We are asking your support to help us make What is a Muslim? - a children's book/nursery rhyme about the things which make us Muslims - available for children in public libraries in the United States.

What is so special about this book?

This book is skillfully illustrated by our ten year old daughter/artist Sousann and written by her father Ali, a long time student of religion and a nasheed artist. The nasheed is sung by a group of talented lead singers: Sousann (10 year old daughter), Marwan (11 year old great-nephew), Maha (8 year old great-niece) and Ayesha (6 year old daughter). There are no instruments played on the audio track.  All the sounds were made vocally by Ali Elsayed.

What else makes this book different?

Other than being a fun, colorful, musical and educational book, What is a Muslim? aims to teach children about the purpose of their Muslim identity. Most books on this subject, which one might find at the local mosque library, do a good job of explaining what the five pillars of Islam are, but they rarely mention the aims of practicing those five pillars. What makes our book different, is that it teaches the reader that being a Muslim is a vehicle for becoming a better human being; and, that practicing the five pillar should make us good, charitable, loving, peaceful and caring people.

Why we wrote this book?

In today's world,  Islam and Muslims are usually portrayed negatively in the media and in print. In addition, it is not very easy to find content which promotes a positive Muslim identity, especially when it comes to children. Take for example public libraries in the United States, we were surprised to find out that there were no fun and playful children's books explaining the basics of what it means to be a Muslim. If a child or a parent wanted to look for such a book, the most they may find is a book about Muslim inventions or Muslim holidays. That is why we at "Itsy Bitsy Muslims" decided to make this book our first project. We wanted Muslim children who read this book to feel a sense of happiness and pride that they are followers of this great religion. We also wanted non-Muslim parents or children who read this book to have a better understanding of who Muslims really are. Your support can help us make this positive impact.

What’s with the singing?

Reading a book with illustrations is fun for kids; but, singing a book with illustrations is a marvelous experience! Kids learn and understand better with melody, rhyme, and rhythm. Ask any group of native English speakers to recite the alphabet, and a large number of them will recite the alphabet with the same rhythm that shares a melody with “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”. Studies have also found that singing together helps people form social bonds. Rhythm, rhyme, and melody aid memorization; using melody to teach helps students learn more effectively.  

Review 1

This book, written by a father/daughter duo, and is such an inspiration to young children. That's why both of my sons love it. My older son (9 y/o) looks at it and says, "A girl my age drew that?? She made most of this book?! Wow, kids my age really can do something!" My younger son (3 y/o) pulls it off his bookshelves every night -- the first book he wants me to read to him at bedtime. The text spurs him to say things like, "Mama, I'm a Muslim! I love to be a Muslim!" and to ask questions like, "Why do Muslims pray?" and "What is it to fast?" and "Why do hungry people cry?" He asks so many questions while looking at the beautiful illustrations which are perfect for kids, that the books becomes a great springboard to discuss other topics relating to religion, social awareness, and emotional intelligence. All from a very simple and straight-forward review of the 5 pillars of Islam. Wannabe Dervish

This is such a cute and concise book about what a Muslim should be like. I loved the themes of charity and being kind. Beautiful message and beautifully illustrated. My children love reading it and enjoy looking at the pictures. Mazen

Review 2

What a treasure of a children's (and adults'!) book on Islam and Muslims. It covers the basic 5 pillars of Islam while also sharing the inner true teachings of Islam which are often ignored but are based on love, compassion and good manners. It also has a beautiful rhythm to it and easily captures the reader with colorful illustrations and a smooth flow of language and love. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to learn about Islam and Muslims, or for Muslims who would like to build self-acceptance and self-compassion in their children at a time when many muslim children feel scared and misunderstood. I have donated a copy of this book to my children's school and intend to also give some to the local libraries and schools around us. Get this book! It's worth so much more than the price listed and will one day likely be a collectible. :) Rana Sassi

Review 3

My kids enjoyed it as you can read it and sing it as a nursery rhyme. Nice pictures and simple to read. I hope to see more in this collection. Yahia Rph

Review 4

My Islamic School students really enjoyed this book!  Michelle Badawiyeh

In-sha-Allah not a one-off book

We are excited to tell you that we at "Itsy Bitsy Muslims" have many other books and songs in the works. What is a Muslim? is the first book of what we hope to become many books published by Itsy Bitsy Muslims. We are currently working on another children's book and song about the importance of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  By supporting this campaign, you would be investing in the future of "Itsy Bitsy Muslims".

Authors

This is a father/daughter project made possible through the support of a wonderful mother. Sousann Elsayed was only 10 years old when she drew the illustrations for this book. She was only a year old when her father wrote the unpublished text for the book she had illustrated. She is now 11 years old and her artistic skills have exponentially improved. As a homeschooled kid, she had learned all her skills from her mother Neda who is a great artist herself. As for her beautiful voice, her father Ali claims credit for that. Both Neda and Sousann will be working on future children’s book projects in-sha-Allah.

Ali Elsayed is a long time student/teacher of Islamic spirituality. He is also an accomplished nasheed artist/songwriter who writes and sings in both Arabic and English.

The Goal of this campaign:

We wish to put What is a Muslim? On the shelves of as many US public libraries as we can. The stated campaign goal will cover up to 400 public libraries in all 50 states (8 in each state). We know there are around 9000 public libraries in the US, which is why we are counting on your generosity and support to exceed the stated campaign goal and send our book to at least a thousand libraries.

This book will also make a great gift for the kids in your circles. So we encourage you to purchase it for them.

Last but not least

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى عَنْهُ ، قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : " لا يزَالُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ ..."

Narrated by Abu Huraira, that prophet (pbuh) said: Allah will continue to help His servant for as long as the servant will continue to help his brother …” 

Our intention at “Itsy Bitsy Muslims”, is to make a positive impact in helping Muslims and non-Muslims have a better understanding and appreciation of Islam and Muslims. We hope that along with success from Allah (swt), your generosity and your prayers will make this good intention come to reality, and bear its fruits.

Please give generously and share this campaign!