Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
The book stems from the genocide occurring in Gaza, but expands to cover the more general concepts of qadr (destiny), tests, and sabr. The book assumes that what is happening in Palestine is known and does not discuss specific details, allowing the book to be both timely, yet universal. As with all the books in the series, the conversational humorous approach appeals to children as foundational Islamic concepts are broken down and explained. The book is 73 pages with the journal portion starting on page 33. In some of the other books, the journal feels more of a hands on to already shared information, or an accompanying workbook of sorts. In this book however, I feel like the second half continues to explain the topic at hand, and convey key components in understanding why Allah swt, lets “hard” things happen, how we should view the tests, approach difficulties, and inshaAllah triumph. The book has been checked by a Shaykh, and I highly recommend this important book for elementary, middle grade, and even middle school children. The concept of qadr is difficult, I struggle to truly grasp what we can and cannot change, but this book helps readers focus on what we can change and how to view terrible things that happen to us and to others.
The book starts with Eliyas introducing himself and his family, and then wondering why “Israel is being able to do what they’re doing in Gaza. Why isn’t Allah stopping it?” As with all Eliyas books, mom and dad are sought out, food is somehow worked in, and time and space are given to Eliyas and his siblings to be given an answer. His parents start by being glad that Eliyas’s heart is soft for the Palestinians and that he is bothered by what is happening to them, before explaining that a lot of understanding is trusting and truly believing that Allah swt knows best.
The book uses hadith, ayats from the Quran, it even shouts out other Zanib Mian books, The Mindful Book of Wellbeing, for seeing the bigger picture and Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray my Salat on how to make yourself strong to get through the struggles of this duniya.
The book talks about why Allah swt didn’t make everyone good, and it is clear in saying that being mad and sad are ok too, as long as we are not questioning Allah swt. There are prompts and questions (with answers) and the book is not heavy, despite the subject matter, the tone and approach stay on level and allow readers to connect, alhumdulillah.
You can get your copy here at Crescent Moon Store.
