Oct 8, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in General, Sufi Comics | 1 comment
Sufi Comics at Comic Con Express Mumbai
We’re pleased to announce that Sufi Comics will be participating as an exhibitor @ Comic Con Express Mumbai on the 22nd & 23rd of October. We’ll also be doing an On-Stage book launch of “40 Sufi Comics” at 1:30 pm on 22nd October. If you’re in Mumbai during this time, please drop by, we would love to meet you!
What is Comic Con Express?
Comic Con Express is the traveling version of the Indian Comic Con, the annual Comics Convention at Delhi.
Comic Con Express was started with the aim of taking Comic Con to cities throughout India to support and boost the comics industry by increasing local interaction and participation. Visit:
http://www.comicconindia.com
Oct 4, 2011
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Sufi Comics: Hijab of the Eyes
We live in a world where modern man is seen as nothing more than a glorified animal whose purpose is to maximize his sensory & sensual pleasures. It’s a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of sexuality, and lowering the Gaze has become uncool.
Is “seeing” nothing more than processing of photon particles? Is beauty only in the external world of form? The External world is just a tiny reflection of Real beauty. Real beauty lies is in recognition of the formless.
To recognize Real Beauty, one should be careful of what they see ’cause the Eye is a window to the Soul. What we see changes who we are, and who we are reflects what we choose to see.
“There is nothing more gainful than lowering one’s gaze, for the sight is not lowered from things, which Allah has forbidden unless the witnessing of majesty and glory has already come to the heart.” ~ Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (as).
Aug 28, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in Sufi Comics | 5 comments
- Sufi Comics: God’s Happiness
In this time’s comic I’ve tried something different. It contains no words other than the saying of the Imam. A similar saying has also been attributed to the Prophet (‘s), but I’ve not been able to find the exact words & reference.
This is the month of Ramadan. It is a month where we have been invited to be the guests of God. Instead of giving us food, He asks us to Fast, because it is an invitation to get close to Him. Just a few days are left and the month of Ramadan will come to an end. Let’s make the best use of these last few days by sincerely seeking his forgiveness, and seeking his help to improve ourselves for the better.
The Prophet (‘s) has said “Unfortunate is the person who is deprived of the forgiveness of God during this great month.”
May 25, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in Sufi Comics | 6 comments
- Sufi Comics – Perhaps you know this donkey
“This is a Book full of Blessings that we have revealed unto you so people ponder upon its verses and men of intellect may reflect.” (Quran 38:29)
“Seek truth in meditation, not in moldy books. Look in the sky, to find the moon, not in the pond.” – a Persian proverb.
I can’t help but recall the Killers of Imam Hussain (as) on the plains of Karbala. It’s been narrated that some of the murders had memorised the entire Quran. Memorised! How many times they must have read the Quran to have it memorised. Yet, they were urging their commander to start the battle early so that they could kill the Holy Imam and then offer their prayers. The lesson is the same. Reading may be first baby step towards enlightenment, but is useless without reflection.
May 18, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in General, Sufi Comics | 2 comments
In the last few month, the 40 Sufi Comics book was reviewed in the Media (Newspapers & Blogs). Thank you to all of you who took out the time! If any of you would like to write a review of the book on your Website or Print Media, get in touch with us with your address and we’ll ship you a free copy of the book anywhere in the World.
Television
IBN-TV, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania did a talkshow on Sufi Comics
Print Media
Marathi Newspaper Mumbai
Hindustan Times – Mumbai
DNA – Mumbai
Mid-day – Mumbai
http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2011/oct/181011-Mumbai-guide-Life-in-a-comic-book.htm
The Hindu (Using Comics to explain Islam)
The Indian Express (Breaking the ice through comics)
Islamic Voice (Sufi Wisdom served with great elan)
Deccan Chronicle (Dervish duo’s comic relief)
Hindustan Times (Sufi stories in comic format)
Online Media
“Comics and graphic novels have come a long way. Once seen in India as a clever ploy to make children read history and mythology, it is now viewed as one of the coolest literary forms there is, with a steady following amongst the old and the young. Taking the form a step ahead, Bangalore based brothers Mohammed Ali Vakil and Mohammed Arif Vakil have complied 40 comic strips, titled 40 Sufi Comics, in the form of a book that visually depicts the teachings of Islam.” Sufi Comics trying to help people understand Islam by Shweta Sharma
“Graphic novels have a cult-like following from the very young, to the academically wise. Who knew they could teach you spiritual, or Islamic life lessons?” Muslimness.com: Behind 40 Sufi Comics – India’s Muslim Blogging Brothers by Zaufishan Iqbal
“The art was beautiful, so the teachings. Each story taught a moral value, and had verses from the Qur’an and traditions with special notes from the artist. 40 Sufi Comics is actually a collection of illustrated eternal truths of life.” - Comic Addicts: Sufi Comics by Nishkarsh Chugh
“One of the great beauties of this work is its suitability for all audiences and ages. An 8-year-old child, a 55-year-old adult, or an open-minded non-Muslim – indeed almost anyone – will enjoy and benefit from this material.” - Islamic Insights: Sufi Comics Book Review by Diana Beatty
“The subjects that they have chosen include Love, Knowledge, Ethics, Spirituality, Mother, Prayer, God et al. Alongside, there are translations of relevant verses from the Quran and quotes from the Prophet and other teachers.” - Citizen News: Philosophy can be fun by Pushpa Achanta
“A short comic is a preferable medium these days for many to read and assimilate new subjects. One can go back to it as often as one wants because they are not boring, They convey esoteric philosophy in simple language and cartoons without compromising on content or quality.” - ChummaChumma: 40 Sufi Comics by Gopal S.
