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Big Little Steps: A Woman's Guide to Finding a Balanced Lifestyle and a Glowing Heart in Islam
What are Muslim women's rights? What do modesty, humbleness and fashion have in common? What is halal food?
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. You are given the tools to become the best version of yourself, as you enter a universal family beyond borders, called the Ummah. Welcome, sister!
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. You are given the tools to become the best version of yourself, as you enter a universal family beyond borders, called the Ummah. Welcome, sister!
245 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
60 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 19, 2018
Can I just keep embracing this book forever? I want to keep this BEAUTIFUL book close to me for the rest of my life, will that be possible? No matter what, this book will always be close to my heart.
Big Little Steps honestly touched my heart and somehow anchored me to a more peaceful life.
I’m feel so honored and grateful to Allah (swt) for making me a Muslim. This book made me comprehend that.
If you’re a non-Muslim and want to know more about our religion, read this book. If you’re a Muslim and feel kind of lost and confused. Read this book to get back in track. It’ll help you in indescribable ways, you’ll feel more certain and definitely more lighter.
It’s the first ever book of which my family read the synopsis of and said it was actually good, and that I should read it. Even though I was already reading it, I feel really proud to own this informative and educational book.
What are Muslim women's rights? What do modesty, humbleness and fashion have in common? What is halal food?
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. You are given the tools to become the best version of yourself, as you enter a universal family beyond borders called the Ummah.
I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
Big Little Steps honestly touched my heart and somehow anchored me to a more peaceful life.
I’m feel so honored and grateful to Allah (swt) for making me a Muslim. This book made me comprehend that.
If you’re a non-Muslim and want to know more about our religion, read this book. If you’re a Muslim and feel kind of lost and confused. Read this book to get back in track. It’ll help you in indescribable ways, you’ll feel more certain and definitely more lighter.
It’s the first ever book of which my family read the synopsis of and said it was actually good, and that I should read it. Even though I was already reading it, I feel really proud to own this informative and educational book.
What are Muslim women's rights? What do modesty, humbleness and fashion have in common? What is halal food?
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. You are given the tools to become the best version of yourself, as you enter a universal family beyond borders called the Ummah.
I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
March 7, 2022
5/5
I remember when I first started my Muslim journey, finding information on literally anything was so hard. I didn’t know what Wudhu was or how to pray properly. Didn’t know how to make dua or even how to act in a mosque. If I had this book four years ago, I can’t imagine how far I would have gone. I am proud of where I am, do not get me wrong, the struggle helped shape me and my faith. But just having someone tell me what literally the basics were would have been so useful. I remember the day I first went to Masjid. I didn’t have any modest clothing so I had to layer a t- shirt under a sweater and ask my brother for a pair of pants because all of mine were skinny jeans. I went with my now good friend Aminah, who helped me so much on my journey. I remember the carpet, the kids that were surrounding me and climbing on top of their mothers while everyone was praying. I remember going into the sister hall and sitting with the other teenage girls as they recited the Quran. My entire journey has been filled with hardships but one thing that did not change was my devotion and faith in Allah. Even when my parents yelled at me and made me sleep in the hallway. Even when I had all my hijabs taken away. Even though I get constant stares while walking around school, none of this matters to me. Allah is the only one who can judge me, and knows my true intentions.
There are a few things I do slightly disagree with (I am not the biggest fan of PETA but see why she used them as a source). But other than that, her view and information was so refreshing to hear. To hear her personal experience really made me feel less alone in my journey and that I am not the only one who is facing hardships.
I cannot wait to continue my journey and fully commit to Deen. I am the happiest I have ever been and this book really made me feel like I can do this.
