God meeting his beloved Friend

Sufi Comics: God meeting his beloved friend

We have all heard the saying "There are 2 things certain in this world Death & Taxes". We all know that none of us can escape death. It is the destiny of every person.  It is strange that something so inevitable we hardly talk or prepare for it.  Somehow we think of death as a bad thing and fear it. The fear is not so much of the pain at the time of death, but it is the ending of the relationship with the things of this world.

But maybe that is not such a bad thing and we don't have to fear it so much.

Sufi Comics: On Business

Sufi Comics: On Business

A new comic is being released after a long while! One request that I've received frequently is to have the comics in color. So I'm trying something new with the style of the comics from now on. It's going to be in color and will use elements from Persian & Turkish miniature paintings. This is the first Sufi Comic using this style. Hope you all like it :)

Sufi Comics featured in Emel Magazine

Sufi Comics got featured under the Kith & Kin section of Emel Magazine, March edition.

Walking on Water

Sufi Comics: Walking on water

Hassan Al-Basri & Rabia Basri are two well known personalities who lived in Iraq during the 7th Century. I came across this beautiful story that I thought would make a wonderful comic.

Sufi Comics at Comic-Con Express Mumbai: Photos & Press

Since the time I've been working on Sufi Comics, I've been reading about Comic-Con conventiosn that take place in the US and Europe.  I used think how great it would be to have a Comic-Con in India, to showcase Indian comics that are unique in their own right.

Then earlier this year to my surprise I read in the papers that India organized their first Comic-Con in Delhi, and the next one was coming up in Mumbai.  In a way the timing was perfect 'cause "40 Sufi Comics" had just gotten released.  Arif didn't waste any time in booking a stall and in Oct of 2011 we found ourselves behind a stall in Comic-Con Mumbai promoting "40 Sufi Comics". It was a wonderful opportunity to meet Comic Artists & enthusiasts around the world.

Just by the sheer number of footfalls at the convention, one could see the rise in demand for Comics and Graphic Novels.  Comics are a very powerful medium and instead of just mere entertainment, I hope they are used for spreading positive messages to tackle the social issues our World faces.

"40 Sufi Comics" received a very warm welcome from visitors and the media. Our books got sold out, and many expressed their interest in future volumes.  We're looking forward to participate in Comic-Con 2012!  Press clippings & Photographs below:

Photographs:

Book Launch: 40 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!

Hijab of the Eyes

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.

God’s Happiness

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.

Perhaps you know this Donkey

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.

40 Sufi Comics in the Media

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.