Encyclopedia of Islam for Children

I love this book. Ahmadillah, I have given this book out many times as gifts. And the recipients and their parents were thrilled with the Islam Childrens Encyclopedia. You won't regret buying that book. Insha Allah I will buy more. Jazzak Allah khairun. It an excellent book.

THE CONCISE CHILDREN'S Encyclopedia of Islam discusses 123 topics ranging from Aam Al-Feel [Year of the Elephant] to Zamzam [the sacred water-well of Makkah] with many interesting topics in between. They are presented in alphabetical order and feature cross references which point out attention to related subjects. To quote the compiler of this encyclopedia, AlArabee Ben Razzouq: 'The present reference is a humble attempt to place before the English-speaking Muslim children a number of basic Islamic teachings and concepts.' Well said. And I strongly feel that this encyclopedia offers more than the statement suggests. I believe, for example, that this reference may be used by adults as well. This encyclopedia can be a welcome addition to the home library for it provides quick and easy access to some of the most basic and important Islamic concepts and teachings. The encyclopedia's illustrations are well thought-out and very pleasing to the eye, especially for children. It can aid them in remembering what they've read long after they've placed the book back on the shelf and moved on to other things. There is also a helpful section with useful definitions included specifically for English-speaking Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and yes, they are very useful. The encyclopedia's sections are color coded and are consistent with the color coding of the topics in the table of contents which are all very helpful and user friendly. For added emphasis and easy tacking, verses of Quran and the ahadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad, sallAllahu alayhe wa sallam, are assigned different colors from the rest of the text. The topics cover most elements of eman and Islam in addition to many Islamic occasions. While useful, I still hoped some topics related to contemporary Muslims, Muslim countries, and Islamic history were included to provide a dimension of reality that can be so essential for a more complete understanding by the young readers. Also, I think providing reference for the facts given [other than the Quranic verses and the Prophetic ahadeeth] would have made the encyclopedia more complete and authentic. I do not mean to doubt the veracity of any of the facts presented, but to limit the information about their sources to a mere bibliography at the end of the book may not be the best way to introduce Islam. Still, this is a highly recommended read for families with young children. I recommend reading from this encyclopedia during family time, maybe after dinner or the Maghrib salah. The pictures allow for the mood to be enjoyable, not too serious, and the topics are fascinating. Published by Dar-us-Salam Publications, Houston, TX, First edition, 2007, hardcover, 253 pages, 21x29 cm. Reviewed by Abdurrahman Hassen Al-Jumuah Vol 21, Issue 04

Masha Allah, a very nice informational book to teach children and adults about Islam. My children and I enjoy reading this together. I recently received this and insha Allah I will start from the beginning to end with them. I highly recommend...this is definitely a book for your child's library.