Hitherto, understanding Quran or Islamic literature was a Herculean task for many. The reason being that they are generally available in Arabic, Persian, or Urdu.
The ongoing Vijayawada Book Festival at Swaraj Maidan has nearly removed this stumbling block, with publishers bringing Quran and other Islamic literature in Telugu and English.
Visitors to the fair are confronted with an abundant supply of Islamic literature that was absent a few years ago. Visit any of the three stalls — Shanti Margam Publications Trust (Stall No. 212, 213), Islamic Information and Educational Foundation (Stall No. 121), Telugu Islamic Publications Trust (Stall No. 82) — at the book fair to get translations of Islamic literature. The shopkeepers have displayed a wide range of titles on Islamic studies in Telugu and English.
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Rasool of Shanti Margam Publications says they brought more than 300 titles for the convenience of readers.
The celestial work, the holy Quran, is also much sought-after. It’s the fastest moving item on the shelves in the three stalls. There is a great demand for Quranic translations in English and Telugu, he says.
The holy Quran is sold for Rs. 150 while its marked price is Rs. 300. The most sought-after books include ‘Life and Works of Prophet Mohammed’, ‘Devudu okkade’ (There is only one God), ‘How to do namaz’? ‘Parada enduku’ (Why the Burkha), ‘Islam ugravadaniki vyatirekam’ (Islam is against terrorism), ‘Idiye Islam’ (this is Islam), ‘Success suktulu in Islam’, ‘Women in Islam’, ‘Quran and Science’ by Zakir Nayak, and ‘Nenu aaradhinche Islam’ by Malathi Chandur are a few other titles that are drawing the attention of visitors.
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The shopkeepers say visitors are primarily interested in the Islamic religious texts. “People want their children to understand the scriptures,” says Md. Rafi of Telugu Islamic Publication Trust.
“It came as a pleasant surprise to me that non-Muslims are getting more and more inclined towards Islamic works and want to know more,” he adds.