Salat in Secret

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Hatem Aly (Illustrator)

From the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith.

In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day--and he's worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad?

In the end, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray. Salat in Secret , by two highly acclaimed Muslim creators, is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Religion, Muslims, Islam, School, Family

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Elvina Zafril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salat in Secret is about Muhammad who just turned 7 and his father gifted him Salat rug. His father explained he's already big enough to perform Salat 5x a day. He brings the rug to school but not brave enough to perform Salat in public. So he perform Salat in secret. His father is brave enough to perform Salat in the sidewalk beside their ice cream truck. People laugh when his father performing Salat but his farther is so brave. He wished to be like him. This book is so good as the arts also showed how to take wudhu and steps in performing Salat. After seeing how his father performed Salat in public, Muhammad becomes so brave and realize that brave comes with a little shaking.

[Raven Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I'm crying.

[Mary Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book that would be a great addition to any collection whether you're Muslim or teaching your kids about other cultures.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muhammad is now 7 and for his birthday he received his own very special prayer rug. Muhammad is excited to start his daily practice of 5 prayers, but one prayer-time falls during his school day. Can Muhammad find a good spot at school for salat? Will the other kids make fun of him? Must he keep it a secret or will his prayers for bravery be answered?
“. . . but I now know bravery sometimes comes with shaking.”

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book🥹❤️. If I were to choose to own one fiction book, it would be this one!!!!!

Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Publisher: Random House Studio

Muhammad is finally seven, and his dad gifts him a prayer rug on his birthday. Daddy is an ice cream man, and no matter where he is serving sweet joy to people- he stops and prays, in public.

Muhammad wants to be brave like Daddy. But at school, he prays in secret- scared at what others might think.

When Daddy is praying, Muhammad observes a scary incident- one that makes his father’s hands shake.

Muhammad learns courage comes with shaky hands❤️

Ahhhh! My heart🥹❤️

I cannot begin to explain how good this book is.

Islamically it is absolutely incredible- showing the courage to pray in public, showing wudu steps, showing advice from Daddy not to delay, and just absolutely incredibly representing Muslim joy and commitment in worship.

And oh my heart- even for non Muslim readers- the book just spills heart and emotion and even while rereading I found myself crying and feeling for Muhammad!

One of this book’s layers touch on the bravery of Black Muslim men- a page spread just made me outright cry at the emotion!

The gorgeous words and the incredible art just blend together in a true masterpiece of a book, one that is a must have for every family, Masjid, library, and school!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that lets children see a glimpse into the life of a very faithful and religiously observant Muslim Boy character who would like to pray 5 times a day.

[Kirin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is quite remarkable in the course of 40 pages that so many themes, layers, emotions, windows, mirrors, and relevance can radiate with ease and entertainment for children four and up.  The authenticity of the text and illustrations create tangible feels in this book, that months after reading it for the first time, I am still moved to tears, both inspired by joy and as a cathartic release of being seen.  The true mastery is that even if you are not Muslim and cannot relate to the nervousness of praying publicly, you understand Muhammad's hesitancy and feel for him as he battles not just finding a place, but watching onlookers reactions to his father, police proximity, and being brave enough to push yourself even when you are scared.  Usually when asked what my favorite book is, I stumble to narrow it down to just one, but truly this book has raised the bar of not just traditional publishing representation, but Islamic/Muslim literature across the board.  It is a gift to read, to share, to enjoy, and a blessing that such an unapologetic book is available so widely for our children to connect with, and our non Muslim friends to see us through.  Please spend time with this book and make it available to your children, your students, your community, it really is that good, alhumdulillah.

It is Muhammad's birthday and he is seven- "Old enough to pray five times a day," his father gifts him a prayer rug, and  Muhammad is ecstatic.  He makes wudu that night and offers salat with full attention.  He says the Sunday school words and shares his most wished for wishes to Allah swt, not even letting little sister, Maryama distract him.

