Category Archives: Hajj

Oct7

Zamzam for Everyone: Sharing Water at Hajj by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Bassent Dawoud

Posted on October 7, 2025 by islamicschoollibrarian

This joyful 32 page picture book is both adorable and educational. Layers of Hajj and Zamzam threaded through with the global reach of Islam, generosity, food, language, and a little girl with a big smile brightening every encounter, is heartfelt and tender. Each reading has me smiling and marveling at the illustrations, amount of information simply conveyed, and the way it all comes together to offer both a window and a mirror for readers of all ages, particularly 3 and up. The robust backmatter allows older readers to benefit, and with pronunciation guides, cultural and religious oversight noted, this book will be a favorite at bedtime and story times in Islamic and public schools, libraries, and gatherings. SubhanAllah, the book is really well done and such a gift to us all to see Hajj and Zamzam unapologetically and proudly presented through little Mariam’s eyes. It will leave children feeling like they just had a warm hug, and inshaAllah making dua’a that they too will be invited to Hajj soon.

The book starts with Mariam feeling blessed to be one of the millions of people at Hajj. Her mother encourages her to be good, share, and be grateful all while staying hydrated, as it will be tiring. She tries to come up with what she can do to get blessings, in addition to smiling, when she realizes sharing her Zamzam water will be the most beneficial.

She helps an old lady find a seat and gives her some Zamzam, the Pakistani lady says, “shukria” and gives her dates in return. When she shares with some Indonesian sisters and is told “Terimah Kasih” she is handed some pandan cookies in gratitude. This continues all throughout her Umrah with pilgrims and workers from different countries thanking her in different languages and sharing something back with her.

It carries on through the steps of her Hajj, even when Makkah is far away. And even when she returns to her home, she shares the Zamzam to bring a part of Hajj to those that stayed at home.

The backmatter tells the story of Zamzam, information about the treats mentioned from around the world, information about Hajj with a glossary as well as the steps of Umrah and Hajj, information about the author and illustrator, and who helped insure accuracy of all the cultural and religious content included.

The book comes out in January 2026, and appears to be available in both hardback and paperback, please preorder to show support.

Jun8

The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

Posted on June 8, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

This early chapter book discusses some of the key parts of Hajj and Eid al-Adha in a fictionalized manner. A young girl, Sumayyah, spending the weekend with her grandparents finds an old photo album of their trip to Hajj, and bed time, walks to the park, and baking muffins, all provide great opportunities for grandma and grandpa to share their experience, the Islamic concepts, and the historical roots of this pillar of Islam. The book is presented in a gentle way with concepts explained in broad terms, some related to experiences Sumayyah can relate to, and kept light and age appropriate. The book is not particularly detailed, or even as informative as many picture books, but allows early independent readers to emerge themselves in the story, pick up on familiar and new facts, and hopefully gain a bit of an overview about Hajj and Eid al Adha. Their isn’t a plot, it is characters and their dialogue providing a framing for the concepts to be shared. The illustrations are sweet and make it accessible to the target audience, and while the author’s note acknowledges that further information can and should be sought from people of knowledge. I really wish this book would have sources or a scholars approval, or where to go for more information. Overall, a good book for our kids, and an easy read that they will benefit from, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with establishing the characters, the photo album, and the curiosity surrounding it all. There are nine chapters in the book: The Photo Album, Prophet Ibrahim, Ihram, Tawaf, Sayy, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and The Ka’bah. The titles really outline the book and what it covers. The rituals are explained and the historical concept given and often linked to something Sumayyah and her grandparents are doing. For example, Sumayyah is inspired by Hajarah’s bravery running between As-Safah and Al-Marwah and uses that to fuel her determination to tackle the zip line at the park.

I enjoyed the approach to the content, it doesn’t just list everything as steps or facts. The history, the acts of hajj, blend together to make it read like a story, even with the predictable framing of teaching the character to teach the reader. My 8 year old knows a lot of the facts and details, but could chat about them a bit more after reading this book, alhumdulillah.

Jun21

The Call to Hajj by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Karen Tuba

Posted on June 21, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This small (7.7 x 7.5) hardback 24 page rhyming book blends labeling the steps of Hajj with modes of transportation to take to make the journey. The idea is great, but every few pages the rhyme is just terrible and distracts from the sentiment. There are a lot of books that detail the steps of hajj on a kids’ level, so I like that this book changes it up a bit and as a result it makes it a solid addition to a Hajj themed story time reading (if you can muster through some of the forced rhyming lines and small size). Even though the book starts with a bit of Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) story, I would read this book second or third in a story time setting or even bedtime, once listeners understand what Hajj is and some of the steps, this book can then be used to guide them to thinking about how people from all over the world throughout time have journeyed to make the pilgrimage. The publishers suggest the book for ages 7-9, but I think with some guidance and direction younger children will benefit as well.

