Tag Archives: Basmah Syadza

Jun8

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

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

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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.

Apr3

Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

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Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

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This 47 page book of feelings and reassurances shows Muslim kids that they are not alone and that Allah swt is always there for them providing love.  The book is not a story, and at times it might sit unopened on a shelf, but when it comes out as a needed tool, I think the resource it provides will be much appreciated, powerful, and useful.  The book offers scenarios with emotions: fear, excitement, anger, sadness, and then reassures the reader with Allah’s promises, and then with what we can do or say.  There are only a few words on each page, with a simple illustration that changes with each scenario and is reflective and inclusive to skin colors and abilities.  The book if rushed, will just seem like a list, it really needs to be discussed and shared with children in a way that leads to internalization, application to their own life, and appreciation that Allah swt is aware of everything.  The book is not sourced, but the sentiments are familiar.

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Here are a few samples of how the book is tied together: “When it is dark outside, I feel scared, Allah says don’t be scared I am with you.  I can say ‘Allah is my protector,’ and read the last three surahs of the Quran.” This plays out over four pages. “When I have too much to do, I feel overwhelmed.  Allah says He does not give me more than I can handle.  I can say ‘Allah I am overcome, help me’ and I can do dhikr to calm my body.

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I like that the book is well done for what it is.  The repetitive format and Islamic centering make it is a useful tool and the guidance gentle on a child’s level.  If nothing else knowing that what you are feeling is normal and common and accounted for in our deen is a tremendous reassurance in feeling big emotions.  The reasonable price and the Islamic centering makes me hope this book is shared and shelved in places that little Muslims will have access to with adults to help facilitate the messaging.

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The book can be purchased here from Amazon or from Crescent Moon Store here if you use my initial ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10%.

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