P O THAHIR, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, KERALA
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Trivandrum, participated in the 4th Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF) under the banner of Islam International Publications. The fair was held from 7–13 January at the Kerala Legislative Assembly Complex, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Our stall featured a wide range of books and literature covering diverse subjects, including Islam, comparative religion, spirituality, history, family life, morality and contemporary issues. A special attraction of the exhibition was the display of the Holy Quran in numerous regional and international languages translated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. To date, the Community has translated the Holy Quran into more than 75 languages, reflecting its commitment to making the divine message accessible to people across the world.
The stall also served as a vibrant centre for interaction with thousands of visitors throughout the week. Hundreds of attendees showed keen interest in learning about the true and peaceful teachings of Islam. Volunteers and missionaries engaged in meaningful discussions, answered questions, and helped clear common misconceptions regarding Islamic beliefs and practices. Numerous visitors were presented with complimentary literature to continue their study of Islam.
Book releases and discussion programme
We organised four book release events and one book discussion programme during the festival.
Muhammadsa: The Perfect Man, authored by Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad, was released by Mr Naseemuddin Mahmood, President of the Community’s Karunagappally chapter. Mr K Surendran, former Deputy Secretary, Government of Kerala, received the first copy. Moulvi Ameen Muhammad, Ahmadiyya missionary, introduced the book, while Moulvi T Munawar Ahmed, Ahmadiyya missionary, Trivandrum, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the timeless virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the enduring relevance of the message he brought to humanity.
The Malayalam translation of Absolute Justice, Kindness, and Kinship by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, translated by A M Saleem, was released by Mr Subair, President of the Community for Alappuzha, Kollam and Trivandrum districts. Dr Alexander Jacob IPS, former Director General of Police, Kerala, attended as the chief guest and received the first copy. In his address, he reminded the audience that justice and kindness are indispensable foundations for maintaining peace in both personal and social life. Dr N Krishnakumar, Secretary, Kerala Legislative Assembly, attended as a distinguished guest. Moulvi S Shafeeq, Ahmadiyya missionary in charge of Kollam district, introduced the book, while Moulvi Sulthan Naseer, missionary in charge of Calicut, delivered the keynote address on the vital role of justice, kindness and kinship in building a harmonious society.
Shreshtamathakkal, the Malayalam translation of the Urdu work Achhi Maayein by Mirza Bashir Ahmad MA, translated by Juvairiya Gauhar Shams, was officially released by Dr Meena Kumari, Professor at Trivandrum Law College, who also received the first copy from the chief guest, Dr K Beena, noted writer and educationist. The book highlights the indispensable role mothers play in the moral and spiritual upbringing of children. The translator, Mrs Juvairiya Gauhar Shams, delivered the keynote address. The event was attended by numerous readers, educators and cultural activists.
The Malayalam edition of Women in Islam, authored by Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra and translated by Rauf Roomi, was released by former MLA Ms Jameela Prakasam, who presented the first copy to renowned writer Ms Veena Sunil. Ms Jasfeena delivered the keynote address, speaking on the status, dignity and rights of women as presented in Islamic teachings.
A discussion programme on Maithri Sandesham, the Malayalam translation of A Message of Peace by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, was also organised during the festival. Fr Dr Sibu Irumbickal, former Secretary of the KCBC Media Commission, attended as the chief guest. The programme attracted significant attention for its interfaith character and its emphasis on promoting harmony among different religious communities. S V Shabeel Ahmed, Ahmadiyya missionary in charge of Malappuram district, delivered the keynote address, stressing the indispensable importance of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in today’s world.
“Take a Stand for Peace” Click Point
Another major attraction at the Community’s stall was the “#STOPWW3 Take a Stand for Peace” photo click point. Visitors enthusiastically posed for photographs while expressing their solidarity with the global call for peace and their hope for a world free from war. The initiative generated tremendous interest among people of all ages and provided an effective means of raising awareness about the urgent need to promote peace through dialogue, justice and mutual understanding.
Furthering truth through love
The festival proved to be an excellent opportunity to convey Islam’s message of peace, compassion and service to a broad audience. Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds visited the stall, engaged in meaningful conversations and received complimentary literature.
We had the privilege of meeting several prominent personalities, including Mr K C Venugopal MP, Ms K K Shailaja, former Minister of Kerala, Mr Mons Joseph MLA, Mr Kadakampally Surendran MLA, Mr M A Baby, Mr Abraham Mathew, and Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius.
Among senior government officials met during the fair were Mr P B Nooh IAS, Special Secretary (Transport), Dr Divya S Iyer IAS, Dr V Vasuki IAS, Secretary, General Education Department, and Mr K Jayakumar IAS, former Chief Secretary of Kerala.
Our representatives also had the opportunity to meet several distinguished figures from the literary and cultural sphere, including novelist Taslima Nasrin, poet and critic V Madhusoodanan Nair, writer K R Ajayan, and many others.
The event concluded successfully, strengthening the Community’s efforts to further truth through love. It provided an invaluable platform to present the peaceful teachings of Islam, promote interfaith understanding, encourage meaningful dialogue, and distribute authentic Islamic literature to a diverse audience.
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