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International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]
It was a literary weekend in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate Oman. Three books in English by Omani writer Muntasir Shaaban Al Farsy were launched at a glittering function, which was attended by a select and distinguished gathering from all walks of life. The Chief Guest Sheikh Ahmed Ali Ahmed Al Riyamy appreciated the author’s efforts and the variety of subjects chosen by him – Holy Ka’aba, Sayyid Said and the Platinum Jubilee of the Al Saidiya School. He commended Muntasir for doing a good job.
The learned Sheikh Ahmed said that the books are very useful and provide a lot of information about Oman’s history, religion, culture and important events. He urged the new generation to make reading a habit as a book is a man’s best friend according to an Arabic saying. About his own self, he disclosed that he has written five books so far and the sixth book is going to be published soon.
It was the turn of the author Muntasir to give an insight about his new books and the book that he is working on. Muntasir explained about the topics in his books. All the books carry interesting and historical photographs. Each book is fascinating.
Al Ka’aba presents the first House of Worship through the ages and makes a very interesting read. Sayyid Said the Great is an historical account of the Al Busaid dynasty of Oman and Zanzibar. The contribution of the present ruler of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in different fields in general and in education has been singled out for praise by Muntasir in the book Happy Platinum Jubilee to the Al Saidiya. Al Saidiya accounts for the history of education and establishment of schools before and after the Omani Renaissance.
It is significant to note that Muntasir Al Farsy is the nephew of the late eminent Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al Farsy, the author of the 807-page complete translation of Holy Quran into Swahili language. It is important to note that Swahili is an African language with many Arabic and Urdu words. Swahili is widely spoken in the East African countries and in Zanzibar in particular. Muntasir works for the Muscat Media Group. His colleagues from The Times of Oman – Das, Rajesh, Manoj and Sabin and other friends from the print and the electronic media were present at the launching of the books.
