Ehsanul Khan

Meaning is my love, and therefore language the object of my affection. I studied the classical arts of language: grammar, logic, rhetoric, in Arabic and English mediums. I practiced these arts under the rigorous eye of theology, and the whip of jurisprudence, during my pursuit of traditional Islamic knowledge in the UK and abroad. Four years of such study left me with precision and dexterity in forming definitions according to classical ontology, appreciation for the consequences of subtle variances of definitions in discourses, and a friendly acquaintance with dictionaries of myriad types.

I have applied this art of definition in my BA. Islamic Studies dissertation and work as a translator. In my dissertation I wrote on the different meanings of the word “mathal" in the Qur'an. Broadly, a “mathal” is a comparison of multiple objects or realities, used to teach or remind the reader of divine agency. I showed how the variant uses of this word entail different strategies of the Qur'an to convey its messages. My translation work required attention to both English and Arabic lexicons in communicating with accuracy and suitability for audiences.

My research skills have been developed in my work and study in the field of Economics. For my MSc. Development Economics dissertation I sourced information from conventional and unconventional sources to map labour migrant experiences in countries where processes are often hidden from plain sight. I read a host of sources, including business reports, national and international policy papers, public statistics, academic research, expert interviews, ministerial briefings, financial journalism, industry minutes, and analytical handbooks, to provide useful analysis as an assistant economist.

Through my work as an English tutor, in sales, policy, and through active participation in performance poetry, drama and delivering sermons, I have been constantly concerned with intentional choice of language. The range of these experiences give me an ability to think freely and flexibly which is rare to find. Simultaneously, many of these roles involved intensive team work to achieve an aim, and they have forged me into an engaged team player.

I would love to work as a lexicographer to widen and deepen my intimacy with the English lexicon. I aspire to this in particular so that I may tell stories that communicate profound wisdom from the Islamic tradition to English speaking audiences. To this end I am in the process of writing a novel, planning a course on story writing for underrepresented Muslim audiences and learning Persian.

Environment Agency – Evaluation Advisor

Aug 2023 - Present

Translation services – Translator and Editor (Arabic to English)

Jun 2022 - Present

The Misk Hub Ltd.  – Director

Mar 2021 - May 2022

UK Civil Service – Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

- Assistant Economist (Mainstream)

Jun 2018 - Sep 2020

- Policy Advisor (Faststream)

Jan 2018 - Jun 2018

Al-Salam Institute – Sales Manager and Consultant

Jun 2015 - Dec 2017

Ibn Jabal Institute – Sales Executive

Aug 2014 - Aug 2015

Penguin Books – Editorial Assistant (Internship)

Jun 2013 -Jul 2013

Private Tuition – English Tutor

May 2011 - May 2013
 

Best Tutors – English Tutor

Sep 2010 - May 2011

BA. Islamic Studies (Cambridge Muslim College, UK)  - 2:1 (Upper Second) Hons.

2020 - 2023

MSc. Development Economics (SOAS, University of London) - Distinction

2015 - 2016

BSc. Economics (SOAS, University of London) - 2:1 (Upper Second) Hons.

2011 - 2015