LibGuides: FP Library Book Lists: Islam & Muslim Representation

Islam & Muslim Representation

Islam* centers on belief that there is no other god but Allah and that Muhammad was His prophet. Islam includes "Five Pillars" which are duties expected of every Muslim, each of which includes key tenets of the faith including profession of Allah as the only God, frequent prayer, charity, observation of holy days, and pilgrimage.**

The holy text of Islam is the Koran (also spelled Qu'ran), the contents of which is believed by Muslims to be the word of God passed down and recorded through Muhammad.

Many Muslims go to a mosque to pray but different groups and individuals express their faith in different ways. The crescent moon and star represent Islam and symbolize progress and knowledge respectively.

The two major branches of Islam are the Sunni branch (which emphasizes community and represents the majority of Muslims) and the Shi'ite branch (which centers a religious and community leader called an imam in prayer and interpretation of the Koran). Important Muslim holidays include Ramadan and Eid al-fitr (included in our Holiday & Seasons section).

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi; Shazleen Khan (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781250793805
It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab.

It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling--and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate-- each other's company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork--if the two can put their differences aside at last.
Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz; Parwinder Singh (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781499811575
Every Friday after Jummah prayer at the masjid, Musa's family has a special Jummah treat. They take turns picking out what the treat will be, but recently the choices have been . . . interesting. Week one, Mama made molokhia. It's perfect for sharing, but gives us molokhia teeth for days! Week two, Baba burned the kufte kebabs on the grill. Week three, Seedi made his favorite riz b'haleeb-creamy rice pudding with pistachio sprinkled on top with an unexpected ingredient. Last week, Maryam brought jellybeans. . . . Finally, it's Musa's turn to pick, and he picks his favorite-halal hot dogs! But actually getting to eat this deliciousness turns into a journey riddled with obstacles. Will he ever get his favorite tasty treat?
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad; Hatem Aly (Illustrator); S. K. Ali (As told to)
ISBN: 9780316519007
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad; S. K. Ali; Hatem Aly (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780759555709
It's picture day and Faizah can't wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair ribbons, passed down from her mother and sister. Faizah's teacher starts the day by asking her students to envision the kind of world they want, inspiring Faizah and her friends to spend the day helping one another in ways large and small. But when it's time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don't match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya's hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways.
Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqi; Fahmida Azim (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780823440191
Ramadan has come to an end, and Amira can't wait to stay home from school to celebrate Eid. There's just one hiccup- it's also school picture day. Amira wants to celebrate with her family, but she also wants to make sure her friends and teachers will remember her. How can Amira be in two places at once?
Amazing Women of the Middle East by Tarnowska Wafa'; Margarida Esteves (Illustrator); Hoda Hadadi (Illustrator); Sahar Haghgoo (Illustrator); Christelle Halal (Illustrator); Esteli Meza (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781623718701
Discover Sheherazade, the famous storyteller, dive into the musical world of the beautiful singer Fairuz and meet Amal Clooney, an outstanding international lawyer. Feel inspired by twenty-five amazing women from the Middle East, who have created a legacy through strength of vision, leadership, courage, and determination.
My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin; Lindsey Yankey (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780763694944
In a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother, this beautiful ode to family celebrates small moments of love that become lifelong memories. In this big universe full of many moons, I have traveled and seen many wonders, but I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love my grandma. While Mina is growing up in Iran, the center of her world is her grandmother. Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip around the planets, Mina and her grandma are never far apart.*
Once upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S. K. Ali (Editor); Aisha Saeed (Editor); Iman Rasheed (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781419740831
Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it's waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it's the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it's the gift-giving and holiday parties to come that day.

Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories about Eid by Muslim authors.*

*The word Islam means "submission" in Arabic, which explicitly refers to believers' submission to the will of God.

**The Five Pillars of Islam are as follows.

#1) Shahada: acknowledgement of the singularity of Allah as the only God meriting worship and Muhammad as his prophet. what d

#2) Salah or salat: Observing Muslims must pray five times a day, (dawn, noon, mid afternoon, sunset, and evening) each time facing in the direction of Mecca, Islam's holiest city.

#3) Zakat: This pillar of Islam asks those of particular wealth in Muslim communities to give charitably to Muslims less fortunate than themselves.

#4) Sawm: The fourth pillar of Islam refers specifically to the act of fasting from dawn until the setting of the sun during the holy month of Ramadan, an exercise in self-control intended to help practitioners feel closer to God and more aware of the sufferings of the poor. (Eid Al-fitr is the holiday in Islam which signifies the end of the month of Ramadan and means "the feast of the breaking of the fast" in Arabic).

#5) Hajj: The final pillar of Islam refers to the pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Mecca for those physically and economically able to do so. Though this pilgrimage is only compulsory once in a Muslim individual's life, some Muslims travel to the holy city more often.