Islam

Islam is the second largest of the world's major religions, with more than one billion adherents–one-sixth of humankind. It is the second largest religion in many parts of Europe and the third largest in the United States. Muslims comprise the majority in 48 countries and a significant minority in many others. Western media often provides a skewed view of Islam; the images are frequently negative, focusing on violence and prejudice. A common misconception identifies Muslims as Arabs, but only 20 percent of Muslims live in the Middle East. The majority are from Africa and Asia, with the largest communities in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Central Asia, and Nigeria. The number of books on this religion has soared in the past five years, particularly following 9/11. Nonfiction titles are easily identified. Locating fiction and biography that is clearly Muslim is more difficult. We would not call a novel "Christian" just because it is set in a predominantly Christian nation. Likewise, a story or personal account cannot be considered Muslim just because it takes place in a majority-Muslim country or features a traditionally Muslim ethnic group. In addition, the majority of novels and reminiscences for older teens and adults highlight women. (Are male Muslims suspect once they hit puberty, or are females more sympathetic?) And writers and publishers still have the challenge of more aptly portraying Islam's tremendous diversity. Understanding Islamic values, traditions, and doctrines is vitally important in today's complex world. Hopefully, the following resources can help elementary, middle, and high school students learn, as Rukhsana Khan says in Muslim Child, that "we're each a piece in the puzzle of humanity."–Ann Moore

Fiction

KHAN, Rukhsana. Muslim Child: Understanding Islam through Stories and Poems. illus. by Patty Gallinger. Albert Whitman. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-5307-7.

Gr 2-4–This collection features seven stories revolving around Islam's practices and celebrations, interspersed with poems and scriptures. Soft pencil drawings are scattered throughout and helpful but unobtrusive sidebars define unfamiliar words. The children in the stories come from countries not common in Muslim fiction–the U.S., Canada, England, and Nigeria–and Khan compassionately introduces aspects of the religion such as early-morning prayer, clothing, fasting, and eating food with prohibited pork products.

KYUCHUKOV, Hristo. My Name Was Hussein. illus. by Allan Eitzen. Boyds Mills. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-56397-964-0.

PreS-Gr 3–Although this book features Muslim Romas (Gypsies) in Bulgaria, its account of prejudice can be applied universally. Hussein describes his loving, close-knit family; Ramadan and the other holidays they celebrate, often with special food; and his pride in his Arabic name. When soldiers force them to adopt Christian names, he is confused and upset. "What would you call me?" Hussein asks readers. Excellent for sparking discussion and debate.

Nonfiction

DEMI. Muhammad. illus. by author. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2003. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-689-85264-9.

Gr 3-5–This stunning picture-book biography discusses the life and basic teachings of the prophet of Islam. Gorgeously illustrated in the style of Persian miniatures, the book has lively scenes that burst out of intricately patterned frames. Since Islamic tradition forbids representations of Muhammad, he is shown as a golden silhouette; rather than being a distraction, this is surprisingly appropriate.

ELDASH, Khaled & Dalia Khattab. In an Egyptian City. Benchmark. 2002. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7614-1410-X.

K-Gr 3–Seven-year-old Boushra and her family live in Cairo, which is 90 percent Muslim. Her daily life, presented in large color photos and simple text, begins with wudu (cleansing) and prayer, and includes reciting from the Qur'an and visiting the mosque. Yearly Ramadan celebrations bring the book to a festive close. An afterword gives more information about Egypt's history, land, people, religion, and language. Interesting and engaging.

GANERI, Anita. Muslim Festivals throughout the Year. Smart Apple. 2003. PLB $24.25. ISBN 1-58340-371-X.

Gr 3-7–Following a brief summary of Islam, Ganeri takes a look at Friday prayers and the yearly hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. She explains Islam's calendar and relates both why and how eight different holidays are celebrated. The text is clear and direct, and the photos are truly multicultural, showing people of many ages and nationalities.

