A New Book Alhamdulillaah: One Day

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Alhamdulillaah - All of the praise and thanks are due to Allaah Alone, Who has made possible the publication of a new book.

'One Day' is the story of a family that has been tested with a shortage of food, lack of adequate clothing and an absent father and older brother. The family turns to Allaah and awaits the day when His help will come.

This story was inspired by seeing a child in the school cafeteria throw away their entire lunch uneaten because they did not like what their parent had put in their lunch bag that day. Seemingly without a thought, the child rose, walked to the trash can and simply dropped the food in.

Saddened, angered, and appalled, the incident stayed in my mind and one of the many thoughts that came to me was that this child may have never known was it is like to be without, to be hungry, to be cold and terribly scared. With this story, I hope to give young children a peek into the lives of children who live in countries where public safety, abundant food, clothing, water and toys are not the norm and are cherished and appreciated when present.

Short rhyming verses briefly tell the story of a family struggling to survive conditions that are, unfortunately, increasingly common around the world.

The book is not intended for children 5 years and younger. The story lends itself to being read to students in grades 1 and 2 and then a discussion may occur where the teacher/parent-teacher asks the children open-ended questions such as "What do you think happened to the father and the brother?", "Where do you think they are?", "Why do you think the family does not have enough food?", "Why do you think they cannot get food easily?", etc.

It is hoped that this book will be a tool to help teach our children empathy and compassion. And as Ramadan approaches, perhaps parents may wish to use the story to help children establish goals that are aimed at helping the Muslim youth in countries where hunger is daily, and ease is rare.

It is also hoped that children may be further guided (or reminded) to recognize and appreciate the innumerable amenities that they have known all of their life and to be grateful and thankful to Allaah for them. May Allaah accept this small effort and place it on our scale of good deeds on Yawmul Qiyaamah.

One Day is available in the U.K here alhamdulillaah and for all other countries it is available here insha'Allaah. In the U.S. you can purchase One Day from Barnes & Noble here alhamdulillaah.