Nine years old Haya, along with her three years old brother, Rayyan, and her parents, take you along on the journey that is a dream of every muslim, the blessed journey of Hajj. Haya, the smart and inquisitive one, efficiently handles the tantrums of her younger brother, who is ultra-active and bubbly.
This story takes you through the rituals of the pilgrimage, and provides a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual ups and downs of Haya and her family. There are moments of joys, of spiritual upliftment, and lots of valuable lessons. The family stays positive and strong even in the face of difficult situations, which shows the essence of our faith.
The story also talks about the inspiration behind hajj, i.e. the life of Prophet Ibrahim AS and how his sacrifices made such a huge impact on the history of Islam.
Another aspect of the story is Surah Al-Fil which teaches us that Allah is the only Supreme Power and nothing can go wrong when He is by our side.
Book Review by Sheikh Shuja Ud Din
(Senior Faculty at Quran Academy (Tanzeem-e-Islami) Karachi, and Programs Director at The ILM Foundation)
"Alhamdulillah a very effective effort for inculcating the Islamic values in our children. I have a gone through the book at a glance. It explains the Hajj and Umrah rituals in a very interesting way to the children. Besides, the wisdom behind these rituals is explained in a beautiful manner It also teaches the children about the manners one should observe during a journey specially when going for the Hajj and Umrah. Furthermore, the ritual of Sacrifice is explained in very interesting manner along with its wisdom and benefits.
The best part for the children is the interesting exercises provided. I recommend the book to be taught at home, schools and hajj training sessions."
Book Review by Mufti Farhan Ali Memon
(Teacher and Researcher Of Hadith Sciences at NMRC)
"The Friend of Allah is a marvelous story book written by a renowned motivator and a blog writer Sarah Khan. She has been conducting fascinating story sessions which instill the love of Allah and his Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu 'Alayhe Wassalam) in kids. These sessions boost children towards the right way of Deen.
The Friend of Allah is a story about the spiritual journey of Hajj. In this story a family of four Rayan, Haya, Maa and Baba set out for the journey of Hajj. Rayan three years old child faced so many difficult tasks but the genius and the cutest nine years old Fatima dealt all his tantrums and mischievousness with extreme patience and sensibility. This story will guide how to deal with a mischievous child in a perfect manner.
In addition to this, the author discussed the story of the friend of Allah Hazrat Ibrahim peace be upon him the forefather of many great prophets. He was given the title of Khalil-Ullah which means ‘the friend of Allah’. This is also the title of the book. Hazrat Ibrahim’s Peace be upon him life teach us valuable lessons that are still relevant and effective today. His struggle against idolatry, destruction of the idols, His reasons with the idolaters, the miracle of the fire, Trial of Hazrat Hajra and Ismail in the desert, Sacrifice of Ismail and the Construction of Kaaba.All these are guidelines for us to give up anything or anyone for the sake of pleasing Allah.
In the end there is a brief description of Surah Fi’l and two beautiful poems.
This story book is enriched with beautiful illustrations and fun activities. This story book will entertain and teach children trusting in Allah Alone, fulfillment of duties, endurance and self-development. This book provides the best way to remember the Hajj rituals.
I have reviewed the contents of this book as these have been taken from the authentic sources. I recommend this fascinating book to all children and parents.
I ask Allah Almighty to reward all those who contributed in this book the best reward specially the Author and to make it a source of knowledge and guidance for Ummah. May Allah enable her to produce more works in the future."
Book Review by Sheikh Faez-ul-Abraar
(Senior Faculty of Islamic University Of Madeenah, and Assistant Professor Of Arabic Language at Jam'iah Abu Bakr University Karachi)
بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم
الحمدللہ ایک اچھی کاوش ہے بالخصوص اس پس منظر میں کہ عمومی طور پر حج کے حوالے سے جو کتب لکھی جاتی ہیں ان میں حج کے فقہی پہلووں کو ہی زیادہ تر اجاگر کیا جاتا ہے جبکہ حج کے اخلاقی و سماجی پہلو بھی اتنے ہی اہم ہوتے ہیں بلک بلکہ اگر غور کیا جائے تو اصل حج کا اصل ھدف ہی اس کے اخلاقی و سماجی پہلو ہیں کیونکہ فقہی آداب تو حج کے چند دنوں سے تعلق رکھتے ہیں جبکہ اس کے برخلاف اخلاقی و سماجی فوائد حج کے بعد ایک مسلمان کی زندگی میں نظر آنے چاہیے ۔ لہذا اس ضرورت کو مدنظر کھتے ہوئے عزیزہ سارہ نے اس عظیم عبادت کو ایک سادہ اور عام فہم کہانی کے انداز میں بیان کیا جس میں بطور خاص اس امر کا خیال رکھا گیا کہ حج کے اخلاقی و سماجی پہلووں کو اجاگر کیا جائے ۔اور اس ضمن میں عملی تدریبات سے بھی مدد لی گئی جو ہر مرحلے کے بعد شامل کی گئی ہیں۔
اس خوبصورت کہانی میں مفید تعلیمی وسیلہ یعنی تصاویر سے بھی مدد لی گئی جس سے اس کتاب کی افادیت میں اضافہ ہو گیا۔ اس کے علاوہ اس میں ایک بات قابل ذکر ہے مسلمان کی اجتماعی زندگی میں نظم و ضبط کی فکری و عملی اہمیت جیسا کہ بتایا گیا کہ ابو اس مبارک سفر میں امیر ہوں گے ۔
صرف بات کی کمی محسوس ہو رہی ہے جہاں مختلف آیات قرآن کا حوالہ دیا گیا ہے کچھ مقامات پر آیات قرآن کا عربی متن دیا گیا ہے اور کہیں نہیں دیا گیا ۔
میں اللہ سے دعاگو ہوں کہ مولفہ حفظہا اللہ کو اللہ تعالی توفیق بلکہ توفیق مزید عطا کرے کہ اس سلسلے کی دیگر عبادات کو بھی اس طرح دلچسپ اور عام فہم انداز میں تحریر کر سکیں
دعاگو
ڈاکٹر محمد فیض الابرار
فاضل مدینہ یونی ورسٹی مدینہ منورہ
اسسٹنٹ پروفیسر شعبہ عربی جامعہ کراچی
مدیر مرکز الاقتصاد الاسلامی کراچی
Details
Title: The Friend Of Allah
Author: Sarah Khan
Illustrator: Huma Arshad
Publisher: Nurturing Imaan - Pakistan
Pages: 54
Volumes: 1
Size: 14.3 cm x 21.5 cm
Binding: Paperback
Edition Number: 1st
Year Of Publication: 2019
Author Profile
Sarah Khan is a blogger by heart. With her pen name Zawjah Ali, she has written many articles for magazines, such as Hiba and Sisters Magazine, Fitrah journal for home schoolers and The Muslimah Network. She is the founder of the Nurturing Imaan blog and Nurturing Imaan Facebook page
Working with kids has always given her utmost pleasure. She has been conducting interactive Prophetic and Surah based storytelling sessions, which are fascinating and thought provoking, along with crafts, memorization of an ayah and STEM activities.
Her sole aim is to instill the love of Quran and Sunnah in children. Her love to bring Quran and Sunnah in the little hearts around her has always left a positive impact on our new generation.
