CHENNAI: We don’t sell books for the sales, but only to convey the message of peace through the pen.” This is how the manager of stall number 400 at the Bapasi Book Fair, M Naeem Ahmad, describes his organisation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission caters to the niche section of Islamic literature.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about Islam due to terrorism. We have a book called The British Government and Jihad by Hadrat Mirza Gulam Ahmad, which talks about Islam and jihad as tools for violence,” said M Sharjahan, an imam who is selling books at the fair.
There are curious onlookers who drop by and enquire about the Ahmadiyya brand of Islam and its Pakistani relationship. “Even when we are persecuted in Pakistan, our teachings tell us not to retaliate,” Says Naeem.
“Our books mostly deal with Islam and the life of the prophet. We are finding a lot of sales for books related to the migration of Jesus to India.” Where Jesus Died by J D Shams is also in demand, said Sharjahan.
Free books are being given to people who attend the fair: World Crisis and Pathway to Peace by Mirza Masroor Ahmed.