Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs

Reader’s Review

This collection of parables and folktales from all around the Muslim world is a valuable addition to any family’s library. In addition to gorgeous illustrations and glossy pages, there are approximately 40 stories about prophets, famous sufi individuals and well-known individuals such as Mulla Nasruddin. Some are humorous and others sad, but all teach a moral lesson which is identified for the reader through a verse of Qur’an or a wise saying. Children may enjoy the stories (although a few of them might be too violent for very young children), but teenagers and adults are more likely to benefit from the lessons behind each story. An added bonus are stories from China and West Africa; Muslim lands that are not well-known to most audiences.

To look out for

• Islamic Values: Events from the life of Prophet Muhammad(s), Imam Ali(a), Lady Khadija(s) and other companions are mentioned, but all from the perspective of the Ahl-Sunnah (for example mention is made of the Prophet being fearful after seeing angel Jibrael in the cave of Hira, and another story praises the virtues of Uthman)
• Violence: In one story a man is murdered by bandits, and a number of other stories include threats of violence.