I say Bismillah

Reviewed by: Imran Mogra,Birmingham, UK 

Books Reviewed:

I SAY AS-SALAMU ALAYKUM, by Noor H. Dee Iput (Translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi). Markfield, Leicestershire: The Islamic Foundation, 2019, 20pp. ISBN: 9780860376484.

I SAY BISMILLAH, by Noor H. Dee Iput (Translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi). Markfield, Leicestershire: The Islamic Foundation, 2019, 20pp. ISBN: 9780860376330.

I SAY MASHALLAH, by Noor H. Dee Iput (Translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi). Markfield, Leicestershire: The Islamic Foundation, 2019. ISBN: 9780860376439.

I SAY ALHAMDULILLAH, by Noor H. Dee Iput (Translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi). Markfield, Leicestershire: The Islamic Foundation, 2019, 20pp. ISBN: 9780860376385.

The call of the Noble Qur’an is that of constantly remembering Allah. In a verse it praises Allah’s servants as being “those who remember their Lord whilst standing, sitting, and lying on their sides” (Q. 3:191). In other words, in addition to the specific remembrances which the Qur’an and Hadith literature identify - some of which are occasional, spatial and time oriented - the Muslim tongue is expected to embody the remembrance of Allah naturally.

“Good Little Deeds” is a series of books aiming to teach words that are loved by Allah and give good manners a boost. To this end, the books are successful. Originally published by Noura Books in Indonesia, they are now being released by The Islamic Foundation in England.

There are many features which make these board books desirable and delightful. Most significantly, they assist readers in valuing, understanding and vocalising the most common everyday phrases utilised by Muslims the world over.

In all books, there are two main characters, Noura and Nabil, who are presented as likable, jolly and lively kids which will appeal to children and make them smile. Their enthusiasm to learn and talk to one another is engaging. The artist has done a brilliant job of ensuing that their facial expressions aligned really well with the text and story line.