A 5 day-long 8th annual book fair organized by the Dawah Academy of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) commenced here at Faisal Masjid Campus of the university which was inaugurated by Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, President IIUI.
The book-fair of the academy is its known tradition which has witnessed a mentionable response as it started on Thursday where people from all walks of life from the twin cities participated and took keen interest in the books which were being sold with discount.
As many as 50 renowned publishers from across the country have set their book stalls in Dawah Book Fair which will continue till April 3 and books are being sold at 50% discounted rates. Inaugural ceremony was also attended by Director Dawah Academy Dr. Sohail Hassan and other high-ups of university and academy.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that IIUI would keep working to educate young minds of Ummah according to the Islamic values. He lauded the organizers of the book fair and hoped that this tradition will continue. He said that such acti
vities are necessary for creating awareness about knowledge in the society. He maintained that IIUI is playing key role in disseminating Islamic values and IIUI’s Dawah academy’s role is appreciable in regard of preaching true image of Islam and discouraging violent attitudes. The President IIUI also hailed academy’s session of Quran and Hadith. He was of the view that Muslim societies have been facing negative propaganda which must be dealt by forming a roadmap to let the world know that Islam is religion of peace and there is no place for terrorism and extremism in Islam. He also highlighted importance of acquiring education and knowledge in Islam.
President IIUI said knowledge is of vital importance in Islam as first revelation even started with the word IQRA. President IIU further said that books play vital role in shaping the society and develop social and cultural values. He furthered that books are the most important source to disseminate Islam’s message to the world. Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that Quran and Sunnah are the basic sources of all the branches of knowledge and seeking knowledge is obligatory for Muslims.
He was of the view that contemporary time has diverted the trends towards modern gadgets but such efforts to organize book fairs are good source to promote culture of book reading.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr Sohail Hassan welcomed all the representatives of book publishers and briefed the participants about book fair. He said trend of book reading has declined and such book fairs play vital role to promote reading culture. He also told that academy was also mulling to organize an international book-fair next year.
The event will continue till April 3, while academy will hold an international Mehfil e Husn e Qirat at Faisal Masjid campus of the university after Asar prayer on April 1.