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Islamic Books’ Sales Triple in France
4-07-2015
Despite the rise of anti-Muslim sentiments across the country, French people curiosity to know more about Islam was reflected in a notable increase in the sales of Islamic books, amid reports of increasing number of reverts in the European country.
“The French are asking more and more questions, and they feel less satisfied than ever by the answers they’re getting from the media,” Fabrice Gerschel, director of Philosophie magazine, told Press TV.
Gerschel, who publishes Philosophie magazine which focuses on the Muslims’ holy book, the Qur’an, said that book shops in France are selling out their stockpiles on Islam.
Compared to the same time in 2014, books on Islam have been sold three times higher in the first quarter of 2015, according to the French National Union of Bookshops.
French academics have also inaugurated programs aimed at better understanding Islam within their universities, including at the prestigious College de France in Paris.
“Given the situation, I have added sessions on monotheistic religions to my general culture class for students preparing for magistrate exams,” added Jean Rony, who teaches law at the nearby Sorbonne University.
The number of reverts to Islam among French people has increased significantly after Charlie Hebdo attacks, in which 17 people were killed, with French imams reporting a growing number of people coming to take Shahada or declaration of faith at mosques.
A few days after Charlie Hebdo attack, French director Isabelle Matic announced her decision to revert to Islam on her FaceBook account, making the unexpected announcement only a few days after Paris attacks.
A Pew Research study released earlier this week found that the number of Muslims is expected to surpass that of Christians by 1% after 2070.
According to the study, the Muslims will nearly equal Christians at mid-century, with a 30% increase in the followers of the peaceful faith.
Both Islam and Christianity, the world' largest religious groups, will make more than 69% of the global population in 2100, rising from 61% in 2050 and 55% in 2010, according to the research.
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