Looking for some fun, relaxing, and spiritually uplifting activities? We all need to take a break for ourselves and unwind at times. Believe me, I know the feeling.
Shift your mind and focus with these ten inspiring Islamic activity books.
You can find the first 5 books here:
6.
The title of the book: Nafs – An Istafti Qalbak Journal Series [A Ramadhan Journal]
Author name: Zohayma Montañer, Al-Haj
Publisher: Self-published
To purchase: www.zohaymamontaner.com/nafs or www.hadiyashop.com
What’s your education and background?
Zohayma Montañer is a 13-time international award winning artist and has become one of the most eminent names in the scope of Islamic art and calligraphy. She completed her hifdh (Quran memorization) studies under Shaykha Nurriya Yusuf and studied Arabic calligraphy for two years under different renowned mentors across the globe. Montañer is now actively working to spread the message of Islam through her works, lectures, publications, and art exhibitions worldwide.
What makes your book unique?
It is split into two parts, a well-structured journal that coincides with the arrangement of its book. One is dedicated to jotting down notes and practicing self-inventory while the other motivates and inspires the readers with beneficial information about Islam. It doesn’t only focus on Muslims but also it introduces the basics of Islam for those who want to know about it and those Muslims who want to know more about Islam.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wanted to help Muslims around the world to get the best out of Ramadan through introducing, inviting and encouraging them to practice Al Muhasabah [Self-inventory], which was a practice of the sahabah.
7.
Title of book: Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart
Author name: Tamara Gray
Publisher: Daybreak Press
Where can folks buy it? Daybreak Press, Amazon, and Book Depository
What’s your education and background?
I have a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction, and am a doctoral candidate at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in the Leadership, Policy, and Administration program.
What makes your book unique?
Joy Jots is 52 mini lessons – one each week of a year. Every lesson includes a reflection section and a community outreach project such as visiting someone who is ill, feeding your neighbors or adopting a long-term secret deed. The idea is to spread positive cultural change by living Islam fully and joyfully, together.
Why did you decide to write it?
I lived and studied Islamic sciences in Syria for 20 years. In 2012 I came home to Minnesota for a visit, and was prevented from returning by the war.
During that first year, I founded an organization called Rabata, which promotes positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. We have a social justice bookstore in Minneapolis, a publishing company, and a comprehensive Islamic sciences program called Ribaat. We also make use of Whatsapp threads for things like tahajjud (Night prayers) support and tarbiyah (spiritual upbringing).
The lessons in Joy Jots were originally published on our tahajjud threads as reminders and inspiration. After I had been writing them for a little over a year, we collected them and published them as Joy Jots, which is being used in halaqas all over the world, masha’Allah!
8.
Title of book: Inherent Birth Pregnancy Coloring Book and Affirmations for Muslimahs
Author name: Anisah Abdullah
Publisher: Private publisher
Education and background: NLP trained Antenatal Educator and Breastfeeding Counselor. Certified ESL instructor.
What makes the book Unique?
The Affirmation coloring book for pregnancy is the first of its kind to specifically engage the needs of Muslim women. There are many Pregnancy Coloring books on the market but most contain content that go against the tenets of faith that a muslimahs adheres to.
My goal with this book was simple; to create a safe space for Muslim women to actively reflect on the blessing of pregnancy whilst re-affirming the wonderful design of their bodies and the capabilities Allah has blessed them with. There are Duas and Quranic quotes included too as these are the two foremost things needed for a relaxed birth. Submitting to the process without fear and full trust in Allah’s perfect plan for us.
Why did you decide to write it?
The mind body connection is such a powerful tool. I decided to create this powerful affirmation coloring book of pregnant Muslim women to have an opportunity to practice engaging the two. Relaxation, submission and acceptance of Allah’s perfect plan are essential components of a healthy pregnancy and birth experience. I have met more unprepared mums than I can count and these are the mums who have read books and blogs on how to have a ‘natural’ birth. There is more meaningful preparation that needs to happen and this book is a stepping stone towards that.