HOYT-GOLDSMITH, Diane. Celebrating Ramadan. photos. by Lawrence Migdale. Holiday House. 2001. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-8234-1581-3; pap. $6.95. ISBN 0-8234-1762-X.

Gr 3-6–The holy month of Ramadan is a key event in the Muslim year, and in this absorbing photo-essay children watch fourth-grader Ibraheem and his family celebrate (his mother is Egyptian, his father Bosnian, and they live in New Jersey). Hoyt-Goldsmith incorporates basics of Islam such as the five pillars, Muhammad, and prayer into her comprehensive, yet accessible narration.

MARCHANT, Kerena. Muhammad and Islam. Smart Apple. 2003. PLB $28.50. ISBN 1-58340-217-9.

Gr 3-6–A solid overview, this book begins with the question, "What is Islam?" and concludes with a section on "Islam in the World Today." In between are chapters on Muhammad's life and teachings, sacred texts (the Qur'an and Hadith), sacred places (Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem), and special occasions. The writing is lucid and open, and the numerous color photos are apt, appealing, and pluralistic.

ROSS, Mandy. Mecca. Raintree. 2003. PLB $24.28. ISBN 0-7398-6080-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-4109-0053-3.

Gr 2-4–Ross spotlights Mecca's history and Great Mosque, and also describes the hajj, the Islamic year, and other holy sites. Beautifully illustrated with numerous color photos, this is a good starting point for exploring the religion.

STANLEY, Diane. Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2002. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-688-17135-4; PLB $18.89. ISBN 0-688-17136-2.

Gr 3-7–Saladin, the Muslim sultan, is not only one of the greatest heroes of the Crusades, but he's also one of the noblest military and political leaders of all time. This picture-book biography retells his extraordinary life. A postscript details what happened to Richard the Lionhearted and Saladin's other opponents. The art, rich and dazzling, is a remarkable supplement to the text.

WOOD, Angela. Muslim Mosque. Gareth Stevens. 2000. PLB $22.60. ISBN 0-8368-2609-4.

K-Gr 3–Muslims visit mosques primarily to pray, although (especially in Europe and North America) they're often used as community centers and schools as well. Wood's introduction uses simple text: "There are mosques all around the world. Muslims also pray at home." The many large, pleasant photos make this a solid initiation for younger students.

Fiction

FAMA, Elizabeth. Overboard. Cricket. 2002. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8126-2652-4.

Gr 5-9–Emily, an American teen living in Indonesia with her do-gooder parents, runs off in a fit of sulkiness and resentment and ends up on a sinking ferryboat. During the long hours she fights for survival, she is buoyed by the simple faith of nine-year-old Isman, a devout Muslim. This is not only an exciting adventure story, but also an encouraging look at cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Beast. Atheneum. 2000. RTE $17. ISBN 0-689-83589-2; pap. $8. ISBN 0-689-83590-6.

Gr 7 Up–A Persian prince is transformed into a lion by an angry fairy and seeks redemption in this retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" from the beast's point of view. Intelligent and well-bred, Orasmyn struggles to subdue animal instinct to reason; a faithful Muslim, he does his best to worship Allah even with fur and claws. Both fascinating and unsettling, it's a gem of a story.

Nonfiction

AL-GAILANI, Noorah & Chris Smith. The Islamic Year: Surahs, Stories and Celebrations. illus. by Helen Williams. Hawthorn. 2002. pap. $29.95. ISBN 1-903458-14-5.

Gr 5 Up–Though designed for educators, this is also a handy student resource. Each chapter focuses on a different festival and relates part of the prophet Muhammad's life. Also included is information on how the holidays are celebrated in various countries, along with crafts, recipes, games, songs, and scriptures. The many folktales, funny and wise, are a special asset as they are difficult to find elsewhere.

BARGHUSEN, Joan D. Daily Life in Ancient and Modern Cairo. illus. by Bob Moulder. Runestone. 2001. PLB $25.26. ISBN 0-8225-3221-2.

