Be part of the legacy to create the first rhyming children's book on Jerusalem, Masjid al-Aqsa, and the Night Journey.

Together, let us revive a love for Palestine in the hearts of our children.

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The Story

Do our children know about Palestine and the religious status of Masjid al-Aqsa as much as they should? Do they have a love for the masjid, its land, and its people?

These are the questions I asked myself in the midst of another series of attacks and oppression in occupied Palestine. I wanted to tell my children the story of Masjid al-Aqsa and the history surrounding Jerusalem. I wanted their eyes to twinkle with love and excitement for the place. 

As someone who understands the importance of rhyme and repetition in the early years. I knew that the best way to teach them was through book.

But I was stuck. 

I couldn't find a book that contained poetry, for children to remember its contents. I also couldn't find one with a cover that protrayed Al-Aqsa correctly and not as the Dome of the Rock. I'm sure many of you have been in the same spot.

                    Copyright Eman Salem (Illustrator for this project)

Hence, I set out to write a book that captures the story of Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem through captivating storytelling, rhyme, and thoughtful illustrations, coupling both its historical and religious significance.

Most Muslim childrens' books don't tend to give any attention to Jerusalem: the 3rd most sacred site in the world for Muslims; the first qiblah; the land of prophets and messengers. So I teamed up with a talented Palestinian illustrator, Eman Salem, to change this through my words and her art.

Meet the Team

  Madiyah Rana: author, student and mum of two

Author: Madiyah Rana - Published author, (BA Islamic Education) with an interest in writing, early childhood studies and child psychology.

Illustrator: Eman Salem - Native Palestinian illustrator and author with multiple published children's works and over 11 years of experience!

Book Designer: Kiran Mushtaq, Self-taught Graphic Designer with a diverse porfolio of work

Proofreader/Editor: Abida Akhtar, Experienced proofreader with a BA in English Literature

The Book

Title: 'From Al-Aqsa to the Lote Tree'

Description: A 32-page, hand-illustrated hardback for ages 3+

From the cover to the end of the book, children will familiarise themselves with the true Masjid al-Aqsa and some symbols of the sacred lands and traditions whilst dipping into Islamic history. 

At the end of the book, your child will find a glossary of terms related to Jerusalem and the journey of Isra wal-Mi`raj with explanations to what they mean.

All illustrations have been carefully designed throughout to stay true to Palestinian tradition and the land of Al-Quds.

The Blurb:

Ameer glances upon a beautiful blue tray and his mind begins to wonder…

Where is it from and what has it seen?

He asks his mama who tells him of a place,

Far away but no further than space!

A land in which the Prophets performed a prayer,

And from where the last Messenger took a journey so dear...

Join Ameer and his mama in this beautiful rhyming book which will remind our little believers of the significance of Jerusalem, the journey of Isra wal-Mi`raj, and the plight of the Palestinians. 

​Where will your money go?

All your contributions will go towards the illustrating, design, print and production of 200 books. If you choose the pre-order option, you will be getting a £1 discount, whilst supporting the campaign and securing a copy of the hardback in advance.

Live Read-Aloud! (The First 100 Pre-Orders)

As a special incentive, the first 100 pre-orders will receive the opportunity for their children to join the author, Madiyah Rana, on a live online read-aloud of the book, workshop and quiz!