Namal {COMPLETED} (English Translation) By Nimra Ahmed

"Important questions and answers about Naml"

1. The characters in Naml appear to have dual personalities. What is the reason that, unlike your other novels, the characters in this novel seem to change their traits moment by moment?

Ans: This was deliberately written in this way. Over time, I've come to enjoy writing darker characters more. A completely straightforward, pure character leaves no room for growth, while a totally evil character is made so detestable that readers prefer not to relate to them at all. When your purpose is to preach or teach something, you need to add the flaws of ordinary humans to your characters. I receive countless emails and letters where readers, especially young girls, mention their problems. They can't seem to find a solution. So, I wanted to write something that reflects the reality of today's people. Even the good characters are bound to have the same bad habits that the people around you have, or those that are commonly found today. Only when the reader sees these good characters struggling with their bad habits, depression, and past sins, do they learn. Otherwise, when it comes to bad characters, people tend to think, "I'm not like that." From there, catharsis and learning become almost impossible.

2. Which is the most complex character in Namal for you and why?

Ans:Although all the main characters were complex, writing Hashim Kardar was the most challenging. Hashim is my favorite character that I have written in the last ten years. He was both good and bad at the same time, to the point where his bad side would overpower him. With such a character, you can make him do both good and bad things. There was a lot of flexibility in writing him. With good characters, even if you add a few flaws, you can still make them make good decisions, but with Hashim, there was room to take him in any direction. The readers also had empathy for him. His character posed a question for you. To judge him and forming a final opinion about him... I left all of that up to you.

3. If asked impartially, who do you think was the better lawyer: Zumar Yousaf or Hashim Kardar? (As a reader!)

Ans: I think both of them ultimately became equal by the end, and Zumar had slightly surpassed Hashim in the end because her strength...It was based on arguments, while Hashim relied on buying witnesses. Well, I'll admit, Zumar was somewhat better in the end.

4."Hashim vs Zumar", "Hashim vs Faris", "Hashim vs Saadi." Which two do you consider as a real comparison?

Ans: None of them. Hashim was the smartest and most cunning of them all. But he was standing alone, while this entire family united against him. He was defeated when these three came together to challenge him. Hashim vs Zumar, Faris, and Saadi.

5. Which character, in your opinion, was the best strategist, with both covert and overt planning that was unmatched?

Ans: In my opinion, it was Faris. He was always one step ahead of the reader and his plans often carried a surprise element. When Hashim's plans unfolded, the reader wasn't happy; they were often worried. Faris's plans were more effective.

6. Did the wisdom of Saadi and Zumar, and Haneen's journey of healing, serve a purpose in the story?

Ans: Without them, the three characters wouldn't have been able to make the major decisions in the story. Instead of consulting a secondary character, they would embark on their own journey through books and undergo their catharsis. Each chapter's reflection on the Qur'an or the journey of Haneen was tied to several events in that chapter.

7. Where did the inspiration for writing the action come from?

Ans: The inspiration for writing the action came from the tragic stories of Shah Zehbb Khan and Kamran Faisal. It was at one point that I received advice to have Saadi Yusuf killed, but killing him was like killing Shah Zehbb Khan twice. Apart from that, if I were to find inspiration in literature, "The Count of Monte Cristo" always intrigued me with its theme of revenge. However, I didn’t want to follow that storyline exactly. I wanted to take the ending in a slightly different direction.

8. Was Aabdar's death a murder or suicide?

Ans: It was both a murder and a suicide. She wanted Hashim to kill her, but Hashim killed her for his own reasons, not hers.

9. After the conclusion of Namal, should readers expect the next part showing Sonia's character taking revenge?

Ans: No, Alhamdulillah, it is complete. I am preparing for my next novel. I don't want to write a part two. I end the story at this point so that readers understand that the conclusion of the story is not about revenge in life. A person is a great survivor. As long as they are alive, they continue to struggle. At least when you close the book, take a moment to think about what Sonia should do next and what she shouldn't. Your thoughts will guide you, and it will be a test for you to reflect on what you learned from Namal. And I cannot show you that you embark on the journey of revenge and take another path. This cycle never ends.