Ferozsons Is Enlightening the Minds in Pakistan
By C. Naseer Ahmad
Washington, DC
The importance of reading, especially for Muslims, can be understood by the fact that the first revelation experienced by the Holy Prophet starts with the word ‘Iqra’, which means read or recite. So it is no surprise that the Holy Prophet advised his followers to pursue a path of learning - based on the saying attributed to him: “Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China.”
Reading books is a sure pathway to learning and an enlightened mind. Books enable readers to learn about subjects that open the minds to science, mathematics, philosophy and so many other fields that help humanity.
One of the most visible landmarks in Lahore was the iconic Ghulam Rasool Building where a legendary bookstore - “Ferozsons” - started operations in 1894. The strategic location of the building on the “Mall Road”, now known as “Shahrah-e-Quaid-i-Azam,” made it hard for visitors to miss it on their visit to Lahore. The Punjab Provincial Assembly building is around the corner as well as the “Summit Minar”, an obelisk shaped structure commemorating the Islamic Conference held in Lahore in 1974.
It would be an understatement to say that Ferozsons is an institution that has facilitated learning for over a century. This author has been very fortunate to have known Mr A. Salam Khan, former Chairman, Ferozsons. On many occasions he would invite me as well as my children to his office for tea. In fact, because of his generous nature, Salam Sahib would offer any book as a gift. My children and I were recipients of this generosity due to the long friendship between him and my beloved father.
Salam Sahib inherited the generosity and wisdom from late Maulvi Feroz-ud-Din, founder of the venerable bookstore. In one of his letters, Salam wrote: “Ferozons is the oldest and leading printing and bookselling organization in Pakistan. It is named after the revered ancestor of the contemporary generation running the organization, late Maulvi Feroz-ud-Din. He was a saintly figure of Lahore whose heart overflowed with love and devotion for Islam and Muslims. Simultaneously, he was too keen to promote the spirit of science and technology among the downtrodden Muslims of the Indo-Paksubcontinent. It is he (Maulvi Feroz-ud-Din) who founded this organization in Lahore in 1894. Ever since that day the organization has been serving the people as the largest publisher of the region.”
Under Salam Sahib’s leadership, building on the work of the previous generation’s leadership, Ferozsons continued to thrive with well-organized bookstores in major Pakistani cities as well as scores of bookstalls at various railway stations in Pakistan. The focus of the organization has been on printing and distribution of books on various subjects of science and social sciences. The organization owns a sophisticated printing house equipped with the latest electronic equipment for production of literature in Arabic, English, Persian, Urdu and regional dialects of Pakistan.
Salam Sahib wrote to me that Ferozsons has published an Urdu monthly “Taleem-o-Tarbiyat” for children for several decades. This journal became the most popular magazine among Pakistani children and Urdu-speaking youngsters all over the world.
Ferozons administration has qualified, experienced and committed personnel on its staff. It is perhaps a big reason for the organization’s success. “Working like an inspired team, they further the cherished goals of the great organization with characteristic devotion and dedication,” wrote Salam Sahib. “Ferozsons has been disseminating the inspiring values and virtues of Islam as also the fruits of modern science and technology in the entire length and breadth of Pakistan in the most commendable manner,” he continued.
In addition to his leadership role at Ferozsons, Salam Sahib served as the honorary consul for Spain and excelled in several distinguished roles in civic organizations in Lahore. The torch has now been passed on to a new generation of leaders at Ferozsons, who have willingly embraced new responsibilities and extended the scope of services. The organization steadfastly continueson the path of spreading knowledge and education laid out by the saintly spirit of its founder the late Maulvi Feroz-ud-Din.
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