'The History of Ka'aba' - Scripting the journey of the soul

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DIWANIYA

'The History of Ka'aba' - Scripting the journey of the soul

By Sameera Aziz

THERE are some writers who are able to get their idea across effortlessly and describe an idea accurately. Rauf Siddiqui's name is among those writers and dedicated Islamic researchers who have unveiled the 'History of Ka'aba'. The distinct voice of his writing is always unmistakable and this time, he has presented an excellent classical book by sketching the history of the Ka'aba, which is considered the center of the Muslim world and is a unifying focal point for Islamic worship.
Siddiqui's research-based compilation on the History of Ka'aba was launched in Arabic, Urdu and English languages on Jan. 28, 2009. The Urdu and Arabic version was released with the name 'Tareekh-e-Baitullah'.
"Keeping in view the significance of the topic and its demand, the book is being launched in three languages and is currently available worldwide," said Rauf Siddiqui to Saudi Gazette.
"Its Persian translation is also being planned in the near future. The publication takes inspiration from a rare booklet of Sh. Muhammad Saleh Zainul Abideen Al-Sheebi who wrote on the history of Holy Ka'aba in 1299 Hijri," he said.
Though a number of books have been written on the history of Islam and the history of Makkah, however, there was still room for an exclusive book on the history of the Holy Ka'aba. The book contains Siddiqui's research work to trace back the origins of Holy Ka'aba and elaborates on the various developments through the pages of history, incorporating important pictures and references side by side.
"I hope that Tareekh-e- Baitullah' will clarify significant aspects relating to the history of Ka'aba as the publication has been produced on modern lines after painstaking research containing relevant references and pictorial insertations," noted Siddiqui.
Siddiqui is a well known figure in Pakistani politics and is providing his services as the Minister of industries and commerce to government of Sindh province. He is also a former Interior Minister of Sindh and has lived in the Kingdom since a long time. His friendship with Al-Sheebi family directed him to contribute further research work on the Holy Ka'aba through an insightful and well written book.
"The copy of the rare booklet was gifted to me by my friend from Al-Sheebi family, Abdul Rehman Salah Zain Ul Abideen Al-Sheebi and hence, I decided to carry on the research work for making this Islamic history accessible to world," said Siddiqui.
Earlier, Siddiqui has contributed to literature through his many poetic, literary and journalistic works. His book, 'The History of Ka'aba' would be an excellent entry work for those with seeking knowledge of Islamic history. Indeed, it is a fantastic short book on the journey of the soul.
It is a straightforward and accessible historical introduction to the history of Ka'aba, covering theological facts. – SG

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Event to promote religious dialogue

By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent

Published: May 03, 2008, 00:05

Makkah: The Makkah-based Muslim World League will hold an International Islamic Dialogue Conference.

The conference will be held at the Muslim World League (MWL) headquarters in Makkah from May 31 to June 2.

Speaking to Gulf News, MWL Secretary-General Dr Abdullah Al Turki said the conference will be held under the patronage of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.
A galaxy of Muslim leaders, scholars, intellectuals as well as officials of Islamic centres and associations and university professors from various countries will participate in the conference, he said adding that invitations have so far been sent to the dignitaries to attend the conference.

Dr Al Turki thanked King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz for their attention and care for Muslim affairs.

"The agenda of the conference will be based on four areas. These are Islamic principles and viewpoint toward dialogue, the style of dialogue and its regulations, the addressees of dialogue and fields for dialogue," he said.
Several papers will be presented and lectures will be delivered during the three-day event. There will be a special emphasis on the framework of dialogue with non-Muslims.

The conference will also look into the prospects of dialogue "in the wake of attempts to offend Islam and the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia", Dr Al Turki said. He added that the conference will come out with an Islamic document with regard to dialogue.

www.gulfnews.com