Books on Islam attract scores of eager buyers in Madurai

MADURAI: The three bookstalls at Madurai Book Fair that sell Islamic literature have been attracting a lot of readers, especially women. Stall keepers say there has been a steady flow of eager Muslims who want to gain wider knowledge on Islamic literature.
For instance, Sajida Book Centre Publications has books on Islamic morals, women’s liberation and rules of Islam (Markka Vithigal).A Subaida, 21, a college girl from Ramanathapuram, said she had bought the Tamil translation of ‘Milestones’ written by Sayyid Qutb, an Islamic scholar who has penned 24 books and is known widely in the Muslim world.
“His works are believed to address the issue of social and political role of Islam in modern times,” she said.
“I bought ‘Arshin Nizhalil’ written by moulavi Syed Rahman Umari. The book talks about the norms of Islam, under which consuming liquor is strictly prohibited. The book also describes the importance of Muslim women getting education,” said Abdul Rajak, an Imam (Muslim priest) from Sivaganga district.
Books on the life of Prophet Muhammad sell like hot cakes. ‘Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum’, a book that deals with the spiritual life and lessons of the Prophet, has sold 80 copies in the past few days.
Originally written in Arabic and Urdu, the Arabic version was awarded first prize by the Muslim World League at the first Islamic Conference, following an open competition for a book on the life of Prophet Mohammed in 1979, said Mohammed Shamil, stall in-charge of Sajida Book Centre.
The book ‘Islamic bank without interest’ also has lot of takers.
“The book is quite inspiring because it speaks about Islamic banking, which adheres to Islamic ethical-legal norms,” said S Tahira, a working woman from Nelpettai in the city.