LITTLE LEADERS FROM HEAVEN

This children’s book focuses on two brothers who become important figures in Islam.

Imam Hasan and Imam Husain were the grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad. Even as kids, they were highly regarded by their friends and neighbors as extremely holy individuals, beloved by Allah, as shown in this volume’s five short stories. In the first tale, the boys gently remind an elder of the proper way to perform wudhu, the ritual washing before attending the masjid (mosque). They have the man judge their own perfect examples so he can spot where he made a mistake in his own attempt. In another story, the young Imams allow a man who has sinned to carry them on his shoulders to the Prophet Muhammad to ask for forgiveness, interceding on the adult’s behalf. The blessed children are subsequently cheered on by angels as they play, watched over by angels while they nap under the shade of a tree, and given new garments from Allah to celebrate the feast of Eid. Every page of Abidi’s inspiring book features bright, uncredited illustrations, and all of the holy figures, including Imam Hasan and Imam Husain, are depicted with their faces bathed in light. The text uses various Arabic words and phrases that will be unfamiliar to many readers. But a useful glossary at the end provides insights into their meanings. The stories do not provide much conflict and resolution, but rather serve to strengthen children’s Muslim faith through skillfully showing them religious figures their own age who exemplify goodness and holiness as outlined by the Quran.

A worthy work for young Muslim readers that presents tales of recognizable religious role models.