Blurb from the back of the book:
Alhamdulillah for the blessing of pregnancy! It’s a time of great joy but also can also bring uncertainty and self-doubt. The intention behind this book was to create a safe space for relaxation strength and reflection that is appropriate for pregnant and birthing Muslim women.
Anisah Abdullah is a Doula and Antenatal Educator who has seen first-hand how a lack of reflective mental space during pregnancy can negatively impact a woman’s ability to birth as peacefully as she would like to.
The duaas in this book are from the Quran and authentic sunnah and can be used to draw nearness to the remembrance of Allah (please note there are no specific duaas for pregnancy or birth and the whole of the Quraan is a mercy and a healing).
May Allah bless your journey into Motherhood Ameen!
9.
Title of book: Muslim Family Colouring Book
Author name: Khaleel Muhammad
Publisher: SkyBorn Publishing
To purchase: LuLu
What’s your education and background?
I have no formal education in writing, illustration, radio or television broadcasting. I am a Muslim convert of 26 years and one of the longest standing nasheed artists in the business. Nonetheless, I am a published author and the artist and designer for products for the likes of Yusuf Islam and Zain Bhikha.
What makes your book unique?
The Muslim Family Colouring Book is unique amongst other colouring and activity books in its style of illustrations, quality and its appeal to adults as well as children. It helps bond the family as a unit whilst learning the basic tenets of Islam.
Why did you decide to write it?
The family is the bedrock of any society, so the need was felt that the family should have a creative, fun and spiritually uplifting product to which it could grow together. I wanted to bridge the gap between rote memorizing without understanding, and the comprehension of basic themes in Islam.
Blurb from the back of the book:
This is no ordinary Islamic coloring book! Packed with a collection of cool designs and illustrations by UK nasheed singer and artist Khaleel Muhammad, it guarantees hours of creative, spiritual and educational fun. Perfect for boys, girls, mums and dads – who can de-stress with a handful of designs tailor-made just for you. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with the family. Younger children can also practice handwriting the English and Arabic alphabet and learn the basics of Wudu and Praying, as well as enjoy funny short stories such as:
- Baby Bilal: Leaky Tap
- Sami and Kiki – Space Kids: Danger in Space
- Farmer Giles: First Mosque Visit
- Quest Babies: Love, Patience and Knowledge
- Power Lad: Every Life Matters
Themes range from intricate henna designs mums will love, a noble adventurer and epic moments in Islamic history for dad, cute mischievous babies, or outer space and lifesaving superhero antics. Grab your favorite coloring pencils or crayons and get coloring creative!
10.
Title of book: The Big Reconnecting Selflove Journal: Prompts and Affirmations to Love Your Fitra Self
Authors name: Brooke Benoit and Khalida Haque
Publisher: Brooke Benoit and Khalida Haque
To purchase: Amazon, Amazon UK, Createspace, Djarabi Kitabs, Etsy
What’s your education and background?
Brooke has a degree in Rhetoric and has also studied Interdisciplinary Fine Art. Khalida is a Biomedical Sciences graduate and has a Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy as well as a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Supervision.
Together we run The Big Reconnect Sleepover, which are (super way fun) international retreats exclusively for Muslim women to reconnect to themselves, their sisterhood and Sustainer.
What makes your book unique?
We aren’t sure that there is anything else quite like it. It has several ways to aid people in reconnecting to themselves through journaling- simple yet inspiring self-reflecting writing prompts, brilliant quotes about self-love and personal growth from many interesting people (both Muslim and not), several doodles to color in when one doesn’t want to write but wants to just relax/play, and many lined pages so users can journal, note-take or do whatever else they need with the journal.
Why did you decide to write it?
Some of the prompts are used in our retreats as well as Brooke’s writing workshops, so we wanted to put them together for many more people to benefit.
Blurb from the back of the book:
The Big Reconnecting Selflove Journal features unique writing prompts and loving affirmations, reminders to love yourself as Allah has made you – a unique individual with incredible strengths and talents to use in this life, benefiting yourself and others. The journal’s users can savor its prompts, returning to them from time to time making the entries long and rich, a full reflection of themselves.
First published: November 2017