Amatullah Bantley has lived in Saudi Arabia for over twenty years. An American convert to Islam, she is defying stereotypes by proving that women can fully engage in public life here. With the support of both men and women in her community, Ms. Bantley saved the city’s oldest English-language Islamic bookstore and publishing house from closing its doors for good. Here’s the story, as told by freelance journalist Amira Elghawaby.
American convert guides publishing house into new territory
In a land where shopping malls sprawl the horizon, a modest bookshop tucked away in a tree-lined neighbourhood of East Jeddah offers a soothing alternative.
From the outside, Dar Abul-Qasim bookstore and publishing house looks like any one of the tiny store fronts that peek out from beneath dusty buildings, stubbornly withstanding the onslaught of super chains. But its history speaks to a past, and to a promising future, of offering readers of all faiths with accessible information about Islam in English, as well as in other languages.
Its owner, an American convert to Islam and mother of two, says she has big plans for the shop she took over just two years ago. Seated on an deep brown couch that contrasts the earthy tones of the store’s walls and bookshelves, Amatullah Bantley enthuses about her vision.
“I’d like to expand it into to being more than just a bookstore; I want it to be a resource centre,” she says, her Saudi-style niqab whisked away from her face, revealing a large smile. “I want to add a wing that has books available for people to just to come in and read, to research; of course, add Internet access. . . just to give people knowledge.”
Bantley’s relationship with the company started in 1989, when a friend asked her to deliver a manuscript to the publisher, a Saudi national named Soliman Gasim. Having opened the business in 1980, Gasim was dedicated to spreading correct information about Islam in English. So when Bantley brought him the manuscript, with some suggestions on how to make it read better, he told her to go ahead and make the changes herself – and to typeset it, as that had already been completed on the original version.
“What was I to do?” reminisces Bantley. She didn’t have a computer, a printer, nor any idea on how to typeset. A friend came to the rescue and found her what she needed – including a computer program that taught her how to prepare text. Gasim appreciated her work and asked her if she’d like to do more – she hasn’t stopped since.
After 16 years of collaboration, it was the bookstore’s founder who finally had to pull out.
In 2005, deteriorating health impelled Gasim to put the store up for sale, but he wasn’t just after the right price, says Bantley. “His vision was for this company to be more than just a business. He always wanted it to be a means of dawa [inviting people to learn about Islam]. He wanted to be sure that whoever he sold it to, would continue with this intention.”
As she watched Gasim turn down offers, Bantley said she couldn’t bear the thought of the company’s demise; she had benefited so much from reading the work they had produced over the years.
“I approached him and told him honestly, I don’t have the money to buy this company but if you can work out some kind of payment plan, I would be more than happy to open the store again. . . he agreed.”
Bantley, who has a degree in business management, now had to find lenders to back her project. “There was no other option but to go into debt for it,” she explains. “From a business sense, people would probably think it was crazy, going on a wing and a prayer, and I just decided it is what I had to do,” she says, the strength of her voice matching the conviction of her words. “It was very risky [but] for me this is Allah’s project, because He Has opened doors that I could never have imagined.”
Through those doors, community supporters of all backgrounds, both men and women, pitched in to help. They offered loans, reduced costs on labour and materials, decorating tips – even the framed photographs of Islamic architecture gracing the walls were donated.
This helped Bantley remake the bookstore into a modern, yet comfortable place where readers can leisurely explore the diverse selection of books lining the shelves. The store sells about one hundred original titles (published by Abulqasim Publications), plus over two hundred others from well-known publishers like Darussalam, International Islamic Publishing House and Dar Al-Khair.
And while about ninety per cent of the books are in English, Bantley points to a a few shelves featuring books in other languages including French, German, Tamil, Tagalog, Sinhala, Malabari, Russian, Spanish, Indonesian, Turkish and Urdu. She’s also got thirty translations of the Quran in stock.
All she needs now are more customers.