After Fajr the next morning, he is determined to find a secret place at school to pray Dhuhr. Daddy doesn't need secret places, if prayer time comes he pulls his ice cream truck over and prays on the sidewalk, "never delay salat."  At school, Muhammad heads to Mrs. Baker to ask for a place to pray, but his confidence waivers and he returns to his seat.

Anxiety about where to pray has him looking for spots throughout the morning, but when recess comes he takes the prayer rug out under his jacket, but can't find his voice.  He lingers when everyone returns to class and rushes through the words and motions in the coat closet.

That evening he is with his daddy in the ice cream truck and the sunshine and smiles pour out of the two.  When the sun sets it is Maghrib time and Daddy heads to the sidewalk to pray, reassuring Muhammad that he can pray at home.  Muhammad watches his dad and various events spur him to make his decision.

I love love love the way salat is approached with love and excitement and that the dad embodies safety and joy and does not pressure or force Muhammad.  The relationship is beautiful and allows for worship to be seen as both personal, as well as obligatory and merciful.  The duo also show a great parent child dynamic that warms the heart. 

I like that there really isn't any "hate" given to anyone praying, it is hinted at, people do not understood, but the focus is not on the outside bystanders- it is what Muhammad thinks and feels.  I'm fairly certain every Muslim who has prayed in public has encountered a wide variety of responses, and this book keeps the gray to reflect and spark conversation.  It is often met with ignorance, with hate, with aggression, but it is also met with respect, apathy, and curiosity which the text and illustrations allow for.  

There is so much love and joy in the book as well as identity, that I don't mind one bit that my littles ask me to read it over and over.  It is perfect for groups, one-on-one, and I cannot wait to share it in a story time.  If you haven't preordered it yet, the book releases on June 6, 2023, please pre order it and signal the support for this book and future books that center authentic Muslim joy, Black Muslim representation, and OWN voice author and illustrator accuracy.  Request it at your library, put it on hold at your library, check it out, read it.  If you cannot preorder it, still purchase it when you can, inshaAllah it will be a beloved book in your home as well.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salat in Secret is another gem from Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. She is so skilled at conveying the emotions of children, never belittling them as "kid problems" but giving them the validation and empathy they deserve. In this story, Muhammad's joy at receiving his salat (prayer rug) on his seventh birthday is somewhat overshadowed by the real-world logistics of needing to pray five times a day now -- which includes during school hours. He knows that sometimes people make fun of Daddy when he stops his ice cream truck to perform sunset salat on the sidewalk, and he thinks he will need to hide away at school but he doesn't quite know how to ask for a special space of his own. He prays for bravery, and gains strenth from his father's resilience. One evening, a woman calls two police officers to where Muhammud and his father are performing their sidewalk salat -- Muhammud realizes his father is nervous -- "we're just ice cream men praying" Muhammud says shakily -- and they continue to pray -- he learns that sometimes bravery comes with shaking, sometimes you have to be brave, scared. So, even though he is still nervous, he eventually finds the courage to explain to his teacher that he is Muslim and needs a place to pray. It's a really touching story and I imagine that many Muslim children in America could relate to it while children who are not Muslim will perhaps come away with better understanding of friends or classmates who are. I highly recommend it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven-year-old Muhammad is pleased to receive a salat rug on his birthday. He emulates his father in his use of the gift but worries about where he can pray in secret during school. Despite his efforts to find the right place, he just can't do so. He feels ashamed that he hasn't been brave enough to ask his teacher for help or to pray in the way he needs to. But when he joins his father later in the day as he's working at their ice cream truck, Muhammad does find the courage to join his father outside the truck as he prays. Both of them may be nervous because of the negative attention they receive from a passerby and from the police, but still, they pray and manage to follow one of the requirements of their religion. There's so much to recommend this book, including the representation, the fears that Muhammad conquers, and the over-the-top reaction to his father performing a simple but important act in public. Along with a helpful Author's Note and explanation of relevant terms, this story will touch hearts, help many young Muslims feel seen, and offer plenty of fodder for discussion. One possible positive outcome might be teachers and principals who recognize the need for some of their students to have a quiet place to pray. Picture books such as this one that seek to inform readers and dismantle stereotypes or challenge assumptions are sorely needed. The illustrations, created in Adobe Photoshop with scanned ink washes and textures fits the story quite well, and brings the characters to life in a relatable way. Teachers will want to add this one to their collection, perhaps sharing it as a read aloud that satisfies curiosity and encourages understanding.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salat in Secret is a wonderful book to facilitate understanding and empathy. Muhammad is seven years old, and his father gives him his own Salat rug so that he can fulfill the Muslim obligation to pray five times per day. The challenge is that one of the prayer times falls during school hours, and Muhammad is self conscious to pray in front of the other children. It takes a while for him to get the courage to ask his teacher for a private, personal space to pray. Meanwhile, Muhammad has an epiphany when he is with his father, who takes time out from selling ice cream from his truck to pray on a sidewalk. Unfortunately, given that his father and Muhammad are men of color, a NIMBY neighbor calls the police and two police officers try to talk to Muhammad's father while he is praying. Muhammad is terrified, but he speaks through his fear and tells the policemen "We are just ice cream men praying". And they continue to pray together.
THIS is the way to explain the all important "The Hate You Give" moment to young children. It makes a deep impression but it is less terrifying than placing your hand on the dashboard of your car while trying to avoid getting shot. It is less terrifying but by no means less impactful.
This is an amazing book with vivid, meaningful and marvelous illustrations. If you have one book to add to your library collection this year, it should be this one.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wudu- Washing before prayer
Salat rug - prayer rug
Fajr - morning prayer
Dhuhr- midday prayer

