About the Author

Ameenah Muhmmad-Diggins is an American Muslim author and speaker. Her work is inspired by her love of community and her experiences as an African American Muslim growing up in Philadelphia. Ameenah’s book, Bashirah and the Amazing Bean Pie, made history in 2019 by becoming the first Muslim children’s book to be adapted and produced into a stage play by a top-10 US children’s museum.

Reviews

"Masha'Allah! This beautifully illustrated storybook can be used to help spark genuine love and appreciation for the Islamic faith. Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins's informative, yet, accessible text presents an introductory understanding of basic principles that young readers will relate to and provides a foundation from which parents can build meaningful conversations." --Ashley Franklin, author of Not Quite Snow White

"Through short stories that follow the Abdur Rahman family, This is Why We Pray teaches Muslim kids the fundamentals of their faith in an informative yet engaging way. Children will love Aliya Jaleel's vibrant illustrations and Muhammad-Diggins' fun tips, discussion questions, encouraging pep-talk-style letters, and anecdotes from the Quran and hadith. Parents and Islamic school teachers will appreciate the simple but meaningful way it introduces young Muslims to the five pillars of Islam, parts of prayer, and beginning duas." --Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, award-winning children's book author

"What a beautiful introduction to salat for Muslim children! The 'why' we pray is explained in a simple, yet profound, way within the context of the characters' lives. Young readers will understand the importance of keeping a connection to Allah through the focus on the spirituality inherent in familiar, everyday life. I loved it and look forward to gifting it to the young children in my life." --S. K. Ali, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author