Eliyas Explains: What was Prophet Muhammad (saw) Like? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
Zanib Mian once again fills a void in the literary world for our children using her easy to read and relate to protagonist’s voice. Over 149 pages, filled with illustrated doodles, details about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) flow through the fictional framing of Eliyas and his family heading to the airport to pick up their Mamoo. It starts with the standard introduction of characters that all Eliyas books have, so while it is part of the series it can be read as a standalone as well. But really if you have children 5-14, you should invest in the entire collection. Also, as with the rest of the series, the book is checked by a Shaykh who is named at the beginning so that the reader can enjoy the Islamic details that are to follow. I know there is some debate about the cave and the spider, a story shared briefly within the pages, but I will leave it to those more knowledgeable to decide upon. The book works well read aloud and independently, either way I’m confident children will enjoy the story, learn something new, and grow in their love of our Rasul Allah, alhumdulillah.
SYNOPSIS:
Eliyas’s dad’s uncle, Haroon Mamoo is coming for a visit, and while Mum wants to make sure they leave at a specific time to get to the airport, Dad isn’t stressed, he had a dream about Prophet Muhammad saw the night before and the kids want to hear all about it. The story progresses weaving in things around them with Mum and Dad tying them to the sunnah. From a fight at the airport, to a pigeon getting stuck, to Haroon Mamoo seeming to have gotten lost. The book is preachy, in the best way possible, as Eliyas and Aasiya banter, crack jokes, and learn along with the reader.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love Eliyas’s voice and the weaving of a fictional story to convey the non fictional sunnahs that are truly the heart of the book. The information presents in an easy way for children to hopefully remember it, and to also see how they should be behaving and acting in their own lives. The fun fonts, illustrations, and layout make it inviting to pick up and keep reading.
FLAGS;
None
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This book is not a journal, like some in the series are, but provides ample opportunity to discuss points on each page.