The book starts with Prophet Ibraheem and his son Ismaeel being ordered to build the Kaa’bah and being commanded to call people to come. At first they came on foot, then people came by horse, alone or in groups. To circle the Kaa’bah, go between Safa and Marwa. By camel to reach Mina, by sea to stand at Arafat. No matter how they came and continue to come they answer is always “Labbayk ALlaah humma labbayk! Here I am, O Allah, here I am.”The final page asks the readers how they will answer the call to Hajj.

The book is available here Crescent Moon Store code ISL at check out saves you 10% or here at Amazon.

Jun19

A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

Posted on June 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

A rhyming cat centered book about hajj that has been checked by a Shaykh! Over 46 pages, preschool aged children and up will be able to see the steps of hajj in a fun, engaging and accurate way. This book is great for bedtime and small group story time and the reasonable price makes it perfect for sharing too. The illustrations do not have faces with eyes, but the joy comes through and Bissa the cat makes sure you know how special hajj is.

I love that the book identifies what type of hajj is going to be shown and thus signals that there are different ways. I also love that the book is sourced and the Shaykh is named and qualifications listed. For so long erroneous information in children’s books has gone unchecked and it really is such an important verification for something critical in our faith to be sourced and checked. Plus it is reassuring for the reader to feel confident in sharing the information with others.

The book radiates with excitement and information and the rhymes and illustrations keep kids engaged. The book is 8.5 x 8.5 so it might not work in big groups. I purchased mine from if you use code https://crescentmoonstore.com if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10% it is also available here on Amazon.

Jul15

Love from Mecca to Medina by S.K. Ali

Posted on July 15, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This book is a game changer, or better yet: an industry changer. It is about Muslims, for Muslims, by a Muslim- but it is MAINSTREAM and a huge panoramic window for anyone and everyone to see a “halal” fictional Muslim love story in action. With every page proudly mirroring various Muslim experiences this sequel-ish standalone-ish book is unapologetically real, without compromising good storytelling, interesting characters, and engaging plot points. In much the same way Reem Faruqi’s Golden Girl raised the bar for upper MG/lower YA, this book shows that upper YA Muslamic stories can be told. That the publishing world isn’t always limiting OWN voices, and that it is up to us, the consumers, to purchase these particular books, pre-order them when announced and spread the word so that the message is loud and clear that we want more books like this. I have no doubt S.K. Ali had to fight for her vision and advocate for her book at every turn, but now that it is here, we need to step up and show support with our purchasing power. I’ve pre-ordered mine, and I hope you will do the same before the book releases on October 18, 2022, if you cannot, please purchase it when you can, and if that is not an option please request your libraries to shelve the book (and all of her books) and put them on hold so that the gate further opens for mainstream Islamic fiction.

Preorder link on Amazon

SYNOPSIS:

Adam and Zayneb are back after falling in love in Love from A to Z and getting their nikkah done. They aren’t living together yet, though, and they are worlds apart with Adam jobless in Doha, and Zayneb homeless in Chicago. When communication breaks down, exes show up, and a trip to Umrah is underway with the couple divided into gender segregated groups, the couple might fall apart in the same fashion that brought them together in the first place. The steps of Umrah are beautifully highlighted and experienced, and characters from Misfits and A-Z come back to tie it all together and help the couple, keeping hope alive. Throw in some marvels and oddities, artifacts and interpretive labels, a unifying cat, and a whole lot of love, and you have a sweet conclusion to a Muslamic love story.

WHY I LIKE IT:

So, I obviously love the standard of unapologetic Islam that this book offers on every page while still being accessible to the larger audience. It took a little bit for me to be sucked in to the 352 page story, but by page 100 or so, I couldn’t put it down. The steps of Umrah brought tears to my eyes and the awesome Sausun is fierce feminist friendship goals. I honestly didn’t love the cat narrative that frames the story, but luckily it is sparse so I could see past it. I love that this book exists, I think I love the Misfit based duology a tiny bit more, but loved that this book had crossover characters and gave many of them a final bow of sorts as well. I read the book in two days and will probably re-read it when I receive my physical copy. It really is remarkable how much Islam is present in a fictionalized story: not a oppressed Muslim story, or biographical memoir, or refugee story, but in a solid fiction story. There is no “othering,” this is us, and this a love story about a Muslim couple trying to make it work with outside support and stresses, and beautiful writing. Alhumdulillah, very well done.

