KOZHIKODE: 'Islamika Rashtryeem Vimarsikkappedunnu', the book authored by M N Karassery, which discusses the rise and growth of Islamic fundamentalism in Kerala, will be released by human rights activist Teesta Setalvad on Monday.
The book is the selection of 18 essays written by Karassery in the past 20 years. "It contains an article of Sadath Hassan Manto, the Pakistani writer who died at a younger age. He was a strong opponent of Partition. A translation of one of his stories appear as an appendix in the collection," Karassery told Express.
According to him, the book delineates the growth of Islamic fundamentalism in India. "The year 1979 is an important milestone in the history of fundamentalism in India because two important events the Islamic revolution in Iran and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan happened in the year."
In the book, Karassery makes a distinction between Muslim politics and Islamic politics. "Muslim politics is the politics for the betterment of the community. It is not religiously oriented. It operates within the ambit of democracy and secularism," Karassery said. But Islamic politics is an attempt to impose religious rule in the country.
"It does not agree with democracy, secularism or nationalism. What the IUML pursues is the first one while outfits like the Jama'ateIslami practises, the second variety, though they may not openly admit it."
The 168page book is dedicated to the nationalist leader Muhammad Abdurehman. "It contains an introduction I wrote to the book by N P Muhammad and an analysis of EMS's intervention in the Sharia discussion. The book discusses the role of organisations like Jama'ateIslami, Solidarity Youth Movement and the NDF," he said.
The book is brought out by the Mathrubhumi Books and will be released at the venue of the MathrubhumiPenguin Book Exhibition being held near the Indoor Stadium.
The cover of the book, which has the sketch of a fish being cut, has a curious reference to the controversial question paper prepared by T J Joseph of the Newman's College Thodupuzha, which led to the chopping of his hand.
Muslim Youth League state president K M Shaji will also speak at the function.