IUM to produce audio books of 49 works by renowned writer Farooq Hassan

The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) has begun work to produce audio versions of 49 books by renowned Maldivian writer Abdullah Farooq Hassan. In a social media post, the university said a special ceremony had been held after Farooq Hassan granted permission to the university's library to prepare the audio books. The ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Zahir, university staff, Farooq Hassan and members of his family. IUM said providing books in audio format for students, especially visually impaired students, was an important service being carried out with special priority. At the ceremony, Farooq Hassan symbolically handed over the permission to produce the audio books, and a memento was presented to him in appreciation of the valuable scholarly service. Speaking to One Online, Farooq Hassan said he had been donating books to educational institutions in Male' and Fuvahmulah over the years, and noted that the gesture had been recognised by the Islamic University of Maldives and the Maldives National University. He thanked both institutions. "The aim is to make a lasting charity. It is to give whatever support can be given in the service of spreading knowledge carried out by the Islamic University," he said. Farooq Hassan has spent 54 years in the field of writing and has published 62 books to date. Twenty-three books are ready for printing, while work on nine more books is currently ongoing. His works include books on Islamic history, the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH), the lives of the Caliphs and Companions, prominent figures of the Islamic world, and the greatness of the Quran.