“Honestly, business is a bit slow,” explains Bantley, who says she’s trying to balance the need to pay back lenders with further investing in the company’s promotion and expansion. “I try to do a little bit of advertising here and there but right now it’s more word of mouth.”
To get people talking, the publishing house hosted a couple of lectures featuring Sheikh Yusuf Estes, the American preacher turned caller-to-Islam in January. And plans are also underway to promote new and seasoned authors through book signings and readings. Bantley hopes these efforts – “baby steps”, as she calls them – will help her fulfill the aim of her work: to produce, provide and distribute top quality Islamic literature to those who want and need it.
Even Arab businessmen could benefit, suggests Bantley. “This is an opportunity for them to get [books] locally and at decent prices and they can offer them to their workers. But they don’t know about us.”
Unless they’re reading this.
Dar Abdul-Qasim is located off of Sahafah Street, on the north side of the Madinah Printing Press. Their phone number is (966-2) 671-4793, or email abulqasimbooks@hotmail.com. Their products can also be ordered online in the United States through Halalco.com and islamicbookstore.com
Filed under: America, Books, culture, Economy, gender, Interview, islam, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi Living, travel Tagged: | America, culture, customs, islam, Jeddah, KSA, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel
What an excellent concept, and a courageous woman. She is putting her business degree to excellent use. I love the photos, especially of the children’s books and the art on the walls.
I hope business picks up. The author’s nights are very effective in marketing here, as is catologue ordering and shipping (either online catalogue or a printed one readily distributed).
Too bad she’s not Saudi but maybe she will inspire Saudi women to follow her example of being a part of society.
Can someone tell me what Amatullah means?
‘Gasim was dedicated to spreading correct information about Islam in English’
I wonder which version of correct Islam? Does she offer any diversity as a part of gaining knowledge?
very valuable information sister
“Gasim was dedicated to spreading correct information about Islam in English’ ”
With publications from Darussalam I would venture that some of his publications were not exactly the “correct” iinformation he hoped it would be. They are known for their extreme viewpoint concerning many things…including women.
Other than that this is definitely a worthwhile endeavor…anything that allows people to read and learn for themselves. I hope she doesnt just stick with religious works…so many other things out there worth reading…and we all like a little variety.
Dang! Too bad I live in Riyadh or I’d be a regular customer. May Allah grant her success ameen.
GREAT post!!!
Glad you all enjoy! I find it very heartening to hear of how one Western woman has found a business niche for herself. And stay tuned…I also hope to have some upcoming articles on Saudi women who have made their own opportunities as well.
Doesn’t anyone know what Amatullah means? Is it female servant of God?
I’d have to check…..
Just asked my husband and it means “slave of God.”
Thanks Carol.
There was something else that I wondered about after reading this post. Is this store segregated? Can either sex peruse the shelves and sit and read? What about Author Nights, would it be a mixed gathering?
I just read on the news about the Saudi men (authors)who were detained by the religious police for trying to get a female author’s autograph at a book fair in Riyadh.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/03/07/saudi.arabia.autograph/index.html
You’re welcome Lynn. I did not do this interview so do not know the answers to your excellent questions.
Great post, I hope she will be able to attract lots of customers!
me too, Aafke!
Very cool, it is always inspiring to see someone start something they really care about and they can really invest their creative energy into!
I agree, Tanya.
Hi everyone -
First, thanks to Carol for sharing this article with the readers! I wanted to answer one of the questions – both men and women can indeed peruse the items at the same time as their is no separate timings for either gender.
Not sure what the setup for the author’s nights would be, but it might depend on the author’s preferences as well.
Hope you all have a chance to check out the store! I really fell in love with it when I had the chance to visit, which is why I had to write about it. Thanks for reading!
Amira, I’m so glad to see you here so you can respond to the queries which have been asked! And it is my pleasure to shre this article with the readers.
Bismillaah
Assalaamu Alaikum Carol!
