MUSCAT: Dr Syed Muhammad Anwer, Alim Judge of Pakistan's Federal Shariat Court, recently unveiled his new book, Al Muhallab Ibn Abi Sufra, during a special ceremony held at the Pakistan School Muscat.
Distinguished people, including Dr. Mohammed Al Hajri, a State Council member and chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee, Bilal Hasan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Pakistan Embassy, Ameer Hamza, Chairman of the Board of Pakistan Schools Oman, and senior officials and employees from the Pakistan School Muscat, attended the event.
Speaking at the launch event, Justice Anwer stated that he decided to write about Al Muhallab Ibn Abi Sufra because to the historical figure's important contributions to Islamic and Arab history, as well as his special significance for Oman and Pakistan.
According to him, "Al Muhallab was a member of the Azd tribe, one of Oman's biggest, and an important figure who played a key role in building the Omani identity. "
"He was the person who brought Islam to the region now known as Pakistan in 83 AH (664 AD) via the Kabul region. At that time, there were no borders like we have today. "
Describing Al Muhallab as a thinker, courageous, and wise ruler, Anwer emphasized the shared maritime past between Oman and Pakistan across the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf — a heritage deeply ingrained in both Arab and Islamic history and still important today.
"Historical people like Al Muhallab set an example for current and future generations," he added.
Justice Anwer stated that he intended to launch the book in Muscat, particularly at the Pakistan School Muscat, in order to connect the younger generation with this Omani figure's legacy, "not just for Oman, but for the Pakistani people as well. "
"This will strengthen connections between Oman and Pakistan," he added. "That is part of our duty to future generations—to preserve our shared history, culture, and heritage. "
He emphasized that the book is not a biography, but rather an examination of Al Muhallab's historical impact, notably in Pakistan.
"I compiled numerous facts and historical documents on Al Muhallab to make such information accessible to current and future generations in Pakistan," he stated.
The book was first authored in Urdu before being translated into Arabic and English.
According to the Pakistani Islamic scholar, Al Muhallab was born in Dibba, in contemporary Oman, before moving to Iraq, where he rose to prominence.
"He became a leader of Iraq and a prominent personality in Arab and Muslim history. His name was even featured on the currency of the period, according to him. The book discusses several features of Al Muhallab's leadership and legacy, presenting him as a courageous and clever military leader noted for his strategic vision and prudence in dealing with adversaries.
The release of the book on Al Muhallab Ibn Abi Sufra in Muscat emphasizes the value of historical individuals in promoting crosscultural understanding and highlights the shared history between Oman and Pakistan.
