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FAITH, READS

Library Finds: A Childhood Treasure

‘Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed’

As a child, do you remember having a place in your home which you loved the most?  Some little corner where you could snuggle and escape into?  I definitely did and todays library find comes from there! 

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed

This is my parents library. As lifelong bibliophiles, there has always been a room in their home devoted to the books they collect and cherish. To this day, I still find it a place of great serenity and contentment as the books greet me like old friends whenever I enter. I can spend hours perusing the shelves for new additions and rediscovering past favourites.

During my recent trip home, I found this gem tucked between some cookbooks – clearly misfiled by some absent-minded reader.

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed

Immediately transported to my childhood, I held it in my hands and slowly turned the pages. For the first time, I noticed how thick the pages are and the fact that they are only printed on the right hand side. The floral illustrations still appealing and vibrant. A pleasure to hold and, I remember, a pleasure to read. All fifty sayings carefully chosen and considerately translated. As I continued skimming through, this paper dropped out:

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed || Year Of The Child || Ottawa Muslim Women's Auxilary

Isn’t this such a charming letter? I love how it is addressed directly to the “Dear Muslim Child” and explains not only what occasion the book was published for but why the sayings of Prophet Mohammed are important and how the book is intended to be used. I also deeply appreciate the du’a at the end: “May peace and happiness be with you!”. So genuine, sweet and full of heart.

This letter makes the book all the more remarkable and forward-thinking. I tried to find out if the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Auxillary still exists and it seems to have maybe been absorbed by the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organisation, although I can’t be sure of this. If anyone has any more information, please do share it in the comments – I would so like to know what happened to this organisation and the people in it. Who were these tremendous ladies who thought the best way to honour the Year of the Child was by privately publishing a beautiful book on our beloved Prophet – specifically for children, so that they may get to know him through his own words? I want to meet them. I want to say thank you and let them know that the goodness of their effort has reverberated through the years in a most beautiful way. I wish more present-day organisations were as gracious and thoughtful in their projects.

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed || Ottawa Muslim Women's Auxilary

As a child myself, my Mama would regularly ask my siblings and I to read through the book and write out one saying that we liked. We would then gather and talk about what we had chosen, why we liked it and what we thought it could mean. I always found this very enjoyable and often decorated my chosen saying with exuberant doodle patterns.

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed || Ottawa Muslim Women's Auxilary

The sayings selected for this book focus on being inspiring, thoughtful and practical. They are translated in ways that are easy to understand and easy to read. Without any extra explanations or opinions, the young person (or adult) is able to reflect not only on the sayings themselves but also what they portray of the man who said them –  abundant peace  and blessings be upon him. Straightforward and elegant, this format is absolutely perfect for its intended audience of children.

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed || Ottawa Muslim Women's Auxilary

 

Another thing my Mama would do with this book is, from time to time, pick a saying she thought would be meaningful for each of us. As the resident chatterbox, I remember this one often being dedicated to me:

MAMANUSHKA.COM || Library Finds || Sayings of the Prophet Mohammed || Ottawa Muslim Women's Auxilary

 

Unfortunately, this book is out of print (I suspect they were only printed the once, in 1979) and does not seem to be available anywhere I checked.  If you have a copy yourself or happen to come across one, keep it, treasure it and share it with the children in your life –  it will reward you with peace and happiness again and again.

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6 Comments

  • Reply Sum April 20, 2017 at 2:12 am

    This whole post was such a pleasure to re read. You describe the book so beautifully! ♥️

  • Reply Amelia September 14, 2016 at 2:18 am

    Please let us know if you are able to find it anywhere or get it reprinted!

  • Reply sarah August 31, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Salam! Beautiful.
    Do you mind snapping a photo of the bar code on the back of the book?

    JazakiAllah khair! <3

    • Reply Aiysha September 3, 2016 at 10:35 pm

      Wa Laikum As Salaam Sarah! I so wish I could do this but unfortunately, there is no barcode anywhere on this book! Nor is there any library reference number etc. I am hoping to get in touch with the original publisher and convince them to reprint it – here’s to hoping.

  • Reply Amara August 23, 2016 at 12:07 am

    What a lovely book! I love how the sayings are simple enough for children to understand and yet still to the point. Is there any other book similar to this that can be purchased?

    • Reply Aiysha August 28, 2016 at 10:54 pm

      It is *such* a beautiful book – I wish it were still available. I am trying to find the original ladies who published it in the hopes that they will agree to a reprint! I haven’t looked closely at many other hadith books for children but I would like to. Please let us know if there are any you like or particularly enjoy.

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