Who writes here?

Assalamu ‘alaykum (peace be upon you)

 

Reading, books and literacy are of critical concern to me as a Muslim mother and librarian. At present I am a stay-at-home-mom but I have worked as a Children’s Librarian in public libraries and as a librarian in an Islamic school. I have been asked on many occasions to recommend books for children and to share ideas for encouraging children to read. I felt that this blog would be my way of documenting these suggestions and recommendations.

But I also wanted parents, teachers, librarians, bloggers and leaders to get to know the variety of Islamic fiction and non-fiction material that is currently available for Muslim children and young adults. The Islamic or Muslim children’s publishing industry is steadily growing in variety and genre, AlhamduLillah (praise be to God), and I hope that this site can showcase these materials. Yet there is so much more that needs to be written. So you will find that I share information that will encourage Muslims to write, whether it is prose or poetry, and learn about publishing.

I’ve always read to my child, even when he was a baby. I see the benefits of the reading-aloud to him everyday. Not only was he able to  read at an early age (without having to be taught), but he finds reading to be an enjoyable and entertaining activity. Since my child is an avid reader and lover of all things in the form of a book; part of my wish is to share with you some of what he is reading in the hopes that you and your children (at home or in the classroom) will find them just as enjoyable. 

I am an avid reader and enjoy books in various genres. I also write stories for children when I can in my spare time. Several years ago I created a website, Islamic Libraries: A Resource Guide, on my own (back then coding was in HTML). It’s still up (much neglected as I spend most of my time on this blog) and I invite you to visit it if you are interested in starting your own library or a library in a masjid or school.

I hope this blogsite becomes a useful resource in your life whether you’re a teacher, parent, writer, publisher, community leader or anyone interested in books and literacy.

I ask Allah (God Almighty) to forgive me for any mistakes I have or may make. May He grant reward and benefit in this world and in the Hereafter to myself and my family and all those who contribute and use the information presented on and through this site.  

Shukran (thank you) for visiting.

  

Editor – Ummah Reads

 

P.S. Remember you can keep up-to-date with this blog and get links to valuable literacy and Islamic books resources by following me on Twitter (@UmmahReads) and on this blog’s Facebook page.