Books Over Screens: Asad Owaisi Calls for a Reading Renaissance

Hyderabad: Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi emphasized the need to revive reading habits among youth, highlighting the importance of books in shaping communities and preserving cultural heritage, during the silver jubilee celebrations of Huda Book Distributors on October 1.

Speaking as the chief guest, Owaisi noted the decline in reading due to increased screen time. “At the peak of Muslim civilization, Córdoba had 70 libraries, and the personal library of the ruler held around 4.5 lakh books. In contrast, France had only 4,500 books at that time,” he said, drawing attention to the richness of historical literary culture. Bringing the attention to Malik Shahbaaz, popularly known as Malcolm X’s time in prison, Owaisi explained how reading and interpreting the Quran helped him grow into an influential orator. He congratulated Huda Book Distributors for their 25-year journey.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani spoke about the widening gap in basic knowledge about Islam among the younger generation, attributing it to their distance from books. He proposed one-day book fairs at schools and colleges to nurture reading habits and awareness, adding, “Businesses should aim not only for profit but also for spreading knowledge, as Huda Book Distributors has done over the years.”

Dr. Ahsan bin Mohammed Ali Hamoomi, Imam of Public Gardens Mosque, reflected on the role of literacy in the progress of a community. “The number of people visiting bookstores or libraries says a lot about the community’s cultural and intellectual health. Encouraging youngsters to invest even a little from their pocket money in books can make a lasting difference,” he said.

Shakeel, managing partner of Huda Book Distributors, observed that social media has contributed to a decline in reading habits. He said the book fair aims to reignite interest in literature among young readers and expressed hope that the store would continue to grow with the same energy for the next 25 years.

Maulana Ghias Ahmed Rashadi, founder of Safa Baitul Maal, highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Islamic bookstores and book fairs in Hyderabad.

Other speakers at the event included Malik Mohtasim Khan, Vice President of Jamat-e-Islami Hind, and Maulana Jaffar. Earlier, partner Syed Azhar felicitated the guests.

Charminar MLA Mir Zulfikhar Ali, Mirza Riyaz ul Hassan Effendi, Mahmood Quadri, and eminent personalities from literary circles were present on this occasion.