My voice shakes, but now I know bravery sometimes comes with shaking.

Salat (Suh-LOT) is a structured from a prayer that observant Muslims perform five times a day. While Muslims worship in multiple ways, salat is considered a pillar of the Islamic faith. Each salat takes place during a fixed span of time:
Fajr (FAH-jir) dawn to sunrise
Dhuhr (DH-oo-r) midday
Asr (OSS-ir) afternoon
Maghrib (muh-GHREB) sunset to night
Isha (ee-SHAA) night

Some children practice salat from a young age. In fact, many begin as toddlers. Age 7 is when children are instructed to observe all five prayers. Salat consists of a set series of movements: standing, bowing, standing, prostrating, sitting, prostrating, then sitting up again . While in these positions, people recite verses from the Quran and other Islamic texts. They may also make dua , or ask Allah to fulfill a wish. The series is repeated two or four times in the daily prayers.

Other terms :
Allah
Dua (doo-AH) a prayer that makes a request. Dua can be made at anytime, including during salat.

Masjid
Muslim
Quran
Salat rug- many Muslims use a rug to create a clean barrier between their bodies and the ground when they perform salat. Other common names include “sajadah” and “janamaz”.
Wudu (WOOD-oo) a quick cleansing that Muslims do before prayer. They wash their hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, and feet with water.

[Serene In Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six stars! Highly recommend for any Muslim family. I loved the boy's relationship with Salah, I loved that the main character is called Muhammad, I loved his dad as a role model, I loved how it dealt with the weirdness (and pride) in praying in public, I loved the part about shaking and bravery... Made me teary the first time I read it, The Proudest Blue, Deep in the Sahara and Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story style. I got it for my daughter when she turned 7 (in Moon years). I do hope she keeps choosing it for her read alouds. I'll happily read it a good few more times.

[Kairi Ehlers]

This book is about a boy who needs to pray multiple times a day and needs to find time during his school day to pray but is too nervous to ask the teacher for a place and time to do this. The boy tries to find a time and place on his own but keeps getting interrupted. After school he is with his dad who runs an ice cream truck. When its time for them to pray some police show up and the kid stands up to them saying that all they are doing is praying and the police leave. I really like how the book shows not only the childs fear but also that the father has some fear as well. After this the boy feels confident enough to ask the teacher and the find a place and time for him to pray while at school.

This book could be really helpful to explain to other students in the classroom why some students need time in their day to pray, as well as could be a good book for more diversity in the classroom.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a Muslim boy that has chosen to take on the daily prayer rituals and has to find a way to work through the midday prayer while at school without it being a problem for others. I like that his teacher is open to his dilemma. The art is nice and connects to characters emotions and the text of the story well.

Having a young child choose to take on traditions of his faith is a beautiful thing. His angst is understandable. My only sadness was I had hoped the library would have been where they chose he could go. I try to let my students with traditions that affect meal times know that the library is open all day and we can find a space where they are comfortable when they choose not to be in the lunchroom. Salat seems an easy thing to accommodate to me.

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even begin to tell you how much I love "Salat in Secret" by @authorjamilah ???

Salah is the very foundation of our lives as Muslims, and this gorgeously detailed picture book shares this value in an incredible way.

Muhammad receives his first real sujjaadah (prayer mat) at the age of 7, with his father's words ringing in his ears: "Never delay salat."

But when Muhammad realizes that he has to pray at school... the challenge is a little more than he expected it to be. It is when he witnesses his father living up to his principles no matter what that he realizes what it truly means to make salat the ultimate priority.

This book is absolutely stunning in so many ways - an example of how to powerfully share the importance of salah with children.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book about Salat, which is a form of Islamic prayer. When children are seven years old, they start to pray Salat five times a day. Sometimes, it can be difficult to pray when they are at school or in another place. Sometimes, it can feel awkward because people around don’t know or understand what they are doing. In this book, Muhammad is learning how to use his Salat rug to pray at school. Since he has to pray during the afternoon, he needs to pray at school. But he has trouble voicing his concern that he doesn’t have a special place to practice Salat. Will Muhammad ever find his special place like his daddy does? A story about belonging and being yourself.

Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 194

[Bridgette A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Salat in Secret" a book written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. How a little boy receives a "Salat", which is a praying rug, from his father as a gift. The boy name is Muhammad, and he is so excited of finally being like his father, praying 5 times a day. I think the little boys need good role model in their lives, to steer them in the right direction. The little boy shows such determination, at the same time, excited to actually be able to pray. This book is good for ages 5-11. I think the people of that culture should buy books like this, to explain to children why they should pray, and to train them while they are young.

[Erin Pioquinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it is not uncommon for Muslim people to exist in school settings, there tends to be a lot of judgement for their own religious practices. This includes praying five times a day. This is what the book focuses on and shows how for some young kids, it can be scary to speak up when they feel so different. But, this book is also encouraging! It empowers students to speak up for themselves and others. I would read this to my future students and really analyze this book with my students, following the main character's emotions mainly and asking my students relevant questions to help them understand they cannot judge others, especially when they are doing nothing wrong.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book represents a Muslim boy's nervousness about doing prayer rituals in public. The story feels very honest to a child's experiences without being preachy from an adult standpoint, and the resolution is satisfying. This book will be a blessing to Muslim people who identify with the situations represented here, and it will also be relatable for people of other religions who have felt hesitant to pray in public. This is also a great teaching tool for helping kids grow in awareness and sensitivity towards people who are different from then.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muhammad receives a salat rug for his seventh birthday. He is delighted to join his dad in prayers but also is worried about where to pray at school. Readers see his dad stop and pray on the sidewalk for evening prayers. Muhammad is too nervous to join him the first time he shares this. By the end of the story, he finds the bravery to join his dad in prayer and share what they are doing with those who stop to see. He also finds the courage to ask his teacher for a place to pray. Beautiful illustrations capture the environment and characters.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming of age in the Muslim religion, Muhammad receives his salat rug and then must grow comfortable finding an appropriate space for his praying during the school day. This book celebrates Muhammad's embrace of his religion and its special customs and introduces the reader to his faith in a way few other books have done. It would be a good book to have in a classroom collection to provide insights into others' customs and communities. The end notes include a further explanation of the five designated times for salat. Other terms are also identified and explained.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple yet elegant introduction to the concept of “salat” shows how difficult it can be to practice for children and adults alike in the face of a host of obstacles, including outright discrimination and harassment. Engaging illustrations invite readers to empathize with Muhammed’s struggles and celebrate his success when he speaks up for himself and exercises self-advocacy. The Author’s Note includes more information about “salat” and a definition of key terms mentioned in the story. Front and end pages feature the beautiful design of Muhammed’s special “salat” rug.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salat in Secret presents a quandary for Muhammad, who wants to pray, but doesn't feel comfortable praying in front of others at school. While I am not Muslim, I have great respect for the bravery and dedication it takes to pray in front of peers who might think it strange or unusual. The integrity to stand up for our beliefs and speak for ourselves is an important one.

Read as a nomination in the 2023 Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit heartbreaking for me to read because Muhammad didn't feel comfortable asking anyone at his school for a safe place to pray. But then I felt proud because I am a school librarian who provides a safe, quiet place every day for 5 of my students to say their mid-day prayer. I learned some information from this book, such as the different types of prayers and that most people use a special rug. Picture books like this make other people's beliefs accessible and easy for others to understand, and for that, I am so grateful.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately a great reminder for children and adults on how it feels to find a place to pray in peace without the worry of being 'discovered' or disturbed. Intended for older children (elementary) since there are more words on each page to explain the situation. Illustrations are done by the Hatem Aly who has done other great picture books. The author does a great job of describing the feelings we all have shared when trying to find a place to pray.

A great book for the classroom and libraries.

[Tia Ramahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Muhammad, who practices Islam and prays five times a day. He can do so comfortably in his own home, but in the school setting, he finds somewhere secluded to hide and pray because he is too worried to ask. He is worried about how other people will perceive him. This story also focuses on the discrimination that Islamic people face when it involves praying. I would use this book to inform students about praying and give them more insight into me as well, since I do practice Islam and would pray. This normalizes having prayer spots in schools and the act of praying.

[Allyson Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thompkins-Bigelow tells the story of a young child practicing salat, the Islamic ritual prayer, and navigating the experience of doing so in private. The book explores themes of faith, personal devotion, and cultural practices. Its narrative makes it accessible for young readers. In a future classroom, you could use this book to introduce students to diverse religious practices, foster respect for cultural differences, and create opportunities for discussions about personal rituals and traditions.

[Maeve Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, on the child's seventh birthday he receives a salat, which is a rug he can pray on! He gets nervous asking to pray, wanting to do it in secret. He thinks his question is small and unimportant. He then prays in secret and feels like he has no bravery. He then prays with his dad in public, and he feels bravery to ask for a place the next day.
I would read this book in my future classroom to show students bravery and to show that what they believe is always accepted! I think it is so important for my students to feel comfortable and this book will absolutely help this!

[Abby Eberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tells the story of Muhammad, who receives a special prayer rug on his seventh birthday, which is the age when many Muslim children begin performing the five daily prayers. As he strives to pray at school, he must navigate fear and uncertainty about who will see him and how they will react. With courage and support, Muhammad eventually finds a place where he can worship openly, embracing his faith and identity.

This book is a great way to talk about different practices and beliefs students may have.

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s book, Salat in Secret, beautifully illustrated by Hatem Ali, is a story that made my heart leap for JOY! So powerfully moving, this story is a story for every child who needs courage to speak up for themselves.
It resonated with me so deeply, that I wished I could go back in time and give it to my seven-year-old self. This book will be a gift I give to every child this year.
Simple. Powerful. Courageous. A Joyful, Life-affirming and Faith-affirming story.