FLAGS:

I’d encourage mature, older YA because the characters are married and sexually active and while it isn’t graphic or depicted it is often just the words mentioning them kissing, and sleeping together and sexting. Nothing titillating or anywhere near inappropriate, but I think a bit of maturity would help it better reflect the values of Islamic marriages and relationships. There is some minor language and hate speech.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would absolutely use the book for high school book club if it is mostly juniors and seniors. I think it gives a good look at what a relationship can look like; the characters’ religious lens and lives will resonate with Islamic school students.

Feb11

Moonlight Hope: A Muslim American Coming of Age Story by Nora Salam

Posted on February 11, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Moonlight Hope: A Muslim American Coming of Age Story by Nora Salam

This 354 page New Adult read is truly Islamic fiction, and as long as you know what you are getting in to, you probably will thoroughly enjoy it. It is Islamic centered, it is preachy, it is idyllic, it counters many stereotypes about Muslims and various cultures, while simultaneously falling into other tropes that define the genre, it has mature framing that is not suitable for younger readers, but doesn’t detail anything that is super “haram.” If you are looking for a potentially halal romance between YA and Adult ages with Islamic messaging this book is a solid choice. If however, you will be annoyed by any of the aforementioned labels, this book will not hold your attention or beg to be finished. It reminds me a lot of Umm Zakiyyah’s If I Should Speak and A Voice books where the story has its own twists and character arcs but it spends a lot of time preaching and setting itself up to tout an Islamic perspective, or concept as well. I wanted to read two books in the “New Adult” category and see if I could spread my reviews to include them, and with this being the second, I think I should resist the temptation, and stick to what my library background familiarized me with.

SYNOPSIS:

Told in alternating voices of Intisar and Majed, two individuals in New York City, at different places in their life, but finding that when they hit rock bottom, Islam is the answer.

Intisar is graduating nursing school when the story opens and has only one goal in mind, get married. She has strict Sudanese parents and has put all of her dreams on finding freedom in the perfect spouse. She meets a guy at a friend’s house and they secretly date, kiss, and hold hands. When he ghosts her, she is devastated and reluctantly finds herself agreeing to marry a much older man of her parent’s choosing. Loosing herself in the idea of marriage, she finds herself heartbroken, ostracized and falling apart. She starts to put herself back together slowly by finding Islam, her confidence, and some much needed perspective.

Majed has a famous family: his mother a model, his father and siblings singers, and he manages their careers. After passing out from drugs and alcohol more than once he really starts to examine his life and the road he is on. He sneaks away to rehab and in the process stumbles on to Islam. He is Egyptian, but the family is not religious at all, and infact stop talking to him when he converts. The trials of being a Muslim in New York with no family are not easy, but he feels it is worth it and his journey to Hajj and through loss brings him closer to Allah (swt).

The two stories are parallel and collide slightly in the periphery, but the book ends with them finally coming together and the ever dreaded words of “to be continued,” leaving the reader hanging.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I do like that the story shows struggles when one comes (back) to Islam, it isn’t always a walk in the park, it has challenges and stresses. The book starts each chapter with a verse from the Quran and is very open about what it is. So, while at times, the preachiness did get to me, it was very clear what type of book it was from the beginning and I kept reading.

Some of the side characters I felt needed to be fleshed out a bit. I didn’t understand many of the random friends, how they affected the main character often seemed off, or completely underdeveloped in what was revealed about them: particularly Izzedine, Parita, the girl that married Mansour, the uncle at the Masjid that thought Majed was a spy, etc.. I also really struggled with the presentation of Uncle Munir and his calling Majed, baby, and how he just happened to bump in to him outside the bar, and the kisses. I’m guessing it was meant to show him as over the top affectionate, but it just read as odd.

I like that the book addresses hypocrisy, mental health, and expectations. It doesn’t paint all Muslims as good or bad, nor society at large. The book reads as a journey, and many characters are given a chance to correct their errors and be seen in a new light.

