Saudi Gazette report

 

JEDDAH — Occasionally there is a book whose modest size belies the wealth of the message and information it contains.



"Understanding Islam and Indian Muslims," published by Impact Peace Vision, is one such book. Reading through its pages, one is at once informed and elevated, on taking an informed and educated glimpse at the religion, history and challenges of the world's largest religious minority — Indian Muslims.



The first few chapters are devoted to an introduction on Islam and Indian Muslims. The pillars of the Muslim faith and the daily life of an individual prescribed by Islam is explained in lucid language.



To those who have grappled with reconciling Islam's traditional message of peace and devout worship of Allah, with the sensational images of "jihadists" in popular media, the book takes the issue head-on and explains Islam's position with respect to the killing of innocent people.



The book also confronts myths about Indian Muslims such as the supposed prevalence of polygamy among them.



Indian Muslims have a triple challenge: confronting the socio-economic challenges that make Indian Muslims among the most backward communities in India as elucidated by the Sachar Committee; heading off a virulent and divisive ideology that seeks to relegate them to the status of second-class citizens; struggling against retrograde ideas within the community that seek to keep the community perpetually backward.



While the book describes the first two challenges, it makes only a passing reference to the last.



The book contains a timely and eye-opening chapter on the contribution of Indian Muslims to India's freedom struggle.



In an age where their "Indianness" is being questioned, this concise book on Islam and Indian Muslims will go a long way in removing misconceptions about India's over 150 million Muslims and their faith.



Reading through the pages, one gets the feeling the authors are capable of producing a more scholarly work, but have chosen not to do so in order to bring their simple and lucid message to the masses.



The booklet is also an important contribution to the continuing debate on stereotyping of Muslims in the media.



Journalists and media professionals will find this booklet an essential reference when covering sensitive issues related to Islam and Indian Muslims.



The booklet is essential reading for anyone interacting with or concerned about or impacted by the situation of Indian Muslims.