JEDDAH, 12 September 2004 — India’s leading Islamic scholar and well-known Dawah (Islamic propagation) worker Maulana Mohammad Kaleem Siddiqui has lauded the noble contribution of the King Fahd Printing Press in Madinah toward the spread and propagation of Islam by printing and distributing millions of Qur’an copies to Muslims in several countries of the world.
Speaking to Arab News Kaleem said, “It is really highly remarkable that the press in Madinah has translated the holy book in English as well as in several other languages and distributed it among Muslims the world over. It will certainly help those who cannot read and understand Arabic language. A big chunk of Muslims in other parts of the world will certainly get to know the Qur’anic message in the language they understand.”
He said the Urdu translation of the Qur’an by an eminent Indian scholar Maulana Mohammad Junagadhi has also been printed by the Madinah press and distributed in countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The translation of the holy book will also help in better understanding of our religion and its teachings by non-Muslims and this is what is needed and this is the right time to dispel the doubts and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, Kaleem said. Kaleem called on the Muslims across the globe to propagate Islam among other communities in its true spirit. He stressed the need to project “true Islam” to counter an orchestrated misinformation campaign against the religion which gives it an image of extremism.
“It is the prime duty of the Muslim Ummah to invite nonbelievers to the Islamic fold by presenting before them the correct picture of Islam,” he stressed.
He pointed out that the Muslims should strive to conquer the hearts and minds of people around them with their exemplary moderate way of life, simplicity and day-to-day conduct.
“The best way for the empowerment of Muslims is to win over people, not territory. History is replete with instances where God-fearing Muslims prevailed upon mighty rulers of the day and spread the teachings of Islam to far-flung areas,” he said.
Kaleem, a graduate from Nadwatul Ulema in Lucknow, the capital of northern Uttar Pradesh state, is among the foremost champions of Dawah work in India as well as abroad. He has been traveling all over world to spread the message of Islam.
Dozens of people, who came in contact with him, have embraced Islam. A few of them are internationally known like Urdu scholar and critic Malik Ram. A few of the close aides of former South African President Nelson Mandela and several top Indian officials have also joined Islam under his guidance.
Earlier this week, Kaleem addressed the Indian community during a lecture organized by Bahjat Ayyub Najmi, a Jeddah-based social activist.