Gr 5-9–Other cities existed in the area from time immemorial, but Cairo itself was founded in 969 by the Fatimids, Muslims from North Africa. Barghusen covers its history, politics, family life, education, holidays, trades, and culture, all intertwined with the Muslim religion. An eye-opening, visually attractive look at a part of the world students usually associate with pharoahs and pyramids.

CRUSHSHON, Theresa. Malcolm X. Child's World. 2002. PLB $28.50. ISBN 1-56766-920-4.

Gr 4-7–This well-designed, clear biography is a positive presentation of Malcolm X's life and teachings, starting with his childhood in Michigan. Malcolm converted while serving time in a Massachusetts jail, then was a prominent leader in the Nation of Islam until his 1965 assassination. Thoughtfully chosen black-and-white photographs complement the text.

GANERI, Anita. The Qur'an and Islam. illus. by Tracy Fennell. Smart Apple. 2003. PLB $24.25. ISBN 1-58340-241-1.

Gr 5-8–A colorful, appealing introduction, this book concentrates on the Qur'an, revealed by Allah to the prophet Muhammad. Ganeri reviews its history, structure, contents, and teachings, plus its use in daily life, worship, fasting, and feasting. She includes excerpts from the Qur'an itself, written in flowing calligraphy.

KHAN, Aisha Karen. What You Will See inside a Mosque. photos. by Aaron Pepis. Skylight Paths. 2003. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-893361-60-8.

Gr 4-8–This beautifully photographed, practical "tour" features mosques in upstate New York and is told from the point of view of a Muslim welcoming readers to the mosque. Khan's tone is respectful but inviting. Besides describing wudu (cleansing) and prayer rituals, she explains clothing, Ramadan and other festivals, zakat (charitable giving), and the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

MACAULAY, David. Mosque. illus. by author. Houghton. 2003. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-24034-9.

Gr 7 Up–Architecture, religion, history, and sociology combine in this description of how–and why–a typical mosque (and its surrounding buildings: tomb, religious college, soup kitchen, public bath, fountain) was constructed in 16th-century Istanbul. Macaulay's meticulous drawings bring the project to life, and students will want to pause on each page to pore over the details. Vivid and accurate.

MARSTON, Elsa. Muhammad of Mecca: Prophet of Islam. Watts. 2001. PLB $20. ISBN 0-531-20386-7; pap. $6.95. ISBN 0-531-15554-4.

Gr 5-9–Readable and straightforward, this biography provides balanced information on Muhammad's life, judiciously weighing fact and tradition. The book concludes with a history of Islam up to the 14th-century "Golden Age."

MYERS, Walter Dean. The Greatest: Muhammad Ali. Scholastic. 2001. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-590-54342-3; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-590-54343-1.

Gr 7 Up–Boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay) converted to Islam in 1964, a controversial decision that resulted in criticism, notoriety, and persecution. He courageously endured to become an American icon. Myers's biography is dynamic and fast paced, combining Ali's life and beliefs with a description of events happening in the world around him. Dramatic photographs highlight each chapter.

WILKINSON, Philip. Islam. DK. 2002. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7894-8870-1. PLB $19.99. 0-7894-8871-X.

Gr 5-9–A broad overview, this volume covers everything from early Arabia to arms and armor, costume and jewelry, and Islamic culture and society. Full spreads treat the religion in Spain, Africa, China and Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, Iran, and India. In typical Eyewitness fashion, the book is lavishly and dramatically illustrated and contains a wealth of information. Wonderful for browsing.

Fiction

ALI, Monica. Brick Lane: A Novel. Scribner. 2003. Tr $25. ISBN 0-7432-4330-7; pap. $14. ISBN 0-7432-4331-5.

Adult/High School–At 18, Nazneen travels from Bangladesh to London to marry an older immigrant. Her younger sister, on the other hand, elopes for love. Ali's vibrant, touching story contrasts their lives over the next 17 years as they interact with family, friends, and co-workers (a captivating cast of characters). Readers will become immersed in Nazneen's community, religion, and culture, and will cheer as she slowly finds her own voice.