I remember when I first started my Muslim journey, finding information on literally anything was so hard. I didn’t know what Wudhu was or how to pray properly. Didn’t know how to make dua or even how to act in a mosque. If I had this book four years ago, I can’t imagine how far I would have gone. I am proud of where I am, do not get me wrong, the struggle helped shape me and my faith. But just having someone tell me what literally the basics were would have been so useful. I remember the day I first went to Masjid. I didn’t have any modest clothing so I had to layer a t- shirt under a sweater and ask my brother for a pair of pants because all of mine were skinny jeans. I went with my now good friend Aminah, who helped me so much on my journey. I remember the carpet, the kids that were surrounding me and climbing on top of their mothers while everyone was praying. I remember going into the sister hall and sitting with the other teenage girls as they recited the Quran. My entire journey has been filled with hardships but one thing that did not change was my devotion and faith in Allah. Even when my parents yelled at me and made me sleep in the hallway. Even when I had all my hijabs taken away. Even though I get constant stares while walking around school, none of this matters to me. Allah is the only one who can judge me, and knows my true intentions.
There are a few things I do slightly disagree with (I am not the biggest fan of PETA but see why she used them as a source). But other than that, her view and information was so refreshing to hear. To hear her personal experience really made me feel less alone in my journey and that I am not the only one who is facing hardships.
I cannot wait to continue my journey and fully commit to Deen. I am the happiest I have ever been and this book really made me feel like I can do this.
January 15, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this book. Only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I wished it would of spoken more about the hijab since it’s something that I’m still confused about as a new Muslim but overall the book is pretty good.
December 30, 2019
Snippets of my review for The National newspaper:
A pastel pink background with glossy rose-gold text is not your typical cover for a book on religion, especially one centered on Islam – a realm where academic discourse has been historically dominated by men – but that’s exactly what you’ll find on Big Little Steps. Written by French Muslim convert Mathilde Loujayne, it offers a breath of fresh air for someone seeking an easy-to-read, engaging and informative take on the religion.
It took almost a decade – nine years to be precise – for Loujayne to write the book, from conceptualising the idea to drafting the synopsis, putting it all together and then finding a publisher. The project was deeply personal, inspired by her own conversion to, and experience of, Islam. “The idea of writing this book started haunting me for years and I slowly watched it become an unattainable dream, the longer I did nothing about it,” she tells The National shortly after the global book launch last month and before it’s released in North America in January.
Loujayne was brought up in the South of France and Oman, before moving to Dubai, where she has lived for the past 12 years. Her journey as a new Muslim takes up much of the book, which will appeal to teens and young women seeking soulful guidance. “As a teenager, I was eager to learn about Islam and to have my questions answered, but it was nearly impossible back then to find books that were adapted to me as an audience. As a female, I also found it difficult to relate to male authors. So I felt like I could make a difference by making the book visually appealing to the female audience with a pale colour palette and hand-drawn illustrations to bring my stories to life – the visual aspect meant just as much as the content I was writing,” Loujayne explains.
Readers are kept engaged with quirky watercolour illustrations, such as of constellations when describing the history of the Quran, and of a woman praying. Personal notes to the reader are also scribbled in the margins, giving it the appearance of a well-kept journal or diary, as opposed to a heavy book on religion.
Its first sentence sets the tone for what’s to come: “I hope there will be croissants in paradise”. It might be an unlikely opener for Islamic literature, but, throughout, Loujayne uses simple, everyday language, while retaining an educated, informative tone. For example, when describing the obligatory prayers, she writes: “He has prescribed for us set meeting hours to talk to him, confide in him, and it’s up to us whether we RSVP or not. This rendezvous strengthens our relationship with God, deepens our spirituality and holds many rewards.”
There’s also an undeniable focus on women, as Loujayne highlights Islamic Hadith and practices that relate to females. She also shares “10 groundbreaking sharia laws that improved women’s status after the rise of Islam”, and another section features excerpts written by modern-day Muslim women, including a motivational speaker, Miss Universe contestant, artist and fashion designer. “Sisterhood is a huge part of Islam and our community,” explains the writer. “Through conducting research while writing the book I could not help but marvel at the inspiring Muslim women who paved the way for us today and I did not want them to be forgotten, so I made it a point to highlight their stories, whether they lived thousands of years ago or are living among us today. I would have personally loved to read this when I was doing research on the religion in my teens.”
