World's largest book on mission to spread tolerance in UAE

The world's largest book on Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is in the Capital to spread the message of tolerance and charity.

The book, This is Muhammad, presents an entire picture on the personality of the Prophet (PBUH) as well as the positive influence of Islam globally.

The book at a glance

Title > This is Muhammad

Cost > Dh11Million

Weight > 1,500kg

Pages> 431

Owner> Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Awlaki,

chairman of Mashahad International Group

The book will be placed at Al Wahda Mall as part of Ramadan initiatives. It will be on display throughout the holy month of Ramadan and the days of Eid Al Fitr to promote the culture of tolerance, Mohammad Nauman Thakur, the mall manager, said.

The owner of the 431-page book, which weighs 1,500kg and measures 5m in length and 8.06m in width, Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Awlaki, Mashahad International Group chairman, said: "It is the first Arabic book to be included in Guinness Book of World Records. The book costs Dh11 million."

When asked about the reason to come up with such a book, Al Awlaki said the UAE leadership has placed great importance on the culture of tolerance and he was trying to promote and spread the message of tolerance.

"It is with this purpose the book is all set to tour around the GCC countries and rest of the world. This is pretty much the last time the book is in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The book has covered major malls across the UAE."

"Visitors are invited to take photos with the book, and participate in the 1 million signature campaign, as this is the last opportunity to witness the book here," Thakur added.

A number of cultural events and competitions are planned in the presence of celebrities and diplomats. Also, Al Mashahed Group plans to give away 1 million roses to people on the streets of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

It was the Muslim World League's 'Global Commission for Introducing the Messenger' that approved the contents of the book. "They ensure the contents of the book are worthy of being published under the title."

He said as many as 15 scholars and 300 workers made the book a reality.

"The research and content creation of the book took three years and the final works took a year to finish. We bagged the Guinness World Record in February 2012."

He said the book has so far won 22 international and local awards.

Source: Khaleej Times