‘Islam: An Illustrated Journey’, a Diamond Jubilee publication was launched at an event in Hotel Marine Plaza, Mumbai on 29 January 2019 by the Council for India. This event explored and deconstructed Islam’s rich heritage and took the readers on a journey of 1400 years. Professor Zulfikar Hirji, co-author of the book provided insights about Islam, its civilisation, culture and traditions and took the attendees through a visual journey of the rich legacy of Islam from the book which includes more than 250 images.
booklaunch_12.jpg
Attendees at the event included Mr. Edgard Kagan, (Consul General of United States of America, Mumbai), Dr. Sultan Pradhan (Oncologist), Mr. Yusuf Muchwalla (Senior Advocate and lawyer of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board), Mr. Amin Patel (Member of Legislative Assembly) and Dr. Saryu Doshi (eminent Art historian, research scholar, editor and curator)
‘Islam: An Illustrated Journey’ comprises of nine chapters beginning from the late antiquity period which situates Islam in the broader context of Abrahamic traditions and covers plurality of expressions and responses of Muslims over a period of 1400 years. At this event, Professor Hirji discussed various themes such as the role of women, diverse interpretations of Islam and micro histories. Further during an interview, Professor Hirji explained how the publication encompasses voices and works of various architects, writers, philosophers who provide a pluralistic view of Islam. This event was an opportunity for entrepreneurs, authors, doctors, lawyers and leaders to engage with the rich pluralistic tradition of Islam.
Mr. Sangram Sawant founder and CEO of Pescafresh, who was present at the event stated, “The book traces 1400 years of history distilled in 345 pages, it is indeed a progressive step”. Another attendee Zenobia, a student expressed, “We had the most spectacular time listening to such a brilliant academic conversation and we are glad to be part of it”.