- read the full review for The National newspaper, here: https://www.thenational.ae/arts-cultu...
A pastel pink background with glossy rose-gold text is not your typical cover for a book on religion, especially one centered on Islam – a realm where academic discourse has been historically dominated by men – but that’s exactly what you’ll find on Big Little Steps. Written by French Muslim convert Mathilde Loujayne, it offers a breath of fresh air for someone seeking an easy-to-read, engaging and informative take on the religion.
It took almost a decade – nine years to be precise – for Loujayne to write the book, from conceptualising the idea to drafting the synopsis, putting it all together and then finding a publisher. The project was deeply personal, inspired by her own conversion to, and experience of, Islam. “The idea of writing this book started haunting me for years and I slowly watched it become an unattainable dream, the longer I did nothing about it,” she tells The National shortly after the global book launch last month and before it’s released in North America in January.
Loujayne was brought up in the South of France and Oman, before moving to Dubai, where she has lived for the past 12 years. Her journey as a new Muslim takes up much of the book, which will appeal to teens and young women seeking soulful guidance. “As a teenager, I was eager to learn about Islam and to have my questions answered, but it was nearly impossible back then to find books that were adapted to me as an audience. As a female, I also found it difficult to relate to male authors. So I felt like I could make a difference by making the book visually appealing to the female audience with a pale colour palette and hand-drawn illustrations to bring my stories to life – the visual aspect meant just as much as the content I was writing,” Loujayne explains.
Readers are kept engaged with quirky watercolour illustrations, such as of constellations when describing the history of the Quran, and of a woman praying. Personal notes to the reader are also scribbled in the margins, giving it the appearance of a well-kept journal or diary, as opposed to a heavy book on religion.
Its first sentence sets the tone for what’s to come: “I hope there will be croissants in paradise”. It might be an unlikely opener for Islamic literature, but, throughout, Loujayne uses simple, everyday language, while retaining an educated, informative tone. For example, when describing the obligatory prayers, she writes: “He has prescribed for us set meeting hours to talk to him, confide in him, and it’s up to us whether we RSVP or not. This rendezvous strengthens our relationship with God, deepens our spirituality and holds many rewards.”
There’s also an undeniable focus on women, as Loujayne highlights Islamic Hadith and practices that relate to females. She also shares “10 groundbreaking sharia laws that improved women’s status after the rise of Islam”, and another section features excerpts written by modern-day Muslim women, including a motivational speaker, Miss Universe contestant, artist and fashion designer. “Sisterhood is a huge part of Islam and our community,” explains the writer. “Through conducting research while writing the book I could not help but marvel at the inspiring Muslim women who paved the way for us today and I did not want them to be forgotten, so I made it a point to highlight their stories, whether they lived thousands of years ago or are living among us today. I would have personally loved to read this when I was doing research on the religion in my teens.”
- read the full review for The National newspaper, here: https://www.thenational.ae/arts-cultu...
March 29, 2023
I love this book!!! It's written by a revert, which HELLO is exactly what I needed. It's non-judging and gives a clear overview about what's important in our faith and how to adjust when you are new to this. This is a different approach than a book that is written for/by someone who was brought up learning that Islam is the truth. You pick up things that stay with you forever along the way. When you are absolutely clueless about Islam, or you only know about what the media wants you to know (which isn't good..) you learn something new every single day and it can feel very lonely or like you are not doing enough. But change is hard, and our journey is exactly that, ours.
Alhamdulillah for finding this book. I will recommend it to everyone.
PS. Sad that the Goodreads group that is mentioned in the book is no longer active :(
Alhamdulillah for finding this book. I will recommend it to everyone.
PS. Sad that the Goodreads group that is mentioned in the book is no longer active :(
January 6, 2021
Useful & good books to understand Islam especially for New Muslim convert
March 11, 2025
i think i would’ve found this book more beneficial if i’d read it before converting 3 years ago. i didn’t feel like i learned anything new & the way the points were put across wasn’t inspiring or interesting to me. i didn’t like the writing style, i found it repetitive, and it was defo more of a breadth not depth kind of book. so many points were glossed over but in such a way that lacked nuance. some parts were too woo woo even for me as a subtle hippie. also the fact princess diana is quoted in this book is.. sigh just the whole thing was confused and without direction. luv u princess diana but respectfully i don’t think u were needed on this one. can we tell im in my luteal phase i rly came for this book but im sick ! and ! tired ! of people recommending me disappointing books !!!! they are all simply falling flat !!!! i simply do not have the PATIENCE anymore. giving 2 🌟🌟 instead of 1 🌟 because it wasn’t offensively bad. just frustrating & irritating
May 22, 2024
I want to learn and read this book
August 25, 2020
Big little steps
By Mathilde Loujayne
Genre: self-help book
Rate: 5/5 💖💖💖💖💛
#bookreview
Another self-help book with the gleam of spiritual insight. I love everything about this book. Beautiful light pink cover, hand paint pictures and every page has margin to take your notes while reading😍, all these unconventional way make this book more interesting. You can use it as your own reflective journal/diary. This book comes with perfect packaging and amazing thoughtful writing style of the author.
Author is a french woman at her 30s. She converted to Islam in 2002. She took almost nine years to finish this book. In the introduction part she beautifully shared her early life before Islam, when and how she converted to Islam and why she has written this book. In this portion author mentioned reason of writing this book is to communicate with like minded women. And which is absolutely true! While reading this book I feel a connection with her words.
By sharing her own issues, grief, high school problems, moving to different country, marriage, motherhood, work and how to balance with those responsibilities; in short she points out women's common concerns while they take big little steps in their day to day life to find a balanced life style and glowing heart in islam.
This book consists of five chapters which cover author's reflection on main pillar of Islam. How to boost up your energitic postive vibes in life with spiritual practice. My most favourite chapters are womenkind and togetherness.🥰🥰
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. Five pillars of Islam are the tools to become the best version of ourself. Author's idea of getting along with like minded sisters and being part of global sisterhood of muslim ummah is really inspiring! 😍😍
So in a nutshell, this amazing, customized😋,faminine, self help book is for women and full of references from Quran and hadith with speculative practical advice. This book, I would say 'a must read for all women in faith'. Also this is not a one time reading book rather you should keep it in your bookshelf type of book. 🤗
..........................................
By Mathilde Loujayne
Genre: self-help book
Rate: 5/5 💖💖💖💖💛
#bookreview
Another self-help book with the gleam of spiritual insight. I love everything about this book. Beautiful light pink cover, hand paint pictures and every page has margin to take your notes while reading😍, all these unconventional way make this book more interesting. You can use it as your own reflective journal/diary. This book comes with perfect packaging and amazing thoughtful writing style of the author.
Author is a french woman at her 30s. She converted to Islam in 2002. She took almost nine years to finish this book. In the introduction part she beautifully shared her early life before Islam, when and how she converted to Islam and why she has written this book. In this portion author mentioned reason of writing this book is to communicate with like minded women. And which is absolutely true! While reading this book I feel a connection with her words.
By sharing her own issues, grief, high school problems, moving to different country, marriage, motherhood, work and how to balance with those responsibilities; in short she points out women's common concerns while they take big little steps in their day to day life to find a balanced life style and glowing heart in islam.
This book consists of five chapters which cover author's reflection on main pillar of Islam. How to boost up your energitic postive vibes in life with spiritual practice. My most favourite chapters are womenkind and togetherness.🥰🥰
This book is designed to empower women with Islamic values. Five pillars of Islam are the tools to become the best version of ourself. Author's idea of getting along with like minded sisters and being part of global sisterhood of muslim ummah is really inspiring! 😍😍
So in a nutshell, this amazing, customized😋,faminine, self help book is for women and full of references from Quran and hadith with speculative practical advice. This book, I would say 'a must read for all women in faith'. Also this is not a one time reading book rather you should keep it in your bookshelf type of book. 🤗
..........................................
July 31, 2022
I personally think, this book is suitable for non Muslims, to learn and Muslims to relearn about Islam.
