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A book examining the links between India’s most famous freedom fighter and Islam has become popular across the Middle East and India, leading to a third print and translation into English, Urdu, Hindi and Malayalam.
Gandhi: His Engagement with Islam and the Arab World, written by former State Minister Abdulnabi Alshoala and originally published two years ago, has now been translated into four languages and is attracting plaudits from academics who have studied the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi – better known as Mahatma Gandhi or just Gandhi.
“I was very delighted to see that this book was very well received,” Abdulnabi, 73, noted during the launch of the new editions, which coincided with India’s 73rd Republic Day.
“Today we are in the third round of printing this book, which means that people are looking to evoke the ideals and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly in our age and it proves once again that Gandhi’s vision is not dead. Gandhi will continue to live on amongst the people who strive to live peacefully and graciously.”
The book traces the life of India’s Father of the Nation, with a focus on his relationship with the Arab world. In particular, Gandhi’s interactions with Islam are highlighted, including Muslim merchants in South Africa.
Gandhi’s barrister life and work with Muslim businessman Dada Abdulla is discussed, with a closer look at their regular discussions about religion and peaceful coexistence.
The book also draws a link from Gandhi’s work in South Africa, working with Muslim traders during the Satyagraha fight for rights in South Africa, and his non-co-operation movement in India against the British.
It also discusses Gandhi’s appreciation for Islam, developed through readings of the Holy Quran.
According to renowned Gandhi scholar Shobhana Radhakrishna who delivered a keynote during the launch of the book, Prophet Mohammed’s fasts inspired Gandhi to do the same.
“To Gandhi, the central teaching of the Quran remained that of peace and he found Muslims to be brave and generous,” she added.
The book was inspired by an interest in Gandhi stemming from Abdulnabi’s four-year stint in India in 1969, during which he completed his education in political science and public administration at the St Xavier’s College in Mumbai University.
However, the idea was put on hold as Abdulnabi rose through his career, taking a seat amongst the directors at the Bahrain Chamber, followed by a spell of public service.
Abdulnabi served as the Labour and Social Affairs minister, before taking the helm as Cabinet State Minister. During his career, he also founded the Bahrain India Society, which champions bilateral ties between the two countries to this day.
The book was born after Abdulnabi retired and spent four years conducting research into the field and reading every book about Gandhi he could get his hands on.
“Some of the most surprising and amazing insights I gleaned during my research came from how much he supported the Arab cause and especially the cause of the Arab Palestinians,” Abdulnabi added.
“Even though he faced political pressure, he stood strong and wrote a now famous column, about the importance of standing with an oppressed nation.
“Gandhi was always deeply interested in humanity and that which brings us together as a global community.”
The Arabic book was first published two years ago and is now translated into four languages.
The new editions were launched last week, in the presence of Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava and Bahrain India Society chairman Abdul Rahman Mohammed Juma.
The book will be made available at local and international bookstores in the coming weeks.
