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Muslims of the World: Portraits and Stories of Hope, Survival, Loss, and Love
We are living in a time of unrest for many members of the Islamic faith around the globe. Enter Muslims of the World , a book based on the popular Instagram account @MuslimsoftheWorld1. Like the account, the book’s mission is to tell the diverse stories of Muslims living in the US and around the world. Illustrated throughout with moving photographs, each chapter will focus on different aspects of the Islamic faith and the many varying cultures it encompasses, offering tales of love, family, and faith while empowering Muslim women, refugees, and people of color. Whether it is telling a story about a young Syrian refugee who dreams of being a pilot or about a young girl’s decision to not remove her hijab, which in turn saved her family’s life, Muslims of the World aims to unite people of all cultures and faiths by sharing the hopes, trials, and tribulations of Muslims from every walk of life.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2018
22 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2019
I stumbled across this remarkable book on the new arrivals shelf at the local library and I am glad I did. This is a terrific introduction to Muslim people around the world with short accounts and wonderful photos. The book has different sections on refugees, fate, hijab, female empowerment, racism, prayer and love. I learned a lot about the Muslim religion and was impressed with many of the short selections. I think this is a hopeful book and highly recommend it.
November 8, 2020
To read my full detailed review of this book (and MANY more!) please go to my book blog @ https://sabrinareads365.blogspot.com/
April 5, 2021
Enjoyable read. Shows, through personal stories how , as my mother would say" You can't judge a book by it's cover." I really enjoyed the human factor, with pictures and highlighted excerpts from each story, reminding the reader how much the same we are at the core.
November 4, 2018
Beautifully presented and written. Got me teary at several points. I just wish a wider range of countries and age groups were represented.
February 4, 2020
Beautiful stories
As I Muslim, I feel happy about reading all these wonderful stories that represent how we live in this world as humans before anything. How our faith is critical to us and form our understanding of the world. I am grateful for such a book that reminds us that we are diverse and each life journey is unique. We need many books like this one and we want to hear more Muslim voices about their ordinary life and dreams.
As I Muslim, I feel happy about reading all these wonderful stories that represent how we live in this world as humans before anything. How our faith is critical to us and form our understanding of the world. I am grateful for such a book that reminds us that we are diverse and each life journey is unique. We need many books like this one and we want to hear more Muslim voices about their ordinary life and dreams.
June 13, 2020
Definetly not a book that you can binge read. As my friend says: " its a book that you can read when you're waiting for your appointment in the clinic" xD It's nice though, being able to know that there is someone in the world out there going through something very similar to what you're going through, especially as a Muslim immigrant, it's not easy to integrate into the society without being affected in a way or another, so it was good to see people who survived it so far. Some stories are very shallow though, i understand that they may mean a lot to the person who experienced it, and it could even make a difference for some readers, but i believe the editors should have been more selective, with regards to the quality of narratives.
January 31, 2019
In the interest of breaking down the barriers between people who are different in some way, religion, race, gender, language, culture, citizenship status, etc. certainly one act that we all must take is making an effort to learn about those who are different. (Unlike Donald Trump and others who want to build barriers). This book is a great introduction to dozens of Muslim people around the world, their lives, challenges, and dreams. It may be the next best thing to actually have a Muslim friend. If we are going to learn to live together on the same planet we need more books like this one, and also people willing to read them, and to work at breaking down the barriers between us, as well as firmly resisting those who want to build barriers.
December 25, 2019
With so much being said on Muslims, I was glad to get this book on a cross section of them and that's good. One thing I wasn't sure on was what type they were. (Sunni, NOI etc) and to a degree I am glad they stayed away from it. Some lived here in the U.S., others in Europe and the Middle East. All ethnicities though, and some who were refugees from Syria, Iraq, Palestine. I read their hopes, dreams, failures and comebacks. Some that I cannot even imagine enduring but they are. One young lady here in the U.S., spoke of having water thrown on her outside her job. Another of being in a car accident. One spoke of finding a mate after enduring obstacles. But the constant thing that stood out for me is their faith and resilience. Great book.
January 17, 2019
What a beautiful collection of personal, incredible stories. I’m so heartbroken over what’s happened to many of these people, but so inspired by their resilience.
The layout of this book was also fantastic, with the best quotes highlighted on the beautiful, colorful pages, and the stories accompanied by clear pictures. I think it had a perfect combination of photos, quote highlights, and text. Loved this book so, so much!
The layout of this book was also fantastic, with the best quotes highlighted on the beautiful, colorful pages, and the stories accompanied by clear pictures. I think it had a perfect combination of photos, quote highlights, and text. Loved this book so, so much!
December 30, 2018
A beautiful and moving portrayal of Muslims from an array of backgrounds and walks of life. In an age of Islamophobic rhetoric and misrepresentation of Muslims in the media, this is an important book for all readers.