ALI, Samina. Madras on Rainy Days. Farrar. 2004. Tr $24. ISBN 0-374-19562-5.

Adult/High School–Since infancy, Layla has spent half of each year in the United States and half in India. Now, back in India at 19, she faces an arranged wedding with a man she doesn't know. Both Layla and Sameer bring secrets to their marriage that have unexpected consequences. Engrossing and richly detailed, this story shows Islam permeating literally every aspect of life–clothing, food, housing, conversation, education, and careers.

Nonfiction

ARMSTRONG, Karen. Islam: a Short History. Modern Library. 2002. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-679-64040-1; pap. $10.95. ISBN 0-8129-6618-X.

Adult/High School–The author, a former nun and prominent religious scholar, summarizes years of writing about Islam in this concise, yet comprehensive study. Her articulate text makes history and current events come alive. The book's useful extras include a detailed chronology, an annotated list of "Key Figures in the History of Islam," a glossary and pronunciation guide, and a lengthy bibliography.

ASEEL, Maryam Qudrat. Torn Between Two Cultures: An Afghan-American Woman Speaks Out. Capital Books. 2003. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-931868-70-0.

Adult/High School–Aseel, a first-generation Afghan American, discusses current events–particularly those relating to Afghanistan–and what it means to be a Muslim in America after 9/11. She combines analysis with unique personal stories describing how her family balances "two value systems that have grown to signify polar extremes, those of the East and West." Thoughtful and honest, with helpful insights.

BURKETT, Elinor. So Many Enemies, So Little Time: An American Woman in All the Wrong Places. HarperCollins. 2004. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-06-052442-1.

Adult/High School–On 9/11, Burkett was teaching journalism in the former Russian republic of Kyrgyzstan. Rather than flee to the U.S., she stayed, and in between classes traveled extensively (and often dangerously) through Central Asia and the Middle East. Witty and serious in turn, she opens a window into an often-overlooked, predominantly Muslim area of the world. Teens will be particularly intrigued with Burkett's college students, who display both resentment of and admiration for the West.

ESPOSITO, John L., ed. The Islamic World: Past and Present. 3 vols. Oxford. 2004. PLB $325. ISBN 0-19-516520-9.

Gr 8 Up–An encyclopedia that's comprehensive, appealing, and current–you can't get any better. The 300-plus entries (in three volumes) examine religion, history, current events, countries and regions, culture, and much more. Photos, maps, sidebars, chronologies, and glossaries aid in convenience and understanding.

ESPOSITO, John L. What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford. 2002. PLB $18.95. ISBN 0-19-515713-3.

Gr 10 Up–In question-and-answer format, Esposito succinctly explains the religion's faith and customs, from "How did Islam originate?" to "Why are Muslims reluctant to shake hands?" A detailed table of contents and index help readers locate matters of particular interest.

GORDON, Matthew S. Islam. Facts on File. 2001. Tr $30. ISBN 0-8160-4401-5.

Gr 9 Up–This thorough, exact introduction surveys the religion's history, fundamental beliefs, daily life, rituals, scripture, and sects, including an extensive treatment of Shi'ites, who comprise 10 percent of Muslims and are a majority in Iran. The final chapter deals with contemporary issues.

HASAN, Asma Gull. Why I Am a Muslim: An American Odyssey. Element. 2004. Tr $22.95. ISBN 0-00-717533-7.

Gr 9 Up–Asma Gull Hasan presents seven reasons for being a Muslim: family heritage, her relationship with God, the mystical tradition of Sufism, coping with mistakes, diversity, the role of women, and parallels between Islamic and U.S. values (she believes America is "the only true Islamic country"). The writing can be repetitious, but Hasan is so enthusiastic, with such stimulating ideas, that readers will willingly overlook this flaw.