The majority of the book is written well, but right away the book gave me pause as Intisar and her friends chat all through the Jummah khutbah, I get that it is trying to show her disregard for intentional practice of her faith and her “boy crazy/marriage” obsession, but you cannot speak during the khutbah, it isn’t just dirty looks, you truly cannot talk for it to count, and it isn’t even remarked upon, and it made me skeptical of the book for a while. There is a word missing from a sentence on page 161 and at one point a brother in the prayer hall aims a shoe to throw. But you wouldn’t be wearing shoes in the room where you pray, and the mosque has hallways and a glassed off section for women, so this seemed like an obvious oversight that should be fixed.

FLAGS:

Drugs, alcohol, lying, overdose, sneaking out, kissing, hooking up, physical affection, violence, temptation, sexual predatory behavior, it is an adult book, so I’m not going to continue listing everything. Nothing haram is overtly detailed or glorified. Ages 17 and up, could handle it.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Too mature for my book club crew, but I wouldn’t mind it on a shelf in the school library.

Dec20

One Sun and Countless Stars by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Posted on December 20, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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One Sun and Countless Stars by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

I don’t think that Hena Khan is necessarily a controversial figure, but some days her work feels very polarizing as some praise her ability to share OWN voice desi American Muslim stories while others feel like she waters down the very stories she is sharing to appease the majority. Irregardless of our nuanced views, many of us first were made aware of her when we we were swept away in 2012 by the mainstream book, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns. Since then she also has published a book about shapes in the same format, and now this counting book that reminds me how beautiful and powerful it is to see Islam so unapologetically presented to all children.

The author’s note at the end is important:

There are many significant numbers in Islam. They include one for God, five for the pillars of the religion and daily prayers, seven for the circles pilgrims and visitors walk around the Ka’aba during hajj and more.

Mathematics and astronomy were among the intellectual pursuits of early Muslims. They helped to develop algebra and used geometry to create the elaborate patterns found in Islamic art.

For this book, I chose concrete and illustratable terms rather than abstract concepts. The representations for each number focus on things we can count in the world around us.

The book counts the diverse and global parts of a practiced faith. The unique and the mundane, all beautifully illustrated and richly conveyed. From cups of tea and shoes taken off for prayer to two hands making dua and four lines of a surah being memorized. The book counts up to nine and then marvels at the countless stars that we see each night.

The first page is possibly a bit problematic in accuracy. The tone and framing of starting the day with the sun rising and the sound of the adhan is warm and beautiful, but the adhan is not called at sunrise for the first prayer of the day, fajr. Fajr begins at dawn. There are only 21 words on the first page, so I’m inferring a lot about the correlation of the sun and athan that may or may not be present. It is something frequently misrepresented, so it catches my attention. And yes, the seven tawafs mentioned in the author’s note would also apply to umrah, not just hajj.

Overall, the book is lovely and will remind many of us what made us all celebrate Hena Khan and her stories so many years ago.

Sep20

I went for Hajj by Na’ima B. Robert illustrated by Paula Pang

Posted on September 20, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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I went for Hajj by Na’ima B. Robert illustrated by Paula Pang

Before I review this delightful book, I would like to make a public service announcement of sorts. It is not Hajj season, not even close. I pre-ordered this book on June 23 from Amazon, I should have/was supposed to have it before Hajj in the middle of July. I got it TODAY! When I realized that the US publication date was delayed for a book already published in the UK, I reached out to Kube Publishing and they suggested trying “an independent bookseller such as IslamicBookstore.com or CrescentMoonStore.com.” I know this. Noura is a dear friend, but I messed up. Please don’t do the same. SUPPORT LOCAL BOOKSELLERS! I’m sorry, lesson learned.

Now back to the book that already feels like a classic staple that needs to be on every Muslim families book shelf, and in every public learning space for non Muslims to enjoy and benefit from as well. The 31 page “inspirational, semi-fictional narrative” is perfect for ages two to seven as it mimics the beloved Eric Carle and Bill Martin, Jr. classic, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? but framed around Hajj and what is seen, done, and heard. Each two page spread begins with, “Hajji, hajji…”.

The book starts with a detailed Note to Parents and Teachers that explains the points to highlight, and discuss with children. The story is then organized by the steps of hajj in broad strokes and illustrated with both charm and detail that will hold readers and listeners attention.

Hajji, hajji what did you wear?

I wore two white sheets

And my shoulder was bare.

The book starts with the little boy narrator on the plane looking down on the clouds and sea. He then puts on his two sheets, hears the call to prayer, sees the black stone and the station of Ibrahim before he makes his seven tawaafs, runs between safa and marwa and heads to Mina. He prays at Arafat like the Prophet (saw) did, and falls asleep in the cold night desert air. He sees stones being thrown and eats meat on Eid before getting his head shaved. The book concludes with a glossary.

