Dr Sofia Malik Abdullah: A Life Devoted to Medicine, Family, and Community
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Dr Sofia Malik Abdullah, a dedicated gynecologist and obstetrician, left an indelible mark on the medical field and her community in Maryland. Born on August 10, 1945, in Gonda, India, she passed away on August 15, 2023, in Potomac, Maryland, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
Dr Sofia Abdullah's journey in the world of medicine began when she graduated from Dacca Medical College in East Pakistan. Her passion for healthcare and unwavering work ethic set the foundation of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades. During that time she had the privilege of delivering over 5,000 babies, each birth a testament to her commitment to the field of gynecology and obstetrics.
Dr Sofia Malik married Dr A. Abdullah on January 10, 1971, in Dhaka, and moved to Washington, where she completed her medical residency program and specialized professional requirements.
One of the hallmarks of Dr Sofia Abdullah's life was her intense devotion to her career and a deep commitment to upholding the ideals of the medical profession. She was not only a healer but also a role model for her community. Her dedication to her profession was truly exemplary.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, she found the strength to care for her husband, parents, two children, and siblings. Their love and partnership endured for 53 years, creating a strong foundation for their family.
Dr Sofia Abdullah is survived by her loving husband, Dr A. Abdullah, two sons, Amir and Faisal, three adoring grandchildren, and a cherished daughter-in-law. Her family was a source of pride and joy for her throughout her life, and she managed to balance her demanding career with her responsibilities as a devoted wife and mother.
Dr Sofia Abdullah and her loving husband Dr A. Abdullah
On September 14, 2023, the world came together to pay rich tributes to Dr Sofia Abdullah for her outstanding professional and social services. This virtual gathering, organized using Zoom and Facebook technologies, saw over 600 participants from various parts of the USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, England, and Middle Eastern countries. A recording of this heartfelt tribute can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZLBiFagJxY
Notably, legendary Bollywood actress Padma Bhushan Shabana Azmi shared her rewarding association with Sofia. “Dr Sofia Abdullah provided unwavering support to her husband, Dr A. Abdullah, in his educational, social, and literary endeavors, including the establishment and success of the Aligarh Alumni Association in Metropolitan Washington and North America,” said Shaban Azmi.
To honor her legacy, the Washington Association has established a lifetime scholarship for a medical student at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College of the Aligarh Muslim University in her name.
In addition to her professional and family commitments, Dr Sofia Abdullah had a diverse range of talents and interests. She learned to cook after her marriage and became an excellent chef, frequently inviting friends and family to savor her culinary creations. She was also a voracious reader with a remarkable ability to retain and narrate stories. Her passion for music led her to become proficient in playing musical instruments, especially the sitar.
Dr Sofia Malik Abdullah's life is a testament to the power of dedication, love, and community service. Her contributions to medicine, her family, and her community have left an indelible mark, and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her. A slightly modified couplet in Urdu by the late Raghupati Sahai Firaq Gorakhpuri describes the impact of Sofia Abdullah well on the community.
Aane vaalī nasleñ tum par faḳhr kareñgī ham-asro
Jab bhī un ko dhyān aa.egā tum ne 'Sofia' ko dekhā hai
(I have replaced Firaq with Sofia)
