Tag Archives: safa

Jun21

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

Posted on June 21, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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.

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.