Tag Archives: qadr

Apr4

Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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The book stems from the genocide occurring in Gaza, but expands to cover the more general concepts of qadr (destiny), tests, and sabr.  The book assumes that what is happening in Palestine is known and does not discuss specific details, allowing the book to be both timely, yet universal.  As with all the books in the series, the conversational humorous approach appeals to children as foundational Islamic concepts are broken down and explained.  The book is 73 pages with the journal portion starting on page 33. In some of the other books, the journal feels more of a hands on to already shared information, or an accompanying workbook of sorts.  In this book however, I feel like the second half continues to explain the topic at hand, and convey key components in understanding why Allah swt, lets “hard” things happen, how we should view the tests, approach difficulties, and inshaAllah triumph. The book has been checked by a Shaykh, and I highly recommend this important book for elementary, middle grade, and even middle school children. The concept of qadr is difficult, I struggle to truly grasp what we can and cannot change, but this book helps readers focus on what we can change and how to view terrible things that happen to us and to others.

The book starts with Eliyas introducing himself and his family, and then wondering why “Israel is being able to do what they’re doing in Gaza.  Why isn’t Allah stopping it?” As with all Eliyas books, mom and dad are sought out, food is somehow worked in, and time and space are given to Eliyas and his siblings to be given an answer. His parents start by being glad that Eliyas’s heart is soft for the Palestinians and that he is bothered by what is happening to them, before explaining that a lot of understanding is trusting and truly believing that Allah swt knows best.

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The book uses hadith, ayats from the Quran, it even shouts out other Zanib Mian books, The Mindful Book of Wellbeing, for seeing the bigger picture and Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray my Salat on how to make yourself strong to get through the struggles of this duniya.

The book talks about why Allah swt didn’t make everyone good, and it is clear in saying that being mad and sad are ok too, as long as we are not questioning Allah swt. There are prompts and questions (with answers) and the book is not heavy, despite the subject matter, the tone and approach stay on level and allow readers to connect, alhumdulillah.

You can get your copy here at Crescent Moon Store.

Nov23

Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova

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Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova

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This is not normally a book I would review because it will read like paid endorsement, which it is not.  It is a 32 page personalizable book, that I’m highlighting because it exemplifies a concept of Islamic literature, that is often lacking.  We have numerous books teaching Islamic concepts to toddlers and preschoolers, but forget to teach the secular concepts through an Islamic lens.  We often have a bookshelf of Islamic books that include learning to say Alhumdulillah, and the names of Allah swt; and a bookshelf of non Islamic books that features stories about dinosaurs, monster trucks, and being silly.  This book reminded me of how important it is to have books that do both.  Not to necessarily preach, or even teach, just to merge the two shelves and present a singular framework of Islam, a way of life, not just a religion to our youngest believers.

Sure the name and customizable appearance is fun, but deeper than that, learning about different careers knowing that Allah swt created all of us to do so many worthwhile jobs is a great lesson to be sharing.  The larger concept of teaching Qadr to our children is only presented on the back cover of the book and can be implemented by using the parent guide at the end of the story.

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The book starts with asking what you want to be when you grow up and informing the child that Allah swt has a plan for us all.  Each page after then mentions the child’s name, introduces a career, and ties back to that Allah swt has written, or decreed something for us.

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The highlighted careers vary from being a parent, to an astronaut.  A teacher to a chef, a mechanic to a dentist.  There is no priority, nor opinion on one career or job or hobby being more important or more valuable than another.

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The pages are bright and colorful and the paperback book thick and sturdy.  I did struggle with the word “could,” and often would self edit as I read and would change it to, “Ayub ‘can’ be anything.” I’m not sure why the diction is what it is, but it reads incorrect to me.

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