Reading this book gives me the insights into the reverts’ life and their experiences which I will never experience as a born Muslim. I have major respect for their tenacity throughout their spiritual journey. As the pages passed; I am more and more grateful that I was born in a practicing Muslim family.
Reading this book gives me the insights into the reverts’ life and their experiences which I will never experience as a born Muslim. I have major respect for their tenacity throughout their spiritual journey. As the pages passed; I am more and more grateful that I was born in a practicing Muslim family.
January 29, 2023
It takes 2 months for me to finish the book, it’s bcs its beautiful content. I wanna read it slowly in order to absorp all the knowledge better, as a born-moslem who’s not so religious, reading this book reminds me a lot about basic yet important things in islam that i almost forget. Very recommended to those who want to learn islam in more beautiful and friendly approach.
August 23, 2021
This is truly a woman’s guide to embracing Islam! ✨ The book shares such a beautiful quotes and anecdotes that were such a delight to read, and it reminds you of the key foundations of your faith. I love how Mathilde also discusess her journey to Islam
April 2, 2025
I really loved this! It's definitely not comprehensive (I wish it had a guide for prayer for example) and it had several spelling/grammatical errors but this would make a great read alongside something like Being Muslim by Asad Tarsin. I love the aesthetics of it and I related to so much of her personal story, and even though I've been Muslim for 8 years now, this was filled with good reminders and helped me understand certain things more clearly.
March 26, 2022
Very easy and amusing to read. It is a very much needed and heartwarming book. It contains just about all the information you have ever needed to hear in regards to any burning questions about Islam. Perfect for reverts too!
April 29, 2023
Walaupun aku bukanlah seorang revert, aku still rasa buku ni menarik dan bermanfaat. Ayat-ayat dalam buku ni ringkas dan mudah difahami, dan juga ‘soothing’. One of the book I’ll recommend to my friends to read.
May 3, 2020
A good book to read especially for Muslim women who are new to Islam and its concepts. 😊
December 30, 2021
Great insights!
November 11, 2022
Awesome book! 100% worth the read for new muslims or anyone looking into the faith!
February 9, 2023
Loved this book soo much
April 7, 2023
covered quite comprehensive topics about Islam fitted in a compact easy read with sof approach. complented with further learning sources.
August 26, 2023
it’s good book but feel like it’s more for those that don’t have a lot of background knowledge and are new ◡̈
March 24, 2024
Good writing. Good book
But I feel it’s more suitable for someone who wants to join Islam. It would be a good guide for them.
But I feel it’s more suitable for someone who wants to join Islam. It would be a good guide for them.
August 11, 2024
I call myself a Muslim 2.0 because according to me, in this day and age, there are things that we should pick, choose or take with a grain of salt in any religions. I’ve learned so much with this book, I truly enjoyed reading it and the way it was written.
November 26, 2024
4.5 / 5
November 15, 2020
“Finding peace will bring solace to your heart. Every person comes with their own nature – change your bad habits but keep the good ones! You will stay ‘you’; you will simply benefit from the process as you make positive changes to your way of thinking. Think of it like adding more sprinkles to the top of the cupcake!”
– Big Little Steps, Mathilde Loujayne
Big Little Steps is a little handbook for Muslimahs (or those interested in Islam) on taking the big steps in their life. Big Little Steps is all about love for Islam from Muslimahs in all walks of life, and the feeling of belonging to the ummah, regardless of the level of faith one has. The author has sectioned the book into five parts – Faith, A Way of Life, Womankind, Prayer, and Togetherness.
Faith talks about Allah, Qur’an, and the religion of Islam.
A Way of Life depicts how simple acts such as eating, fasting, praying, self-care, and animal welfare is not only mundane living, but also a way of life according to Islam which can be turned into acts of worship.
Womankind takes the reader from the creation of woman, to the stories of impactful women of Islam, to woman’s rights, and to the role of women in Muslim society. This chapter also has stories of modern-day Muslim women from across the globe – all having Islam as the binding factor.
