There is something very inviting about books. We of course know about the old adage which says that a good book is a man’s best friend. While we might not always read a book but almost all of us love to enter a book shop and browse through the pages of the latest bestsellers to have hit the stands.

And if there happens to be a fair somewhere, the crowd heads that way. The International Islamic Book Fair at India Islamic Centre is no different. Organised in collaboration with IIC and Al Hasanat Books Pvt Ltd the fair is in its second year.

"Last year when we had organised the book fair it was appreciated and we got a huge response. So we decided to hold one again this year," said Faisal Faheem, MD of Al Hasanat.

And why not. It is not very often that one finds books in Urdu and Arabic under one roof. Not only this the fair has even managed to get books from across the globe. There are books from USA, UK, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia to name a few.

It is not so easy to order books from these countries and that too on each and every topic. You have books on religion, fiction and non-fiction books; there are books on what Islamic law has to say about finance, banking and even management. You will also find books by contemporary authors and writers from bygone era.

"Ordering books from all over the world is definitely not easy. First, one needs to know the popular authors there, then you need to know the books they have written. Second is the ordering itself. Once delivered they have to checked. One can’t sell a new book to the clients if it is not in proper condition. One needs to be passionate about books. Books should be in one’s blood," added Faheem.

One can see him walking about, among the rows of books talking to the customers helping them choose or buy a book. It is not books that one will find here. Are you interested in learning a new language? The fair has a series of books that can teach you either Urdu or Arabic whichever you prefer. In case you what to know the meaning of the word, quickly consult the dictionary.

Children need not be disappointed. From the most basic like a colouring book, there are books on Arabic numbers and alphabets. On sale is also beautifully hand stitched calligraphy. The same has been imported. "Though we do have Indian artists who do this kind of work, we preferred to import it," Faheem said.

Even though one might come out of the book fair empty handed, it sure broadens your horizon. Someone has rightly said: Books are like maps, chart, compasses that prepare us to face the seas of human life.