Tag Archives: salah

Apr19

Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

Posted on April 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

I love the Eliyas Explains books, but was a little curious what a “Bite-Size Journal” version would be, and Alhumdulillah, the silly relatable voice is the same, there just isn’t as much fictional story weaving together as the Angels and Miracles books had. Instead it has activities and guided prompts for the reader to engage with and space for them to write. The first 15 pages or so are Eliyas explaining about salah and what he has learned and how he has improved, and some parables through his point of view. Then the journal pages begin, and while the first few are truly “journalistic” as it progresses to the last of the 60 pages you realize along the way there was a lot of “story” included on the activity pages as well. The book isn’t blank pages and bound together as a book, it has text, it has hadith, it has games, it has questions, and trackers, and a lot of information. I love that it states that it has been checked and the Shaykh’s name is included, the positive child framing, and the reasonable price point. For first through third graders learning about salah, wudu, athan, and inshaAllah becoming more mindful of their actions and behavior, this book will be relatable, funny, and informative.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with Eliyas remembering when he was too lazy to make wudu and pray his salah, he then offers a story of an orphan and a muffin and a lady who makes the muffin to try and show readers that salah benefits and nourishes us and the maker of the muffin truly loves us. It is a little random, but it somehow all works and kids will go along with the allegory, it isn’t drawn out. He then moves to talking about how Allah swt loves him and what his parents told him that helped him to love praying. There are hadith and Eliyas’s explanation attempts, drawings, and some really powerful points about angels and being accountable on the day of judgement to Allah swt. The journal pages involve decoding, timing your prayers, writing down all the places you’ve prayed, latitude and longitude decoding and a lot more. The book also discusses the athan and Surah Fatiha.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the voice of Eliyas. It isn’t fear driven, or punishment framed, it stays positive and motivates from a place of love, but the conscience and priorities are highlighted too. It is such a crucial part of raising young Muslims, to lead with Allah’s love, but as kids get older you want to introduce consequences, and choices, and being accountable, and this book does it seamlessly with out it being overwhelming.

I honestly don’t know if I like the journal format or the other Eliya’s Explains books more, I do like the storytelling of Miracles and Angels and the way the facts are woven in, but I think for the topic of Salah this format works. I am happy with mine, and you can purchase yours here from Crescent Moon Store.

FLAGS:
None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think the book would work for a book club, but in small groups at an Islamic School or Weekend School the teacher could very easily and affordably have a book for each student, or read aloud the story parts and engage the students in the activities without any difficulty at all.

Apr17

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Posted on April 17, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

I don’t normally post about upcoming releases this far in advance (2.5 months), but I am hoping that if I share the link for preorders, I just might help in signaling to the traditional publishing world that books like this are so so so important and that we will support unapologetic, well written, Muslim centered, Muslim and Black joy featured books with our purchasing power. This book is incredible for toddlers to early elementary in its “This is the House that Jack Built” format. Muslim kids will giggle with excitement as they see themselves happy to see their friends at Jumu’ah, flinging shoes a little too hard before entering the musallah, splashing a bit when making wudu, playing while helping put out the prayer rugs, and getting a little wiggly or tired during the khutbah. The happiness and love radiates off the pictures and through the text that even non Muslim readers will feel our connection to our Masjids and the prayers that occur within. Muslim authored, Muslim illustrated, masjid not mosque, and a beautiful Author’s Note, makes this book a must have on every shelf where young children need books that mirror their experiences and provide windows into the beauty of Islam.

The book starts out describing Kamal’s smile and offering the reason for such joy as being Jumu’ah at the masjid. It then starts with describing the masjid and all that is contained with the lines adding on the refrain of “the masjid Kamal loves.” The friends, the shoes, the feet, the rugs, etc.. Terms such as imam, ummah, salaam are in the text and the illustrations show wudu, salat, khutbah, conveying a Jumu’ah experience.

