Filipino translations of Islamic books launched

MANILA, Philippines - Recognizing the need for a better understanding of Islam among Filipinos, the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), in partnership with the Southeast Asian Muslims for Enlightenment and Freedom (SEAMUS), has launched Filipino translations of Islamic books.

The books that were launched include “Islam at Terorismo” (Islam and Terrorism), “Islam at Kalayaan” (Freedom and Islam), “Islam at Pag-aasawa ng May Magkaibang Pananampalataya” (Islam and Interfaith Marriage), “Ang Pagbabawal ng Usury sa Islam” (The Prohibition of Usury in Islam), and “Islam, Demokrasya at Kanluraning Pagpapahalaga” (Islam, Democracy and Western Values).

PCID lead convenor Amina Rasul said religion is a powerful element in unifying people as well as dividing societies with diverse cultural and religious values.

Rasul said “the Filipino translations, in particular, are intended for the public who are interested to go beyond the negative caricatures of the Islamic faith towards a more reasoned understanding of Islam.”

Multi-awarded Filipino fictionist Eros Atalia has translated the books, originally written by Indonesian writer Al Mustaqeem MahmodRadhi, executive director of the Middle Eastern Graduate Center based in Malaysia.

“May this series of books appear in the hands of the ordinary people. Read by taxi drivers, vendors up to the grassroot levels and marginalized members of the society. I’m hoping that through these books we can have lasting peace, progress and justice,” he said.

Jerry Gracio, another multi-awarded Filipino fictionist, poet and screenwriter, said the books would serve as “eye opener” for both Christians and Muslims to respect other faith.

“I hope this would pave the way for understanding, dialogue, mutual respect and tolerance,” Gracio said.

MahmodRadhi said his books have been translated into various languages.

“This series that we have now is an improved edited version of the Indonesian one,” he said.     – Helen M. Flores