First Islamic book fair opens in Abu Dhabi

Residents here had an opportunity to learn more about Islam through the first exhibition on the Holy Qur'an and Islamic books that opened on Thursday at the Cultural Foundation.

The week-long exhibition features more than 500 titles in English, Arabic and Urdu, covering all aspects of Islam. They include such titles as Basic Concepts of the Holy Qur'an, Jumio Islamic Encyclopedia of Islam, The Origin of Life, Tell Me About the Creation, The Miracle in the Immune System.

The event was inaugurated by Mohammed Jumma Salim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf for Mosque Affairs. He lauded the efforts of the Cultural Foundation and the coordinators for organising such a rare and informative exhibition.

Ashraf Siddiqui, the coordinator said: "The exhibition will provide an opportunity to some 200 nationalities living in the UAE to learn more about the various aspects of Islam."

Books translated into almost 30 languages on the fundamentals of Islam are being distributed free at the exhibition.

"Incidents around the globe during the last couple of years have resulted in increasing interest in the Holy Qur'an. Both Muslims and non-Muslims share this desire to study Islam," Siddiqui said. The Message and the Truth, by Sayed Imtiyaz Uddin, was distributed for free at the exhibition.

"Some people have converted to Islam after reading this booklet which explains Islam in a simple and correct way," a statement said.

The book is translated into many languages and distributed all over the world. Saniyasnain Khan, the Muslim Indian scholar and author, will be present at the exhibition for three days and will sign copies.

Alongside the exhibition, Al Moes Ahmed Qili, a Sudanese artist, is displaying more than 100 of his woodworks. They attempt to convey the name of God in various logos of companies and establishments.

Mohi Eldin Salim Ahmed, the Sudanese Ambassador, said that he was very impressed with how the artist managed to show the presence of God in day-to-day life. "The combination of books and Islamic art in this exhibition is something unique and reflects the true face of Islam," one visitor said.

He said the collection of titles on display and the artworks depicting Islamic themes would help to convey the openness of Islam and Muslims.

"Muslims need to organise such activities, especially at this stage of historical development when Islam is facing unprecedented campaign to destroy its image and link Muslims to terrorism," he said.