Interview with Blogger Abdur Rahman

By The Pakistani Spectator • May 1st, 2008 • Category: Interviews • (410 views) • One Response

Abdur Rahman is a thirty-something English Muslim from London but now living in the valleys of South Wales, where he lives with his wife and three children. He works in a local university, is the Muslim advisor at another local university and has been an open convert to Islam for the past 10 years. He is an active blogger and amateur poet. He blogs at
http://thecorner.wordpress.com/

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

The aim of my blog is simply to share those things that I find to be sacred and inspiring with the wider world. Specifically, my aim is to share the deep insights of the Islamic tradition, with a particular focus on the Sufi tradition. That is, my interest is in sharing the peace, mercy, love and tranquility of Islam with others. I also offer my own thoughts on and reactions to this tradition. I post my poetry there too.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

Most definitely. I have grown in all sorts of ways since I started blogging. I feel that my ability to express myself has improved. Moreover, writing is a two-way process - it is a conversation with the wider world and I have benefitted immensely from others. Writing is important insofar as it is a means of communicating with the world, and of learning from it.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

My most memorable experiences? Well, these would have to be the responses of others. I have learnt so much from others since I started blogging.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

I try to blog as regularly as I can. I also try to read as many blogs as time allows.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Technology is only as good as the purpose it serves. If technology is used to open dialogue, to produce conversations, to effect positive change then it is good. If it does not do these kinds of things, then it serves no useful purpose. Blogging and other related technologies have opened up dialogue to a much wider audience. One has only to see the impact blogs have had on traditional media forms to see this.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Possibly. At least they have the real potential to do so. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of the world is as yet unable to join in with this new technology. Just think how many scientific advances and insights are waiting to be discovered amongst those who do not have internet access.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Each site is unique, as it is a reflection of an individual. My own site is merely one amongst many. I don’t consider myself an expert in any sense whatsoever. I merely want to engage with others and to learn from them.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Striving to always be content. That is, realising my own shortcomings and striving to accept them honestly.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

This is a tough question! The happiest would have to be the day I was married, and the days my three children were born. As for gloomiest, well…everyone has had their own share of darkness. I have certainly had mine, but I think I will leave them in the past.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?

I am unable to answer this question. I have never used Twitter. In general, politicians must engage with the people they claim to represent. Otherwise, they are merely engaging in fraud.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

1. Mecca for Hajj (labbayk Allahumma labbayk)
2. The tomb of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (God sanctify his secret) at Konya in Turkey.
3. The burial places of the Sufi saints/masters of Pakistan and India (may God’s mercy be upon them all)

What is your favorite book and why?

The Quran because it gives me my orientation. Beyond that, well…there are so many how can I choose one?

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Their mood/manner. In other words, the way a person interacts with those around them.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

Off-hand I can’t remember. Sometimes my wife tells me not to write so much!

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

By advertising I suppose. My blog does not have a financial/money making purpose and so I have never done anything like this.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

I don’t know that my blog is necessarily successful (how does one define ’success’)? At any rate, most of my own posts are actually written on the train to work by hand.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?

As my own blog is not corporate, I have no idea.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Blogging is merely a means to an end. That end is conversation/dialogue. The more people talk to each other, the more they will see just how similar we all are. That is, we all want the best for our children, to better ourselves and those around us. Blogging definitely has a role to play.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

My blogroll is very long (I even have a separate page), so choosing 5 would be difficult.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

People pick up on all sorts of things, for all sorts of reasons. The most popular post at my own blog is one that doesn’t really contain any text! It’s one that has You Tube videos of some Owais Qadri Naats. http://thecorner.wordpress.com/2007/03/26/naats-galore-by-owais-qadri/

I’m not sure what that says about my own writing!

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

My wife is Pakistani and so I have developed a love for Pakistan and its people. In some ways, the Pakistani community of Britain is a second home for me!

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Yes, often. I am stunned into silence by the insights of others and what I can learn from them.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

Access to educational opportunities and political stability.

What is the future of blogging?

Insha Allah, a great one - if it is used for the betterment of all, without regard to gender, colour, race, creed, and so on…

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

I have met many interesting people through my blog.

What are your future plans?

To learn more about Allah, life and the path towards wholeness. And also to raise my children with my wife, all of whom I love deeply. But all of these plans move as Allah wills.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

May the blessings of Allah fall upon you all.