WHY WAS SHE NAMED FATIMAH?

This third installment of a picture-book series seeks to educate Muslim children about the importance of major figures in their religion—especially the meanings and importance of their names.

This story opens with the birth of Fatimah to Hadhrat Khadija, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad. Hadhrat Khadija had been ostracized by society for embracing the Muslim faith and marrying a poor man. Instead of the women in the village, Fatimah’s birth was attended by four heavenly women sent to her by Allah. Thus, the blessed Fatimah was born, and she was favored by her parents. After Hadhrat Khadija’s death, Fatimah cared for her father and was a good and obedient daughter. She grew up and married Imam Ali, known as the first imam from whom all subsequent ones descend. The couple were very holy, and they had four children who went on to become important religious figures as well. At the close of the tale, the Prophet Muhammad tells Imam Ali that his daughter’s name means “the one who separates,” as in the one who will separate the followers of Allah from those facing punishment on the Day of Judgment. Abidi’s (Tales of the Last Messenger, 2019, etc.) engaging and deeply religious tale is accompanied by bright, uncredited digital illustrations. All individuals who are considered holy are depicted with shining lights in front of their faces as indicators of their blessed nature. Unfortunately, many religious terms are not defined in the text. Still, this instructive book is a superb accompaniment to other teachings about Islam provided by parents or religious leaders.

An appealing and informative Muslim tale.