In the quiet village of Mangwal, nestled in the hills of Northern Punjab, Pakistan, a child was born in 1950 to a lineage steeped in nobility and spiritual grace. The Awan family, known for its scholars, Huffaz, and Awliya, carried a legacy of service and piety. From this soil of simplicity and sanctity emerged Malik Abdul Rehman—a soul destined to illuminate lives far beyond the bounds of his birthplace.
Mangwal had no electricity, no plumbing, and little access to modern comforts. Yet, it was rich in heritage. At age four, Malik moved with his family to Khushab, where his father, Hakim Manzur Al-Haqq Awan, served as a Unani physician, educator, and president of the local medical college. Despite their poverty, the family was rich in values, and Malik, the eldest of nine siblings, bore the weight of responsibility with quiet resolve.
“And We have certainly created man to be in hardship.” (Surah Al-Balad 90:4)
Malik lived this verse, not as a burden, but as a badge of honor.
Food was scarce, but determination was abundant. Malik excelled in school, always at the top of his class. His brilliance earned him admission to King Edward Medical College, Pakistan’s most prestigious institution. In 1972, he graduated with distinction, receiving a Gold Medal in 1973, the same year he married the love of his life, Najma Rehman, beginning a new chapter of love and duty.
Their marriage became a sanctuary of compassion and faith; a partnership rooted in mutual sacrifice and unwavering support. Najma stood beside him through every hardship, nurturing their home with grace and raising their children with the same quiet strength that defined her husband.
With the weight of supporting his wife, future children, and eight siblings, Malik sought opportunity abroad. The United States, in need of physicians, welcomed him with a paid ticket and housing in Kansas City, Missouri. After a year-long internship, he moved to New York City for residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Pulmonology.
“And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (Surah At-Talaq 65:3)
Malik’s trust in Allah guided every step.
In June 1980, guided by foresight and advice from friends, Dr. Rehman moved to Baltimore to purchase a retiring physician’s practice. His vision was clear: settle in a city with world-class healthcare for his children and ensure they could thrive without leaving home. He worked tirelessly—seven days a week, from dawn to late night—supporting not only his own family but also bringing his siblings to the U.S. and helping them start anew.
He established a private practice in Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, often shouldering the work of three physicians. His dedication was not just professional—it was deeply personal.
In the early 1980s, Baltimore’s Muslim community lacked a proper masjid. Dr. Rehman joined the early founders of the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB), helping purchase land and build Masjid al-Rahmah. As one of its largest donors, he became a quiet cornerstone of the masjid’s growth—from its humble beginnings to its expansive campus today.
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven spikes…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
Dr. Rehman’s generosity continues to bear fruit.
He also funded Masajid in Pakistan, including one in Mangwal, and supported local causes in Maryland. His leadership extended to Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), where he served as President of the Baltimore/Washington Chapter in the early 1990s.
Never forgetting his roots, Dr. Rehman partnered with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) to build four schools in Mangwal: two elementary schools and high schools for boys and girls. His commitment to education reflects the prophetic tradition:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Dr. Rehman and Najma Rehman raised four sons, each a testament to their vision and values:
Haroon Awan – IT Director and Cybersecurity Engineer
Dr. Omer Awan – Radiologist, Associate Professor, Forbes Contributor. Professor and Vice Chair of Education at University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Dr. Yousaf Awan – Medical Director, Interventional Radiology at Sinai Hospital.
All live within minutes of each other, a rare and beautiful fulfilment of his dream. He now enjoys gardening and the laughter of ten grandchildren, passing on the light of Iman through stories, hugs, and shared prayers.
Since the late 1990s, Dr. Rehman has made annual pilgrimages to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah and Ramadan worship, often accompanied by his children and grandchildren. These sacred journeys transcended ritual—they became enduring spiritual legacies.
Over the years, he completed six Hajj pilgrimages, including one with each of his sons, weaving faith and family into every step.
Perhaps his most profound achievement is completing the memorization of the Holy Qur’an over 15 years—while working full-time and supporting countless lives. This devotion reflects the verse:
“Indeed, it is We who have sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)
His quiet, shy nature belies a heart that roars with love, sacrifice, and faith. He is a man whose actions speak louder than words, whose legacy is etched not in stone but in the hearts of those he’s uplifted.
May Allah (SWT) continue to bless Dr. Malik Abdul Rehman (Awan) and Najma Rehman, preserve their health, and multiply the reward of every seed they have planted. Their life together is a living tafsir of the verse:
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195)