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Moin Kazi's 'The Soul of Islam': resolving several misunderstandings, misperceptions

By Neel Preet 
The book “The Soul of Islam” is a compilation of articles authored on varied facets of Islam by Moin Qazi. They have earlier been published in various newspapers and journals. The collection is titled “The Soul of Islam”. It gives an insight into various faiths and how they have influenced the lives of their adherents. Much of these concepts have been examined in the context of Islam and Muslim culture. The purpose of the book is to reinforce the bonds of tolerance between people of various faiths, ideas and philosophies. The author strongly believes that this is easily possible if we all understand and accommodate each other. There are several misconceptions in the minds of people on account of the absence of exposure to the authentic literature of various faiths.
Most people come to know about other faiths not by personally studying them but by what is being discussed and commented upon in public discourses. Their genuineness is a matter of speculation and conjecture. The best way to resolve this dilemma would be for people to themselves explore these books. This book is a sincere attempt to encourage not just the general public but the youth to directly understand the values and ideas that underpin all these faiths. It is hoped that this strategy or approach could help in resolving several misunderstandings and misperceptions. This is the most sensible way for humanity to come closer so that we all can live in peace and harmony.
Author’s Background: An economist by training and a social worker by practice, Moin Qazi is an author, researcher, and development professional, who has spent four decades in the development: sector. He is a firm believer in learning from communities in their environments. He began his early career as a development journalist. While still in college, he began writing on the issues relating to the plight of child labourers and leading efforts against it. His work ultimately received the attention of Indian Courts, leading to a series of reforms for child labourers.
Here is my interview with Moin Qazi:

INTERVIEW

Neel Preet: Firstly, Congratulations on your book, “The Soul of Islam!” What responses are you getting from this book of yours? Please share your experience with this book.
Moin Qazi: The book helped me in several ways. It enabled me to refresh my knowledge of Islamic literature which I have gathered over the years and further inspired me to crystallize my views into a coherent philosophy.
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this book? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?
Moin Qazi: I have been working intensively in those areas of Islamic cultures which I know have inspired so many great civilisations. But unfortunately, the present generation is not aware of it.
Neel Preet: What do you expect that the readers will learn from this book?
Moin Qazi: I hope that readers will get a more realistic and authentic view of Islamic culture and, and it may motivate them to further explore and develop their understanding of it.
Neel Preet: While writing the book what was your mindset? What are some of the learnings that you gained from this work of yours?
Moin Qazi: I think that the media has presented a distorted picture of Islam and several adversaries of Islamic culture have leveraged this propaganda for damaging the image of Islam. My objective was to clear all misconceptions and I am hopeful that this book will go a long way in presenting Islam in its p; pristine purity.
Neel Preet: Apart from religious studies, in which other genre would you like to contribute?
Moin Qazi: I have devoted several years to the development sector working for gender rights and affordable housing and livelihood projects for the rural poor. That is a passion that has guided my professional philosophy.
Neel Preet: Well, can you please explain to us which segment of readers are you targeting with your book of yours?
Moin Qazi: The understanding of Islam has been so disparagingly distorted that every Indian has to be explained the true spirit of Islam that catapulted s civilisation into the Golden Age and the reason why Islam has lost its original glory.
Neel Preet: Next, I want you to tell us about some of those writers, who inspired you.
Moin Qazi: They are too many to be named here. They are courageously working to promote tolerance and harmony.
Neel Preet: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!
Moin Qazi: I appeal to readers to spend more time on reading and understanding scriptures from primary sources and not through secondary literature which can be biased and unreliable.
Neel Preet: Are there any other books being worked on by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
MoinQazi: I am working on a book on a realistic philosophy of rural development.
Neel Preet: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. All the very best to you for the future and your book too!
Moin Qazi: Thanks. I look forward to my readers for their blessings.
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Neel Preet is an Indian Writer-Author who is known for his books, “Voice From The East” (2016), "Journey With Time Place And Circumstances” (2018), and “Indian Defence Files Volume 1” (2021)

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