul Islam and Suhel Miah and we had some guest speakers accredit us for our efforts and motivation. We had the Mayor of Croydon, The Councilor of Tower Hamlets and the Chair of the Zakigong Welfare Association.
My books were then available to purchase and signed by myself and finally dinner was served.
It was truly a momentous occasion and one which left many inspired. It was a night to remember and one which I had planned and prepared for months and was Alhamdulillah a successful event.
Some pictures from the day.
