About This Book
The Garden of My Imaan follows Aliya, a sixth-grade girl who is struggling with her identity as a Muslim in a predominantly non-Muslim environment. She feels a disconnect from her faith and is often embarrassed by the customs and practices of her family, especially when confronted by peers. Her world shifts with the arrival of Marwa, a new classmate who is a devout Muslim and unapologetically confident in her beliefs. Through their friendship, Aliya begins to explore her own relationship with Islam, learning to embrace her heritage and find pride in who she is. This book is ideal for children aged 8-12, offering a gentle yet profound exploration of cultural identity, self-acceptance, and the power of friendship.
The arrival of new student Marwa, a fellow sixth-grader who is a strict Muslim, helps Aliya come to terms with her own lukewarm practice of the faith and her embarrassment over others' reactions to their beliefs.
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Aliya's understanding of her faith change throughout the story?
2
What challenges does Aliya face because of her beliefs, and how does she overcome them?
3
How does Marwa influence Aliya, and what qualities make Marwa a good friend?
4
Have you ever felt embarrassed or unsure about something important to your family or culture? How did you handle it?
5
What does 'imaan' mean, and how does Aliya cultivate her own 'garden of imaan'?
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