February 18, 2023
This book is a beautiful collection of short testimonies (max 2,5 pages long) from muslims around the world. The testimonies were divided into seven categories: qadar (predestination), refugees, racism and prejudice, hijab, female empowerment, prayer and love. Reading along the lines some stories have shocked me, some have warmed my heart and others have taught me things. Some of them were an Inspiration and others a reminder. I loved reading it and even if it was mainly meant to be read by nonmuslims, it has brought me as a muslim closer with my community. It is worth reading.
January 9, 2023
Roughly 100 very short “stories” giving a fresh perspective to non-Muslims on what “a Muslim” looks like, experiences, and thinks. I found myself locked into reading each 1-3 page story wanting to better understand their journeys—and often was left wanting to know more. I particularly loved the chapter on the hijab/hijabis. A great little read.
May 14, 2019
I’d been wanting to read MOTW ever since I first heard of its release, so I was super excited when I finally got my hands on the book. I got to read the beautiful stories of many of my brothers and sisters in faith; some of which made me cry. But I felt the book should have included more people from a wider range of backgrounds and nationalities; people living in different countries. I felt that the book was mostly focused on Muslims living in the USA and Jordan, so it was a bit disappointing as I was expecting to read stories from many parts of the world.
December 21, 2020
Some great stories in here but I made the mistake of solely reading this book. Because of that it got pretty repetitive towards the end, but no ragrets
April 13, 2020
"Hold no shame in your titles. Be unapologetic! Be bold! Be amazing! Be black! Be loud! Be a woman! Thank Allah, again, again, again and again!" (p. 86)
"Yet, it is not the cloth that opresses a woman, but rather the ignorant mind that judges her by what is on her head than rather than what is in it. When political institutions seek to ban the hijab, I wonder if anyone realizes that the very people who claim to "liberate" Muslim women who have been "forced" to wear the hijab are the ones taking away women's freedom of choice." (p. 108)
"Difference is good. Difference is inspiring. Difference is empowering. Difference is what makes each and every human being beautiful." (p. 108)
"Sometimes belief is all you need to feel safe and protected." (p. 176)
"What he practiced, he did for Allah. It wasn't for show or to preach, but to practice purely what our religion teaches us." (p. 195)
"Where you start out doesn't have to be where you end up. The search for your place in life is always worth it." (p. 201)
"Something special happens when children get to choose books for themselves and spend their free time reading about their favourite topics. The children I teach are not rich, but they deserve to be given every chance for a better future. (p. 204)
"If you have love and God you need nothing else. Go and be with the one you love." (p. 211)
"Differences should not make us uneasy with one another. They should allow us to unite." (p. 217)
"Yet, it is not the cloth that opresses a woman, but rather the ignorant mind that judges her by what is on her head than rather than what is in it. When political institutions seek to ban the hijab, I wonder if anyone realizes that the very people who claim to "liberate" Muslim women who have been "forced" to wear the hijab are the ones taking away women's freedom of choice." (p. 108)
"Difference is good. Difference is inspiring. Difference is empowering. Difference is what makes each and every human being beautiful." (p. 108)
"Sometimes belief is all you need to feel safe and protected." (p. 176)
"What he practiced, he did for Allah. It wasn't for show or to preach, but to practice purely what our religion teaches us." (p. 195)
"Where you start out doesn't have to be where you end up. The search for your place in life is always worth it." (p. 201)
"Something special happens when children get to choose books for themselves and spend their free time reading about their favourite topics. The children I teach are not rich, but they deserve to be given every chance for a better future. (p. 204)
"If you have love and God you need nothing else. Go and be with the one you love." (p. 211)
"Differences should not make us uneasy with one another. They should allow us to unite." (p. 217)
November 28, 2018
"Maybe, if we teach our children how to build rather than destroy, all of these wars and crimes might someday stop." - Wesam, Amman Jordan.
I do take things for granted since I'm born in a Muslim country with no problem of practicing my deen. Reading this book make me realize a lot of things. Knowing how Muslim facing racism while others live in a war-torn country. There are a lot of things I need to be grateful of. All these people are so inspiring despite the hardness and challenges they are facing. Hopefully, we can live in a peaceful world one day. Where people can respect each other and all the war will stop.
I do take things for granted since I'm born in a Muslim country with no problem of practicing my deen. Reading this book make me realize a lot of things. Knowing how Muslim facing racism while others live in a war-torn country. There are a lot of things I need to be grateful of. All these people are so inspiring despite the hardness and challenges they are facing. Hopefully, we can live in a peaceful world one day. Where people can respect each other and all the war will stop.
February 28, 2020
I loved it so much! This is a must-read book for all Muslims, very informative and empowering sometimes we need to read more stories about people in our community so we understand it better and get inspired by those who are stronger in faith than us. Thank you so much for such a beautiful and heartwarming book ♡
I'll follow your pages on social media you're amazing! Please make more volumes for this book I'll surely read them all.
I'll follow your pages on social media you're amazing! Please make more volumes for this book I'll surely read them all.
June 13, 2019
just like the title, this book tells you a story of people around the world. Each story will touch you, sad, happy, blessed, you can even feel their pain. We might have a big problem at the moment but their story will remind us that out there people may have bigger problem than us and those problem should make us stronger in life and feel more grateful each time.