Each page is brightly illustrated across horizontal orientated scenes. The expressions on the kids faces, are engaging and smile inducing and the lyrical text has a rhythm and strength that makes you feel proud to also have a masjid to love like Kamal.

I have an arc, but have preordered a copy for myself here and hope you will do the same. Please also request your public libraries to order it, and if they have already you can place the book on hold, inshaAllah little steps to show support.

Mar31

Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

Posted on March 31, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

This 38 page large hard back picture book is absolutely beautiful: the illustrations, the tone, the thickness of the pages, all come together to create a child’s wonderment about the power of salah and dua with grounding in the actual parts of prayer. On my first reading the imaginative “magical” aspects of the prayer rug, “Sajjadati,” was sweet and endearing, but as I thought about the story and then reread it, I had some concerns. I know the book is meant for children, I know I am a reviewer and thus am over analyzing it, so I point the following out as a “heads up” so to speak, and for you to make your own decisions if the literal text will be misleading or if the overall mood of the book will be taken as loving dua and the closeness prayer brings one to Allah swt.

The book starts with a little boy recalling when he got his green prayer rug from his grandma, that has his name on the corner (in the illustration it is centered on the top, not in the corner) and him naming the prayer rug, “Sajjadati.” The following page, same spread, then says, “When I have Sajjadati with me, I can pray anywhere. And when I pray on Sajjadati, I can go anywhere.” These lines give me pause, because even if the prayer rug is lost or not with him as he grows up, he is still going to need to pray. The importance of the prayer rug seems over elevated, albeit sweet, religiously a little unsettling. The second of the two lines, about going anywhere, is also a bit of a gateway to the rest of the book and almost encouraging one’s mind to wander during salah.

The next page gets back on track saying that starting to pray and saying “Allahu Akbar” leaves this world behind, the little boy says surahs he has memorized, and knows Allah swt is watching him. He asks Allah for what he wants, and his imagination takes him on adventures after each salah. He imagines flying, and being a superhero.

The story then returns to being in prayer, not after, and going in to ruku. The text has him imagining he is in the “biggest candy store in the universe” wondering if Jannah has rivers of chocolate before standing up straight again saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah,” and contemplating if there is a place where his prayers would be worth more and Sajjadati taking him to al-Aqsa.

In sujud Sajjadati tickles his nose, but he doesn’t mind because he is closest to Allah swt in this position, and while he won’t let his “annoying little sister,” bother him, his mind does drift to being on a boat in the sea with seagulls squawking, “salaam.”

Hamza is then making dua for those suffering. Since nothing is impossible when making dua, he is also asking for pets from the savanna, but knowing that Allah swt will provide what is best. He makes duas to go for hajj and concludes his salah by folding up Sajjadati and finding peace in Allah swt being al-Mujeeb.

I love the heartfelt framing of salah and the interweaving of both real and whimsical wants, as well as the sprinkling of facts about prayer into the story, but I honestly struggled a bit with the juxtaposition of the parts of prayer with the day dreaming elements. I also struggled with the tenses, and find myself constantly rewording this review to reflect the book’s timeline. Hamza is with his family, for example, hearing the current event news, while the next set of pages has him back making dua at the end of the prayer he started at the beginning of the book. And the hearing the news and the praying for people is all being conveyed in the present tense, not clear if he recalled hearing about strife in the world and then made dua, or paused heard and resumed his prayer, it all seemingly happening at once, but that doesn’t really make sense. The title also says dua, not salah, and so much of the book is about prayer, that I feel like the two get conflated erroneously, and dreaming big during dua is different than having your mind wander during your salah.

The book starts with an ayat from the Quran in Arabic text and meaning of the translation in English and concludes with a glossary and space to complete a Dua List.

If this book seems like a good fit for your young child, I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and you if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you’ll save 10%.

Dec30

Hamza Attends a Janaza by Shabana Hussain illustrated by Atefeh Mohammadzadeh

Posted on December 30, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Hamza Attends a Janaza by Shabana Hussain illustrated by Atefeh Mohammadzadeh

For years it has been noted how few children’s Islamic books about grief and loss are available, and while numerous titles have come out in the last few years, it wasn’t until I saw this new book, did I realize how desperately we were in need of a book on janaza. I love that the author establishes on the first page that this book is not focused on grief, but rather about death, the burial, and preparing to meet Allah (saw) in the hereafter with our deeds. The beauty is that while the topic is critical and needed, the story is also well done. It may not focus on emotion, but it has a lot of heart and tenderness, thus making it a wonderful addition to all book shelves for children preschool and up as a brief introduction to how Islam views death, the rituals of burial, and the worship that surrounds it. Packaged with clear text, robust backmatter and absolutely adorable illustrations, I am very happily impressed with this book.

The book starts with Hamza telling about his favorite day of the week, Saturday, the day he spends with his Nano-ji and cousins, but one day all that changes when his mom gets a phone call about the loss of a community Uncle. Mom says, inna lillahi wa inna illahi rajioon quietly in to the phone and Hamza knows something is wrong, but doesn’t quite understand why the passing of Uncle Sameer, the owner of the local sweet shop, means he has to attend a janaza instead of going to his grandfather’s house.

Hamza’s parents explain the reward of going, and remind him that we all have to leave this world one day. They recall Uncle Sameer helping bandage his knee when he got hurt and gave him a lollipop. Once in the car, Hamza wants to know what is going to happen. His parents explain the ghusl and the body being wrapped in the kafan and the body being put in the ground.

When they get to the masjid there are a lot of aunties on the women’s side, including Auntie Salma who everyone is hugging and reassuring. After dhuhr the janaza begins, but it is a standing up namaz, and is very short, and Hamza is confused. Later outside the long box is loaded into the car, duas are made, and the body taken to the cemetery.

At the graveside, more duas are made, and Hamza worries that Uncle will be lonely. When his father explains that his good deeds will keep him company, Hamza remembers the kindness Uncle Sameer has shown him and makes duas.

The backmatter contains hadith about what still benefits those that have died, reward for attending a janaza, a glossary, discussion points, suggested activities, and duas. The book is a great starting point to introducing death, rituals, and answering questions any child might have in a gentle manner.

I bought the book from Crescent Moon Store

Oct10

My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

Posted on October 10, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

Looking at the books in the series, reading them to my children, getting the latest one delivered to my doorstep: every step along the way makes me smile, alhumdulillah. The soft warm illustrations and impressive amount of information lovingly conveyed in board book form really makes the series a staple for young children. The newest addition to the series is about Salah, and I love that the framing is that prayer is a blessing, it doesn’t open with listing the five daily prayers, it begins with Isra wal Miraj. It sets the tone that prayer is special and beautiful and a gift. It does eventually list the five required prayers, the words of the athan, Fatiha in English and Arabic, steps of wudu, and parts of salah, but the way it is woven together is seamless and so much more than just lists of information. With ayats from the Quran sprinkled in, the book flows from one focus to the next, leaving the end as always, for facts and questions. Appropriate for ages two and up, this 26 page board book can and will still inspire and teach older kids.

The only pause this book gave me were the illustrations. There is not a single page where the people praying are standing shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot. I could see if in a few pictures the creative liberty, or Covid reality manifest itself in the pictures, but whether it is a family praying, or people in a masjid, there is a gap between the individuals, and that seemed off to me. Additionally because of the spacing in all the pictures, the pictures where perhaps the people are not praying together, but are just shown to be making tasleem or the illustration that all Muslims of all colors and all professions and all abilities pray, it almost seems to show men and women praying together. I don’t know that the toddlers in the audience will notice, but perhaps be aware of it if when reading it to your children. Aside from that the illustrations show the global faith of Islam and the beauty that we all worship together.

Available to purchase here and I’m sure it will be stocked by Crescent Moon as well. Oh PS it also comes with a sheet of stickers.

May10

This is Why We Pray: A Story About Islam, Salah, and Dua by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Posted on May 10, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This is Why We Pray: A Story About Islam, Salah, and Dua by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

This 8×8 softbound 55 page book for ages 5 to 7 is a great resource for learning the basics about the five pillars, wudu, salah and dua. It claims that it is a story, but I feel like that is a bit of a stretch. It has fictionalized framing that is done well, but to call it a story I think is misleading. It is set up like a children’s Islamic text book, think Islamic School or Sunday School curriculum, where there is a story that highlights Islamic concepts with vocabulary, there are breaks to focus on some specific idea from an outside source, in this case the Quran, there are things to think about, questions to answer, and then the same characters re-emerge in the next chapter to repeat the process. The book has an amazing illustrator, but there are only maybe three full page illustrations, four half page illustrations, and the rest are just small glimpses to compliment the heavily text filled pages. I can see myself reading the entire book to my five year old, and then it sitting back on the shelf to be pulled out and revised when we need to go over salat, wudu, or need to learn some duas, and understand the five pillars. I don’t think it will be requested for the “story,” or the pictures, it just isn’t that type of book. It borders fiction and nonfiction, but I think it is closer to nonfiction, and works well as a tool to engage your children with easy to understand text, quality illustrations to see the steps of salat and wudu, and to see Islam practiced in scenarios that young children will recognize, such as playing games, going to the beach, and losing a favorite toy.

The book is divided in to three chapters: The Five Pillars, Offering Salah, and Making Dua. Before the chapters there is a letter from the author to grown-ups and then one to kids. After the final chapter there are reference pages with extra duas and prayers and a glossary.

The first chapter opens with the Abdur-Rahman family playing an Islamic question game. Older sister Aliya knows the five pillars, younger brother Amar needs a little more explaining. The next morning the kids are heading to the beach, but first they have to get up to pray salah and send some food to the neighbor. As the kids drive they talk about Ramadan and their Uncle Sharif having just gone for Hajj. There is then a page dedicated to a Quran Story Time that focuses on Allah swt wanting us to ask him for each and everything no matter how big or small. There is an ayat from the Quran as well as a hadith. The next page is a section called, “What We Can Do Together,” to further learn about the five pillars, and then some questions asking the reader, “What Do You Think?”.

Chapter two has the family at the beach pausing their fun to pray. But first they have to make wudu, and the steps are illustrated and detailed with tips and directions. They then pray, again the steps and words are detailed and illustrated with tips about how to stay focused and the like. The translation of the Arabic is included and the transliteration is as well. The Quran Story Time focuses on Fajr and then the questions and ways to further engage with the information concludes the chapter.

The third chapter is on Dua and has the kids barely making it to Sunday School on time. Papa says he made dua that they wouldn’t be late, and even in class the lesson is on dua. After class Amar can’t find his toy even after making dua and is encouraged to be grateful for what he does have. The Quran Story tells the story of Prophet Muhammad (saw) helping the old woman who is talking bad about the Prophet and how after he helps her and he tells her his name, she converts. I don’t know that, that is in the Quran, I thought it was a hadith?

The kids learn that Allah swt may not answer duas, but will inshaAllah give them something better. There are four additional duas to learn in the moving on section and the bolded words throughout are defined in the glossary.

I’m not sure about the title of the book, it is about more than just prayer, so don’t think that it is limited to just that. It also doesn’t detail the number of rakats or what breaks wudu, it is specific in somethings, but is more a broad overview than an all encompassing handbook on salat.

I think the book is well done and will be useful for most, if not all, Muslim families with young children learning the basics, but it isn’t a picture story book in my opinion, it is more of a fun engaging twist on information that might otherwise be presented in a boring manner.

Apr26

David’s Dollar by Tariq Toure’ illustrated by Anika Sabree

Posted on April 26, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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David’s Dollar by Tariq Toure’ illustrated by Anika Sabree

This early elementary 20 page story is an entertaining, yet informative look at community and economics on a kid’s level. It features black Muslim characters, business owning women of color, commerce, charity, and relevance. I loved the cadence of the book, the illustrations, and the simple text. Sure, maybe a dollar isn’t much and it is a transparent simplistic view, but it makes the point of how when you shop local everyone benefits, and how the path money takes impacts everyone it touches.

David is getting his dollar after doing his chores, and he is ready to head to the candy shop to see what to spend it on. At Sammy’s sweets, he decides to get five peppermints, and just like that his hard earned money is gone. He asks his dad where the money went and off they head to Mansa’s juice shop. When Sammy comes in and buys a drink, out comes David’s dollar and now it is in Mansa’s hands.

David and his Daddy follow the money and see it change hands at Layla’s Pizza Shop, and then Madame C’s Braids, before heading to Uncle Kareem’s hardware store where the dollar too has ended up. It is time to pray so Uncle Kareem, Daddy, and David head to the mosque.

After Salah the Imam tells the crowd that a family’s house has burned down and they are collecting sadaqah. David tells Uncle Kareem that that dollar should go to the family. At night, David recalls all the places his dollar traveled and resolves to learn more math.

The book starts with a beautiful heartfelt gratitude message to Allah swt and the community of supporters. The end of the book features a detailed bio of the book’s poet author and his successes and praises.

The story is rooted in an Islamic community, but is for all readers of all faiths. There is no preaching or details about belief. many women have hijab on, there are Islamic names, they go to the mosque, they pray, and they give sadaqah.

Mar15

Ramadan’s Coming by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

Posted on March 15, 2021 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ramadan’s Coming by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

I think the illustrations in this 40 page picture song book are my favorite of the new 2021 books. They are adorable and expressive and a big part of the story that the text alludes to, but doesn’t detail. They also are a big part of the activities at the end of the book that encourage children to go back and find different Ramadan and Eid concepts to discuss and further understand. I absolutely love that there is a glossary and a reference page that details and attributes the hadith implied in the simple sing song-y words. The chorus is to the tune of jingle bells, and while I struggled to maintain the rhythm, the chorus reappears and if you are able to sing the book, your children will love it even more, haha, my voice and lack of rhythm forced me to read it, but either way it is absolutely delightful and informative for toddlers and up.

It starts out with the refrain that Ramadan is here and we will fast and pray and that Allah (swt) will give us more rewards and we will do more good deeds, than on normal days. It then shares that Ramadan is the month after Shaban when the Qur’an first came down and that we look for the crescent moon to know when Ramadan is here. It is important to note that the words flow and are so concise you don’t even realize that much information has been conveyed.

The chorus repeats and shows a family praying, kids helping vacuum, and giving socks to homeless. The family then wakes up early for a healthy suhoor, no food or drink, thinking about how the poor must feel and then having iftar with a sticky sweet date and water. Sometimes you eat so much your belly protrudes (a great vocabulary word for little ones). The next page has salat starting and those that ate too much wishing they would have left space for air and water.

The chorus repeats again showing zakat being given, iftars being eaten in segregated large groups, before looking for Laylat ul Qadr takes place and some children read Qur’an in an itikaf tent. Then it is time for Eid hugs, salams, prayer, food and fun.

On one page, the grammar of one line seems off, perhaps an extra word was added. I contacted the author to see if it is an error as it is part of the chorus, but only appears wrong in one place and one time. Even with the error, I would happily encourage this book for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. It will be read multiple times, and the pictures will hopefully offer something new with each reading as understanding increases.

The copy I purchased from Amazon is 8.5 by 8.5 paperback, I’m not sure if they will be available from the publisher as a board book or without faces like so many of their books are.

Dec7

The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Flying Carpet by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

Posted on December 7, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Flying Carpet by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

I am confident that every Muslim child has imagined their prayer rug at one time or another to be a flying carpet, so how absolutely heart filling as an adult to find a book that embraces this idea, roots it in Islamic fact and presents it so beautifully for our littlest Muslim believers.

The occasionally rhyming and constantly cadence filled picture book features a big brother preparing for and performing salat as his enamored little sister puts imagination and celebration to the act of worship.

I absolutely love the admiration that Anisah has for her big brother and am delighted how prayer is presented not as an obligation but as an opportunity to soar and marvel in amazement.

The book concludes with a section that provides context to the story, questions to discuss, and ways to extend the learning. The hardback binding, 8.5 x 13 horizontal orientation and high glossy illustrations make the book a joy in small groups and at bedtime.

This book is really, really well done in its simplicity, and I need to order the other book in the series, My Brother’s Shield from Crescent Moon Book Store, as soon as possible.

Feb18

Purity & Prayer: A Rhyming Picture Book of Sacred Rulings by Ameena Bint Abdir Rahman illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

Posted on February 18, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This book is definitely non fiction, and I’m reviewing it because I figure some of you like me, have looked at it online and wondered how it can do everything it claims. The book is 50 pages, fully illustrated (with faces), meant for children before the age of accountability, written in rhyme about fiqh (wudu and salah) according to the Hanafi madhab, and everything is scholar supervised and checked. I’ve read it a few times now, and yeah, it does all it claims to, and is a great tool and resource, and book to have around for kids of all ages, plus I think they’ll really enjoy it.

The book has a lot of information and disclaimers about how the author wrote the book and verified the information, there is a dua, preface, and Author’s Note at the beginning, and Rulings of Sacred Law by Shaykh Faraz Fareed Rabbani, an Appendix, References, Glossary of Arabic Terms, messages from the Fiqh Teachers, Author, and Illustrator at the end.

The 8.5 x 11 hard bound horizontal glossy book is divided into sections. The first section is Du’a and Salah, followed by Purity which covers things like fard parts of wudu, what breaks wudu, etc.. The next section is Prayer and covers the fard conditions and integrals within prayer, wajib things you say, how you recite, postures, what breaks your salah, and incorporated in to the sections are what would need to be redone to make your salah valid.

Each subheading is a two page spread with a title and either rhyming couplets or quatrains to convey the information. While naturally at some parts the rhyme is incredibly forced, but because I found myself learning things, I wasn’t as bothered by it as I thought I would. The repetition sometimes got jarring, but again, because the complex facts are being brought down to a child’s level ,and yet isn’t belittling, I’m willing to overlook a lot.

I like that it isn’t just facts, the Appendix is there for that, but also similes and metaphors that will help put the concept in perspective. Du’as can be made at any time like making a call to Allah. Prayer is like visiting a friend, you have to go at the time you were invited, dressed nicely, wear appropriate clothing.

The breakdown of when you have to repeat the whole salah, or do a special prostration is incredibly helpful. As is knowing what laughter breaks wudu and what breaks wudu and salah. It is so great that children will see how detailed our religion is, and how everything has an explanation. Yes, you shouldn’t laugh while praying, but clearly it happens, so when it does this is what you do. The approach makes the book grow with children as their knowledge and awareness increases.

I hope to read a two page spread each night with my kids, and have them discuss. My kids range in age from 3-12 and while my 3 year old won’t add a lot, he will be entertained by the rhyme, fascinated by the pictures, and be included in the early introduction to fiqh. InshaAllah the older kids will learn or review something and know how to find such knowledge if they have questions in the future.

Undoubtedly, such a book, was a huge undertaking, may Allah swt reward all those involved, I was pleasantly surprised and greatly impressed at how the book reads, presents the information, and still connects to younger children, mashaAllah.