According to an expert, there is a shortage of books on Islam that specifically answer the many questions new Muslims converts have about the religion.
This is the observation of P. T. Abdul Rahman, a research assistant at the Dubai Auqaf and Islamic Affairs Department, who has been dealing with new Muslims as part of his responsibilities at the department.
Abdul Rahman also believes the shortage of books is an obstacle in the Dawah (invitation to embrace Islam) work many are undertaking, he said.
"To overcome the shortage, I've started writing books. My style is the same as I introduce Islam to the prospective and new Muslims in Dubai," said Abdul Rahman, who has just released his new book Towards the Creator in English with the aim of providing new Muslims with an understanding of how spiritual matters are directly linked to their everyday lives.
The book, and an illustrated second edition, has already been published in Malayalam. An Arabic version will soon be released to be followed by the Urdu and Tagalog version while the Chinese and Tamil translations will be available later.
The 146-page English book tells readers many things that a believer should understand and put into practice. It sheds light on concepts such as faith, deed, thought and research, and also into the realities such as creator, soul, and human being.
Abdul Rahman's first book, Is Creation Meaningless?, available in English, Arabic and Malayalam, was well received by the new Muslims. His third book, the second volume of Towards the Creator, is expected to be released by the end of the year.
"My aim is to develop a positive understanding of Islam through literary efforts, Abdul Rahman said.The teaching of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the relationships drawn by him will prove to be of invaluable assistance to readers as they come to a greater understanding of their purpose in life and duties to Allah.