Prayer has a separate chapter of its own, covering topics such as ablution, menstruation, istikharah, women visiting masjid, the call to prayer, and prayers on special occasions.
Togetherness is connecting with the ummah, where the author portrays the fact that we are all connected with each other, and thus must be there for one another, be it in times of festivities, or in times of death.
What I love about the book:
The author shows the reader the beauty of Islam, its origin, its practicality in our lives, and its impact in a Muslim’s life.
The writing style is friendly, warm, informal, and humorous at times.
It has a nice flow to it, and though the author writes like she is speaking to the reader, it doesn’t disrupt the flow.
The author has included motivating, inspiring, and encouraging quotes from people, mostly women, from all walks of life.
The book has a personal touch with bits-and-pieces of the author’s life experiences and thoughts.
The inclusion of watercolour works done by the author’s mother shows the level of respect and closeness the author has with her mother.
The wide margin on all the pages gives the reader enough space to note down her thoughts, insights, and any other points that needs to be written.
I had concerns with certain concepts and issues related to the religious aspect in the book, which I have written about in my blog https://ummafrazblog.wordpress.com
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who are interested about Islam or want to practice Islam. This would, insha Allah, bring up their spirituality, and with Allah’s Guidance they would be guided aright.
May Allah guide us to the Straight Path and keep us firm in it. Aameen.
– Big Little Steps, Mathilde Loujayne
Big Little Steps is a little handbook for Muslimahs (or those interested in Islam) on taking the big steps in their life. Big Little Steps is all about love for Islam from Muslimahs in all walks of life, and the feeling of belonging to the ummah, regardless of the level of faith one has. The author has sectioned the book into five parts – Faith, A Way of Life, Womankind, Prayer, and Togetherness.
Faith talks about Allah, Qur’an, and the religion of Islam.
A Way of Life depicts how simple acts such as eating, fasting, praying, self-care, and animal welfare is not only mundane living, but also a way of life according to Islam which can be turned into acts of worship.
Womankind takes the reader from the creation of woman, to the stories of impactful women of Islam, to woman’s rights, and to the role of women in Muslim society. This chapter also has stories of modern-day Muslim women from across the globe – all having Islam as the binding factor.
Prayer has a separate chapter of its own, covering topics such as ablution, menstruation, istikharah, women visiting masjid, the call to prayer, and prayers on special occasions.
Togetherness is connecting with the ummah, where the author portrays the fact that we are all connected with each other, and thus must be there for one another, be it in times of festivities, or in times of death.
What I love about the book:
The author shows the reader the beauty of Islam, its origin, its practicality in our lives, and its impact in a Muslim’s life.
The writing style is friendly, warm, informal, and humorous at times.
It has a nice flow to it, and though the author writes like she is speaking to the reader, it doesn’t disrupt the flow.
The author has included motivating, inspiring, and encouraging quotes from people, mostly women, from all walks of life.
The book has a personal touch with bits-and-pieces of the author’s life experiences and thoughts.
The inclusion of watercolour works done by the author’s mother shows the level of respect and closeness the author has with her mother.
The wide margin on all the pages gives the reader enough space to note down her thoughts, insights, and any other points that needs to be written.
I had concerns with certain concepts and issues related to the religious aspect in the book, which I have written about in my blog https://ummafrazblog.wordpress.com
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who are interested about Islam or want to practice Islam. This would, insha Allah, bring up their spirituality, and with Allah’s Guidance they would be guided aright.
May Allah guide us to the Straight Path and keep us firm in it. Aameen.
October 28, 2025
this book is a great guide for muslim women to connect more w their deen, esp for new reverts who want to learn more. the writing is simplistic and understandable and the quotes picked out are very beautiful. i rly hope that they are more books like this one w pretty covers and pretty words among the serious and harsh books of islamic jurisprudence. however there were some weird sections like why was there a chapter on holistic medicine? the introduction by dr. mariam francois perfectly encapsulates my feelings about this book.
2.5/5 stars rounded up ⭐️
2.5/5 stars rounded up ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews