The book, titled Zwischen Rom und Mekka: Die Päpste und der Islam (Between Rome and Makkah: the Popes and Islam), was written by Heinz-Joachim Fischer.

It gives a summary of the relationship between the author and the Vatican, spanning over 20 years. The writer enjoyed direct contact with officials of the Holy See. The author travelled with the late Pope John Paul II during his visits to Muslim countries. He also accompanied the current pontiff, Benedict VI, on his trips. The book offers Arab readers the chance to learn about the relationship between Christianity and Islam, and it is told from the viewpoint of a journalist who is close to the Vatican.

The author has devoted the third section of the book to Pope Benedict VI, giving background information on the pope’s academic achievements and the time he spent teaching at several German universities. This section also examines his views on the relationship between faith and reason, citing the text and footnotes of his lecture, as well as the responses to his teachings in Germany.

The book pauses to discuss the message sent by138 Islamic figures to Benedict VI, under the title of “A Common Word”, stressing its sound logic.

Book on rat

Kalima has also published the Arabic translation of the book Rat by author Jonathan Burt. The book deals with the rat, described as ‘the shadow of the human’. This description is in reference to the fact that, since ancient times, rats have spread across the world, and is thought to have followed the routes of commerce and conquest taken by man. As a result, the rat is now thought to inhabit almost every part of the world.

The rat’s impact on history has been enormous in terms of the damage it has caused through plague and disease. It has also been held responsible for the destruction of agricultural produce, and the infestation of many cities. However, it is also noted that the rat has had some positive impact, and has provided science with a huge resource for experimentation.

The book is a fascinating account of the rat throughout history and examines the myths and cultural impact of this creature. It traces the contradictory and volatile relationship that exists between humans and rats, from the first archaeological finds to the genetically engineered rats of the present day.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com