Today we talk about Life of a Sufi (in search of devine), a book by Saira Ahmed published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Saira Ahmed, to get to know her better, the crucial themes of her novel Life of a Sufi (in search of devine), as well as what she would like to communicate to his readers with her book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What are the crucial themes of this novel?
Life of a Sufi (in search of divine) is a novel that is based on personal search of divine and revolves around different characters in the book. This is Part 1 of the Life of a Sufi series, which will continue in future editions with new stories and characters. This novel is an attempt based on real-life events and characters who depict hope and demonstrate that there is no certainty in life. The beauty of life is that it is full of surprises and uncertainties, which can only be appreciated with faith in one’s heart! The crucial themes include the struggles of a Lebanese family, a young sister struggles in life and how she managed a family at a young age. The spiritual section starts when the main lead character reaches Istanbul and started indulging the true teachings of Sufism and understood his main purpose in life. It reflects teachings of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and Shams Tabriz.
- What do you want to communicate to readers with this work?
The main purpose of writing this novel is to bring peace and hope to the society and to share a message of positivity to all. Sufism is a way of a life, and it is not targeted to any specific religious sect or any nationality. It is an evolving process which one can achieve through serving the humanity and having faith in one’s heart for Almighty. It is belief for one divine source who can change fate of anyone on this planet. It doesn’t undermine the fact that all of us face tests and trails in this world either through health, relationships, money or careers but these are just tests, and we face them to become stronger, resilient and a better person. Sufi expression is also manifested in written form, with biographical accounts of saints and mystics, poetry, and bodies of instructional and descriptive literature to help guide and coach readers in reaching their ascetic objectives. One of the most famous Sufi poets is the popular 13th century Persian Islamic scholar, theologian, and mystic, Jalal al-Din Rumi, whose work continues to be translated and sold extensively within and beyond the Muslim world and his poetry is also the main attraction of the book.
- How would you define your writing style?
As a debut author this is my first time to write a fiction novel and as I said earlier it encompasses different audiences. My writing style is creative and persuasive. As the readers will read the novel, they will find different geographic locations, different characters with diverse nationalities and origins and teachings of Rumi. I tried to write in an engaging manner so audience will find the novel interesting and my message will also be conveyed swiftly.
- How did it feel to see your book published?
Writing a book is a dream come true. It has been an emotional process, when I started writing my thoughts during a family vacation near a beautiful seaside in El Gouna, Egypt. I had finished writing two chapters when I saw Europe Books submission deadline, accordingly I submitted my manuscript which I completed in a week’s time and after few weeks I totally forgot about it. When I received the offer from Europe books to be an emerging author it was an overwhelming and exciting news for me. It is very interesting to share that I usually write whenever I am travelling as it gives me such insightful ideas and I am generally an observant person, my thirst and curiosity for knowledge and nature has always been there. I observe people, surroundings nature and feelings. My happiness could not be measured when I finally saw my book on Europe books website, amazon and then when I received the copies my eyes were filled with tears of gratitude for God who made me what I am today. Now I know my message will be heard worldwide through my words and will remain even, when I leave this earth If even one person’s life is changed as a result, that will be one of my greatest accomplishments.
- Are you already working on a new project?
Yes, Life of a Sufi (in search of divine) is a series of Sufi stories and I have already started working on the second edition. This time with new places to discover and some new characters, however the link from previous characters will remain. Cannot take away the suspense from audience for now😊 In the end, just want to say Thank you to everyone!
Europe Books thanks the author, Saira Ahmed, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Life of a Sufi (in search of devine). We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this novel bring you messages of peace, hope and positivity and at the same time will allow you to learn more about Sufism as a way of life that is not aimed at any specific religious sect or nationality.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!