Tag Archives: Fatima Al Fihri

Jul27

Huda F Would Love You? by Huda Fahmy

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Huda F Would Love You? by Huda Fahmy

The fourth book in the beloved Huda F graphic novel series once again expertly weaves humor, life lessons, relatability, and unapologetic Islamic rep. Add in that the book is framed around a “Life and Work of Jane Austen” class, goes meta blurring tropes and plot points, and features strong real and fictional Muslim women, and I think this might be my favorite Huda F book yet, yes I’m hoping it isn’t the last. SuhanAllah truly, the author and her books are such a blessing to us all.  At 256 pages this book is a solid YA, but I think older and younger audiences, boys and girls alike, will enjoy and benefit.  The surface is a bit of a rom com, coming of age, Huda finding herself in the summer after high school with friends and family away on their own adventures, and her wanting to get married. Alhumdulillah, the author’s style and the graphic novel format keeps the story from being didactic but the character’s growth is articulated clearly to ensure the messaging does not miss.  The book dives into marriage readiness, expectations, self awareness, and as I’ve always said since her very first books, they are great conversation starters with the young people in your life.  Whether discussing mental health, family dynamics, hijab, and in this one, love, the author really has a knack for conveying powerful and important themes in Islamic ways that are hilarious, consumable, and lingering.  I highly recommend mamas (aka aunties) also read it as a reminder (haha) for how we should help our kids at this stage in their lives.

SYNOPSIS:
From the publisher
It’s the summer after Huda’s high school graduation, and love is in the air! Or it’s about to be, anyway. Because Huda has the ingredients for a perfect love story: a butt-kicking girl power squad of new friends, and a plan to woo all the aunties into setting her up with their eligible sons. But when she finds herself caught between her friends and her heart, gender roles and ambitions, and her fears and dreams, Huda begins to realize that finding her own “happily ever after” might require changing herself—or her expectations.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the Jane Austen references and the tropes of enemies to lovers, slow burn, and friends to lovers pages with the period inspired drawings, seriously had me squealing and feeling seen. I also love that no one is forcing her to marry, it is completely on her, and that everyone is supporting her to find her self, not compromise who she is, and not rush anything.  I know the disclaimer says it is all fictionalized, but the references to earlier books, and the layers of the character Huda, really make her feel very very real.  I also love how Khadijah RA and Fatima Al-Fihriyyah are brought in and mentioned, that there is a niqabi biker, and that even with Huda having sisters, she also needs her sisters in Islam.


FLAGS:

Relationships, gossip, misleading presentation

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This should seriously be required high school Islamic school, college/university MSA, masjid older youth group required reading. We need to be having these conversations with our youth that are wanting to get married, and humor is such a great vehicle to address the topic.  To see what awareness about our own expectations is and how it might need to be adjusted, and how to assess the potential spouse and their motives, along with building a community that truly will support you in your own growth whether marriage is the goal or not, is so needed.  Truly a great book, with a lot of entry points and utilization.

Apr1

Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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The world’s oldest library proudly stands in Fez, Morocco: started by a Muslim woman, restored by a Muslim woman, and in this 40 page book the library itself tells its own story in a book authored by a Muslim woman.  The personified library shares a few highlights from its early start as a corner in Fatima Al-Fihri’s masjid and university to collections spanning multiple buildings, from a bustling center of learning and knowledge to a place of disrepair and neglect.  Staying on an early elementary level, the informative author’s note and references make the book engaging for older readers as well, and an incredible addition to bookshelves everywhere.

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The book starts with the library introducing itself and welcoming the reader. “Merhaba! I am Al-Qarawiyyin Library–the oldest library in the world.” At over a thousand years old, the library begins at the hands of Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 who dared to dream big and created a space of learning and worship in Morocco.

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As the courtyards and collections grew, seekers of knowledge, from all backgrounds, gathered to discuss, debate, and learn.  Special rooms with special locks kept books safe: a Quran written on camel-leather, a philosophers drawings in gold ink.

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Nearly destroyed once by a fire, the library endured, but over time the rooms were no longer filled with the bustle of people.  One day a small girl, Aziza, paused at the door, but did not enter for many years.  When she did return, she came as an architect with a team to restore the library and invite people back in to read, learn, and dream.

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It delights me that such an important story is available to be widely learned from and appreciated.  You can preorder a copy here from Amazon.

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Jan18

Fatima Al-Fihri by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda Lee

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Fatima Al-Fihri by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda Lee

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This adorable simple nonfiction highlight of the founder of the world’s first university still existing, The University of Al-Qarawiyyin, is perfect for preschool/kindergarteners and up.  The brightly illustrated, large minimal text passages spread out over 16 glossy pages breathes life in to a remarkable character and celebrates an accomplishment that every one should be familiar with and inspired by, inshaAllah.

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The story starts by establishing little Fatima’s love of learning.  She learns from books, her family and from the people in her city.  When her family moves from Tunisia to Fez in Morocco, Fatima is excited to learn new things.

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Every day she goes to the mosque to read and meet new people. Her father supports her, and when he passes away she is left with his wealth.  She decides to use the money to rebuild the mosque.

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She recalls that ‘iqra’ is not just about gaining knowledge, but is also sharing what you have learned with others.  She purchases the land around the mosque and builds a university.   It is documented as being the first institution to issue educational degrees.

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I wish the story was slightly more fleshed out with detailing more about her family and her influences, about her overcoming some obstacles and even how long she lived for.  I know the target audience has a short attention span, but a few details even little ones can relate to will connect them to such an important figure and inspire the readers to dream big and make a difference.

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This book is the first in the WomanKind series.   A new series to tell stories about Muslim women who made history.

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