The book is well done and is a great mix of information and entertainment, alhumdulillah.

Jul13

Eid al-Adha: Festivals Around the World by Grace Jones

Posted on July 13, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Eid al-Adha: Festivals Around the World by Grace Jones

I had hoped to go through all the recently published non fiction hajj and Eid al-Adha books at my local library, the same way I went through the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr ones to check for errors and accuracy, but they really didn’t have many, and those that they did have were not published in the last few years. I did find this book from 2017 and because it has some errors: saying Eid is in September every year, not mentioning all the parts of Hajj, which is ok, but overly stressing the stoning at the jamarat, pronouncing Hajj as Harj, etc., I thought to share it with you all, so that you too can contact the publisher and your local library and/or bookstore to see about pulling it if you are so inclined (booklifepublishing.com)

The 24 page non fiction book is a large 9.5×12 horizontal layout with beautiful pictures of diverse Muslims worshipping and celebrating. A little cartoon character, Noor, guides you to word pronunciation with a glossary at the end.The book starts out with a two page spread defining what a festival is. The next two pages define Islam. Page 8 then states that “Eid al-Adha is a festival celebrated by Muslims in September of every year.” And page 9 of the book says we throw pebbles at a wall, not that we throw pebbles at three representative pillars. It also says that Eid is celebrated for two to four days depending on the country. Religiously, it should say it is a three day holiday.

It then tells the Story of Eid al-Adha aka Ibrahim (as) being to told to sacrifice his son. I’m not sure why the book doesn’t says that Muslim’s consider Ibrahim a Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and instead call him a wise man. Indeed he was, but it seems very awkward to not mention how Muslims regard him, and seems to go out of its way to not say he is a prophet in Islam.

The next section is about Hajj which tells that it is performed in the last month of the Islamic year and that we walk around the kaaba seven times. No other info is given, but in the next section it again mentions the throwing of pebbles, really dismissing any other steps and making the sacrifice and stoning rituals seem to be the whole of Hajj which is incredibly misleading and erroneous.

The book shows that those not at Hajj, pray in congregation wearing new clothes, give and receive gifts and giving charity. In the section about Festive Food it only Buriyani from India is featured, it seems random. It should have been stronger that one third of the sacrifice goes to the poor, one third to friends and family, and one can be kept for oneself. This would show that meat is the highlighted festival foods in any culture celebrating. On the “Noor Says” page at the end, it has Hajj pronounced as “harj” which is wrong, it is Hajj, or possibly hadj.

My standards have dropped considerably, and would sadly not consider much of this major. But, it does provide another example of how involved and aware we need to be in our representation in mainstream nonfiction publications.

Jul12

The Colours of My Eid: Memories of Hajj and Eid al-Adha by Suzanne Muir illustrated by Azra Momin

Posted on July 12, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Colours of My Eid: Memories of Hajj and Eid al-Adha by Suzanne Muir illustrated by Azra Momin

At 18 pages, this 8 x 8 book focused around colors contains a lot more information than what initially meets your eyes. The warm beautiful, full page pictures fall opposite a highlighted color and a description of that color in the child’s world that reminds the characters of their time at Hajj or celebrating Eid al-Adha. On each of the fun text pages is a light green text box at the bottom with factual information that older children or adults will benefit from and be able to share with younger listeners. The main text is ideal for toddlers and up, and older kids up to 3rd grade will benefit from the nonfiction highlights that can educate or remind Muslims and non Muslims alike, about the importance of Hajj and Eid al-Adha.

The book starts with an introduction about the Islamic language and perspective used, and clarifies that the colours emphasized are to help visualize the point being made, it also gives information about Eid al-Adha.

The colors highlighted are: white, black, brown, green, grey, yellow, and purple. The large simple text takes something relatable such as the monkey bars, or balloons, or the sky and corresponds it to a memory of Arafat, or ihram, or the hills of Safa and Marwa.

The nonfiction text gives specific dimensions of the Ka’aba, the story of Hajar and baby Ismail, the requirement of Hajj and some of the steps. There is a lot of information conveyed which at times is incredibly detailed, and sometimes, rather vague and generic, i.e. Tawaf is when Muslim pilgrims circle the Ka’aba as part of the Hajj rituals. Overall, this little book packs a punch, and I was equally impressed at how it held my five year old’s attention with the colors, and my interest with the facts detailed below.