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In Pursuit of Understanding

There are two verses in the Qur'an that have stayed with me for a very long time.

“And He taught Adam the names of all things.” (Qur'an 2:31)

and

“...and say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'” (Qur'an 20:114)

I've often wondered if these two verses, in many ways, summarize the human journey.

The first reminds us that knowledge is among the greatest gifts Allah bestowed upon mankind. The second reminds us that no matter how much we learn, we remain students. The more we understand, the more we realize how much remains unknown.

Over the years, I've realised that I was never drawn to knowledge simply for the sake of knowing more.

I was drawn to understanding.

Physics became the language through which I first learned to ask questions about the universe. But the deeper I went, the more I realised that physics alone could never answer all of them.

Science explains how the universe works. Philosophy asks whether our reasoning is sound. History teaches how ideas shape civilizations. Literature reveals the human condition. Religion asks perhaps the deepest question of all: What should we do with what we know?

To me, these have never been separate conversations. They are different ways of looking at the same reality.

My name is Syed Abdullah Tariq.

I'm a theoretical physicist by profession, an educator by inclination, and a writer by habit.

I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Physics at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A), where my research focuses on Open Quantum Systems and the application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to computational quantum physics.

Before beginning my doctoral research, I worked in educational technology and academic content development with organizations including Physics Wallah, Joy of Learning Foundation, and Alhikmah Foundation. Those experiences taught me that knowledge finds its true value only when it is shared and made useful to others.

If you spend enough time on this website, you'll quickly realise that physics is only one part of what occupies my mind.

Here you'll find essays on physics, mathematics, philosophy, Islam, economics, investing, history, politics, books, education, and sometimes reflections from my own life.

People occasionally ask why I write on so many different subjects.

The answer is quite simple.

I don't believe reality comes neatly divided into disciplines.

The questions that matter most rarely belong to a single field. Understanding nature requires mathematics as much as physics. Understanding civilizations requires history as much as economics. Understanding people requires literature as much as psychology. And understanding ourselves requires all of them, along with something beyond them.

Writing, for me, is not merely a way of expressing ideas.

It is the way I examine them.

Many articles on this website began as disagreements with myself. Some ended with conclusions. Others ended with better questions than the ones I started with.

Over time, I've also come to believe that knowledge, by itself, is not an achievement.

Knowledge should cultivate humility.
It should refine character.
It should make us more truthful with ourselves, more compassionate toward others, and more responsible before Allah.

Otherwise, information simply becomes another possession.

If there is one idea that quietly connects everything on this website, it is this:

The pursuit of knowledge is ultimately the pursuit of coherence—between what is true, what is good, and how one chooses to live.

This website is simply a record of that pursuit.

If something you read here makes you pause, question an old assumption, or look at the world with a little more curiosity than before, then I will consider that enough.

Welcome.

Background

Current Position

Ph.D. Research Scholar (Physics)
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A)

Research Interests

  • Open Quantum Systems
  • Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs)
  • Quantum Information
  • Computational Physics
  • Mathematical Physics

Education

  • Ph.D. in Physics (Ongoing) — Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad
  • M.Sc. in Electronics — Jamia Millia Islamia
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics — Jamia Millia Islamia

Professional Experience

  • Product Category Lead Manager (YouTube), Physics Wallah
  • Content Analyst & Content Creator, Joy of Learning Foundation
  • Educational Coordinator, Alhikmah Foundation

Areas of Interest

Theoretical Physics • Mathematics • Artificial Intelligence • Islamic Theology • Philosophy • Economics • Investing • History • Politics • Literature • Education

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