JEDDAH, 11 October 2004 — V.K. Abdul Jaleel, one of the few Indian expatriates here to spend their spare time in research and studies, intends to publish a book titled “Pages of Madinah’s History” in his mother tongue Malayalam.
Abdul Jaleel, a former sub-editor of Prabhodanam Islamic weekly, has already prepared the book’s first volume, which focuses on many interesting but little known aspects of the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
“Most of our history books are focusing on the battles of the Prophet without shedding much light on many important aspects of his life, such as his efforts to establish communal harmony, promote education and protect the rights of women and the poor,” he pointed out.
The Prophet had trained more than 100 scholars such as Abu Hurairah, Abu Darr Al-Ghifari and Ammar ibn Yasser, who were later sent to different areas and countries as emissaries to spread the message of Islam. These scholars known as Ahl Al-Suffa stayed in the mosque to learn more about Islam from the Prophet.
The Prophet, he said, had allocated a house close to his mosque for Shifa bint Abdullah, a highly intelligent and efficient woman, to educate Muslim women including his wives. Ammar ibn Yasser, one of the first believers, brokered the marriage between the Prophet and his first wife Khadeeja, he said.
Abdul Jaleel, a well-known speaker and organizer in the community, has played a big role in the establishment of Manarul Uloom International School in Jeddah. He will continue as its director even after leaving the Kingdom on exit visa on Oct. 18 after 22 years service.
