We're Off to Make Umrah by Sana Munshey

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚 Title: We're Off to Make 'Umrah Author: Sana Munshey Illustrator: Eman Salem Publisher: The Islamic Foundation Type: Semi-Fiction Age: 5-11 Rating: 10 /10 🌟 🕋 Islamic Content: 'Umrah 🕋 Concerns: None 🕋 Summary: A young boy takes us in his Umrah journey along with his family. His journey is told in the order of the routine starting with departure from home. Followed by ihram and prayer during their flight. His first impressions upon arrival in Jeddah and his commute to Mecca are expressed. He leads us on his tawaf, mentions the black stone and maqam Ibrahim. They stop and enjoy the unique taste of Zamzam water as they prepare for the Safa and Marwa ritual while remembering its original significance. To finish off their Umrah they trim their hair and remove their ihram. The family also visit the Masjid AnNabi in Medinah and the book concludes with the young boy making dua to return for Hajj. 🕋 Review: Winter months seem to be a popular season for Umrah trips, so I consciously chose to dedicate a review for this unique book. Although it is easy to find books on Hajj (kids picture books specifically) this is the only book I know of that introduces the young readers to Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage. 🕋 It is written in poetic verses from beginning to end, in rhyme and consistent flow which makes reading it much more fun for the little curious ears. The story briefly touches on all the necessary points that a person performs in order to complete their Umrah. It can be used as a fun introduction, however, it is not a step-by-step guide on its rituals. This book alone can spark conversation to have a further discussion on what Umrah is, what it entails and what sets it apart from Hajj. Lots of discussion points are listed on the "Notes to Parents and Teachers" page. I really appreciate that the author has included a trinkets of background information throughout the story, ie: Kaaba was build by prophet Ibrahim a.s. and his son, Hajar's struggle at Sa'i, and a few additional du'as. I just love the way the book concluded, with a visit in Medinah and praying to Allah to return to the Kaaba for Hajj. Also, I am beyond grateful that the author has chosen to mention the diversity of Muslims that come together to complete this special form of worship. It is such a beautiful occurrence. Most importantly, praise, dua and dhikr is mentioned throughout to remind the reader that this trip is solely for Allah and our worship to Him. A list of terms and their definitions are included on the Glossary page. I, 100%, recommend this book. 🕋 Available: @kubepublishing #wereofftomakeumrah #emansalem #sanamunshey #umrahbook #muslimkidsbooks #islamickidsbooks #muslimauthor #muslimkidslit #raisingmuslimreaders

Mar 1/2020