I am sorry for not giving you salam before I had no idea you were Muslim. Congratulations!!! (even though I am late)
I am very happy to see she is trying so hard to do somehting ood and blessed for the community. May Allah bless her with much success in all her halal endeavors.
~H
Salam Alaikum Halimah!
Thank you. Glad to see your comment and we all do want her business to succeed.
Anyone know what her marketing concept is? Does she have a “children’s corner” with comfy little chairs, storybook hours? Arts and crafts projects corresponding to the stories being read?
Are there halaqas for women on certain nights, for men on others …
lol, Maybe I should do that here!
I hope Amira will chime in and answer your queries Susan!
good work .. TANT tuta – First time on face web
Susan, those are great ideas. I would also suggest that she might host some fund-raising events at her bookstore to spread awareness….and perhaps have field trips planned with the American/Brittish/International schools here for the students. If she has a web-site, she could mail books to those interested in Riyadh or anywhere in the Kingdom. I would think that the government would help her in this project of hers as it reaches out to expats in helping them to understand the religion here, no matter what religion they might be. When I first met Amitallah, I thought she would be one of those very ‘strict’ muslims not open to discussion on religion. (My fault…I judged her because she covered her face and she is an American.) But, she is very ‘western’ still and open-minded and willing to discuss anything. She’s very easy to talk to.
Plus there’s Saudi National Day on the 23rd of September (here) Shawwal 4 (there). Looks like it’s a couple days after Eid (insha’allah
Literacy programs, reading mentors, calligraphy contests, open mic night for poetry readings … little by little get the buzz going about the business. Keep it going, but don’t saturate it, rather time it.
Have a contest for local artists (to paint a mural on the walls above the bookshelves (for an accent wall). No need to even close the store, the artist can paint, or whatever the media, on canvas in sections then mount them when the store is open have an event to feature it.
The Riyadh Zoo Day – what the animals are, their names, habitats, “personality” kids can pretend who they would be – culminate with a trip to the zoo, with families.
Kids could act out some of the books, it becomes a script in a sense.
What book brings an opportunity for a new “celebration” and marketing potentiality – theme – and active participation for customers, reaching out and connecting on all cognitive levels?
Now I’m late for fajr … it’s 6:21am here in DC
Mariam, Susan, You have given excellent suggestions for added exposure, PR and marketing of the bookstore.
Mariam – when I next make it to Jeddah I’ll expect you and Yas to take me to the bookstore! (smile)
Miriam Mac – forgive me for my misspelling in the comment above…I’m writing as I’m still fighting jet lag and not completely awake yet!
The Riyadh Zoo would be a little far from Jeddah wouldn’t it.
Salams all,
Wow!! Who needs a marketing budget when we’ve got all these bright ladies offering such great ideas!
I will ask Sr. Amatullah to take a good look at these comments. There aren’t yet too many events at the store, but I know she is slowly working towards that, as mentioned in the piece. (I remember she talked about wanting to hold story hours for kids, which would be fabulous!)
And yes, Mariam, she is very open-minded with a very progressive way of looking at literacy, knowledge, empowerment.
What struck me, too, was how she really wants the place to become a resource center – and as you all know, there aren’t many of those around which are available to the public.
It is very exciting, and I am glad that there is all this interest – I’m sure she’d love to meet you, Carol, as well as others living in Jeddah, or coming from beyond. Be sure to email her first, if you do plan on visiting, as she isn’t always at the store!
And be prepared to want to stay awhile : )
Amira,
Thanks for the additional comments. I will be emailing you as I have already received private emails from one who has published on Saudi Arabia and interested in dialoguing with Sr. Amatullah.
Regards,
Carol
Just remembered a strategy that has worked well for a number of independent bookstores I am aware of–connect with the relevent university departments, and stock their textbooks (even if there is a university bookstore, some profs and students prefer an independent) and relevent materials. Profs will direct their students to purchase from the independent bookstore, and order their own research books there. Also student discounts, and setting up a book table at university and academic events, help.