
Children’s Literature
The Prophet Described:
My First Meeting with Muhammad (SAW)
Author(s): Zaheer Khatri
Reviewed by: Ruqaiyah Hibell
Review
Publisher: Learning Roots, London: 2022, 30pp. ISBN: 9781905516940.
This rather wonderful book provides an excellent introduction for young children to Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). It is written in the form of a fun, rhyming dialogue between a mother and her son, Zayd, as she presents and brings to life the beauty of the Prophet Muhammad to her child (figuratively speaking). The kind and gentle relationship between the mother and Zayd radiates from the text which is amply supported by the brilliant illustrations and design. The young boy reacts to his mother’s storytelling with delightful curious responses filled with awe and wonder urging her to reveal more about this amazing man. The mother describes the physical attributes and characteristics of the Prophet by referencing both the Qur’an and authentic sources to narrate and evidence her warm and vibrant accounts.
Children will benefit immensely from this pedagogical method of learning about Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) which offers its teachings in such an enjoyable way, making bedtime reading a delight for both parent and child, as both will benefit from immersion in the text and receiving these reminders. As the text is rhythmic, this aids learning and retention of