December 4, 2020
Pretty interesting and diverse stories and backgrounds of Muslim individuals, but i would have loved it even more if they were actually written in their original voices instead of the same writing style.
May 2, 2022
During Ramadan I am always looking for a few light and quiet reads about Islam or Muslims. This one was deep in many places. Wonderful in its photos and short essays on being Muslim. It made me want to know more about these people.
November 11, 2018
Beautifully done! I’m waiting for part two.
This work should continue!
This work should continue!
November 15, 2018
Great book ever!
July 16, 2019
Outstanding.
Read
December 17, 2020An interesting idea but I didn't make it through. Maybe just not the right time to read it.
May 4, 2021
Amazing. So much strength in these stories.
October 25, 2022
Beautiful collection of diverse stories. I am really happy I picked this up.
July 15, 2023
Prayer 🤲🏾 happens 5x a day to keep that communication with God going. Interesting idea.
June 26, 2023
A book that makes you experience a lot of emotions, as much as it breaks your heart and makes you cry, it inspires you.
October 7, 2018
I have been looking so forward to getting my hands on and reading this collection of stories since May - when I ordered 4 copies, for myself and some close friends (to be sent to my permanent home address and I don't know when my next visit home will be, as I was in the middle of moving between apartments at the time) after the announcement from it's authors on their Instagram account "muslimsoftheworld1" It wasn't coming out til Oct 9. There were some previews of the stories on the account and it just made me want Oct to come even faster. Then, just this past week, I thought it would be a great idea to have copies at our Islamic school for the kids to read, as well as the adults, and perhaps to sell some at the annual Book Fair which takes place in February. So I ordered 20 copies! But then, earlier today, I was visiting Barnes & Noble at my current location - and lo and behold - 3 copies sitting in the Islam section! So of course, I bought a copy today!
As soon as I got back to my apartment - I opened the book and decided that I would finish it by the end of the day. I've just finished the book and it was everything I expected and beyond. Every story, from the first one sharing a tragedy, to the final love story that the book concludes with - was beautiful. As the subtitle of the book says - Hope, Survival, Loss and Love - they each had their own beauty because though these are Muslims stories - they are at their core, human ones.
Yes, the authors have aimed to get word out about Muslim lives in these troubled times - and I as a Muslim myself - support that effort wholeheartedly. I hope this work spreads far and wide to use a cliche - both to our Muslims communities here in the US, as well as overseas, as we can learn from these stories and the issues they address. Every Muslim household should have this on their bookshelf.
Furthermore, I do hope those from outside our faith community will maybe borrow a copy from their Muslim friend, or pick up a copy for their home library, so they can connect to a group they may not understand clearly at this time. It's very much needed.
Personally, many of the stories hit home - whether it was the death of a parent, especially a father (as I lost mine at age 19, just as I was becoming a fully-fledged adult and the subsequent, resultant situation of my mother having to shoulder so much responsibility in the face of loss, but depending upon her inner strength and faith in life's purpose, putting one's faith in God and moving forward while not forgetting what that loved one would have wanted as well.
I know I will refer back to this book for inspiration, in both good and difficult times - that's what all these stories provide regardless of the section of the book they were in.
Lastly, the book is of great quality, both physically and visually speaking. Well done to Br. Sajjad, Sr. Iman, Sr. Ala and the other contributors, who went to great lengths to put this book together, especially at such a crucial time.
As soon as I got back to my apartment - I opened the book and decided that I would finish it by the end of the day. I've just finished the book and it was everything I expected and beyond. Every story, from the first one sharing a tragedy, to the final love story that the book concludes with - was beautiful. As the subtitle of the book says - Hope, Survival, Loss and Love - they each had their own beauty because though these are Muslims stories - they are at their core, human ones.
Yes, the authors have aimed to get word out about Muslim lives in these troubled times - and I as a Muslim myself - support that effort wholeheartedly. I hope this work spreads far and wide to use a cliche - both to our Muslims communities here in the US, as well as overseas, as we can learn from these stories and the issues they address. Every Muslim household should have this on their bookshelf.
Furthermore, I do hope those from outside our faith community will maybe borrow a copy from their Muslim friend, or pick up a copy for their home library, so they can connect to a group they may not understand clearly at this time. It's very much needed.
Personally, many of the stories hit home - whether it was the death of a parent, especially a father (as I lost mine at age 19, just as I was becoming a fully-fledged adult and the subsequent, resultant situation of my mother having to shoulder so much responsibility in the face of loss, but depending upon her inner strength and faith in life's purpose, putting one's faith in God and moving forward while not forgetting what that loved one would have wanted as well.
I know I will refer back to this book for inspiration, in both good and difficult times - that's what all these stories provide regardless of the section of the book they were in.
Lastly, the book is of great quality, both physically and visually speaking. Well done to Br. Sajjad, Sr. Iman, Sr. Ala and the other contributors, who went to great lengths to put this book together, especially at such a crucial time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews