Welcome to the Manarat Children’s Books Collection

Manarat is a collection of books designed for children to introduce them to the inspiring journeys of figures from the Muslim world-both historical and contemporary-who have left a mark during their lifetime.

In our initial collection, we share the extraordinary stories of Muslims like journalist Wael Dahdouh, Fatima al-Fihriya who founded the world's first university and Hawa Abdi, Somalia’s first gynecologist who helped thousands during the civil war. .

While they come from different countries and lived at different times in history, what they have in common is that they believed in their childhood dreams while remaining deeply rooted in their identity and values.

We aim to introduce young readers to inspiring people from the Muslim world, while celebrating the universal scope of Islamic teachings.

Who are we?

We are Emna and Naila, two proud Muslim moms who were desperately searching for books that our young children could not only identify with, but that would also help them discover the world from a different perspective.

When we didn't find the kind of books we were looking for, we decided to create our own! And, after months of research, planning, writing, illustrating and editing, the Manarat book series was born, alhamdulillah.

Do your children know these amazing Muslims?

We have all been profoundly affected by the horrific events unfolding in Gaza over the past few months and, while we condemn the genocide and call for justice, we also acknowledge the extraordinary courage and spirit of the Palestinian people.

One of the most inspirational individuals that has risen to prominence is Palestinian journalist, Wael Al-Dahdouh, whose bravery has garnered the attention and admiration of the world.

Despite the loss of many close family members and his own suffering and grief, Br Wael Dahdouh has not stopped exposing and denouncing the massacre of his people.

We are honored to publish the first book that shares his inspiring story with children - as well as those of a host of other notable Muslims.

Why choose Manarat books for your children?

Muslim families often struggle to find books celebrating Muslim figures that appeal to our kids. What makes the books in the Manarat collection so unique is the message conveyed through each of the stories: the most important thing is not individual success or celebrity, but the accomplishment of good deeds and positive impact on the community. So don't be surprised if your children are inspired by the journeys of people whose names you may have never heard before! 

Each protagonist has been carefully selected and studied, with meticulous research done into their life, environment and era, and we have worked to perfect every detail of the illustrations so that the child is fully immersed in the character's story.

The result is a series of high-quality multilingual books, beautifully illustrated with captivating stories and highly realistic sketches which makes the story even more fascinating for the child.

Manarat project is not about books as much as it is about the reading journey: rich vocabulary, immersion, world building and story-telling. It is more than just a book series, it is a true moment of sharing within the family and within the community.

How can you support our project and be a part of this exciting adventure?

-Pre-order your books or make a donation (or both!) via the giving levels

-Spread the message and share our campaign with your family, friends and networks. You can post it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and don’t forget emails and chats, they work very well too  ;-)

-Remember in your duas. Our success comes only through Allah SWT

How will your contribution be spent? 

Your support for this campaign will allow us to print and distribute the first 3 books of the first series in English and make them available to children around the world. We want these books to reach as many Muslim children as possible.

We also be donating a portion of all funds raised to a charity work in Gaza, as a way of expressing our support for the resistance of the Palestinian people.

Who are Manarat books for? 

Whether you’re from a Muslim family looking for positive and inspiring Muslim role models in children’s literature, or a teacher or parent of non-Muslim children wanting to better understand and celebrate Muslim figures, the Manarat series is all you need. These wonderful biographies pay tribute to Muslim protagonists and honor the rich history and vibrant present of this community. 

The Manarat collection is the perfect gift for your child, young people in your family, or even your local library or school.

We sincerely hope you will support our project and become part of the Manarat community!

« Then you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him) », Surah Al-Imran, 159