In the late 1990s, when the distinctive sound of dial-up modems filled homes and the Internet was still shrouded in uncertainty for most, Ashab Ahmed, then a young man in his twenties, made his way to the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB). He arrived not with a contract in hand or detailed budget plans, but rather with quiet resolve and a spirit wholly devoted to service. His approach was marked by sincerity and a genuine wish to contribute.
Seeking out the administrator, Ashab outlined his vision with clarity and humility: “I want to help build the Internet infrastructure for Al-Rahmah School,” he stated. “I’ll learn through the process, and the school will benefit. Let’s build something that lasts.” His intent was not only to develop a robust system but also to grow from experience, ensuring both personal and communal advancement.
At the time, there were no grants or formal IT department to rely upon—just a small group of devoted teachers, including Khuram Zaman and Madiha Tahseen, who patiently and passionately tended to the fledgling computer labs. Despite these constraints, Ashab perceived an opportunity where others saw only barriers, determined to transform limitations into lasting progress.
Ashab gathered a small group of peers and together they sourced the essential equipment:
Cable pulling tools for threading wires through walls and ceilings
Network hardware—hubs, switches, routers—scavenged and donated
Termination kits to finish the job with precision
Working evenings and weekends, often in silence and sweat, they routed cables between buildings, configured IP addresses, and tested connections. This was done without pay or applause—driven purely by dedication.
Ashab’s humility was unmistakable. He never sought recognition or praise, often quoting the verse:
“And do not seek from it any reward. My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.” Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:109)
A breakthrough came when, for the first time in ISB history, a live broadcast was conducted over the Internet. The signal was modest and the equipment basic, yet this moment marked the birth of digital connectivity on campus.
Ashab stood at the back of the room, watching the stream flicker to life. He simply smiled, lowered his gaze, and whispered “Alhamdulillah.”
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds… We will surely assign to them a high place in Paradise.” Surah Al-Ankabut (29:58)
Years later, Ashab moved to Indiana and obtained a high-level technical position. Despite his career progression, he frequently reflected on those formative days—not for the sake of his résumé, but for the barakah they brought. The experience instilled teamwork, resilience, and the power of sincere intention.
“Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.” Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7)
Today, ISB is equipped with ample resources, advanced systems, and professional staff. Yet, the community should always remember the hands that laid the first cables, the hearts that gave selflessly, and the young man who regarded service as an act of worship.
Ashab Ahmed’s contribution was more than technical. He connected a community to its future, demonstrating that true success is not defined by wealth or resources, but by faith, the courage to begin, and the humility to walk away without expecting recognition.