Bilquis Sheikh

Bilquis Sheikh is the author of I Dared to Call Him Father. Bilquis Sheikh is a wealthy, upper-class woman living in a palatial home surrounded by a lush garden in Wah, Pakistan. Bilquis is also known as the Begum the definition of which is "a high-ranking Muslim woman." Bilquis' family has been in what is considered the ruling or higher class for centuries. In her position, Bilquis is looked to as a leader of the community. Bilquis is a practicing Muslim, having been raised in Islam from the time she was four years, four days and four hours old—the traditional moment that Arabic is taught to Muslim children. The Koran is written only in Arabic and not translated, so in order to study it, the children must learn Arabic.

The story takes place beginning when Bilquis is 46 years of age. Bilquis does not overtly question...