Book Review - The One by Manaal Jafrey-Razaque

Author – Manaal Jafrey-Razaque

Illustrator – Tanya Emelyanova

Publisher – Prolance

Growing up in an average Muslim household, we are taught that Allah has 99 names right from a young age. This book is a perfect aid in helping children understand about His different attributes and create awe and love for Him through that knowledge.

THE WRITTEN CONTENT:

Children are visual learners. They learn by seeing and watching. Hence it is very difficult to teach of the 99 names in the traditional manner. How can we bring it to their level of comprehension and grasp ?

18 of the 99 names of Allah are mentioned in this book in a rhyming manner with simple words making it very easy to understand for its younger readers, especially for the age group of 6 to 9 years. Ever wondered how to teach the names Al Aliy’ or or Al Aleem? How to bring it to a level the child can understand yet not compare it with any object, location, time or space as His transcendence is beyond any similitude to His creation. Subhan Allah. This book sows the seed of that thought in to a young child’s mind.

book review the one — A sneak peek to the book

Only if we know can we love some one. Only if we learn the intricate meaning of each of 99 names can we truly love Allah. Only if we learn of each of His attributes can we reflect on His greatness. This book is a stepping stone to a life long learning of His beautiful names.

Children are awed by knowing that they have a Protector, some one who will be there for them at all times. Some one whom they can turn to at any times, anywhere. Who can see and hear anything and everything. This knowledge will help in strengthening their faith and paving way for an Iman filled life.

ILLUSTRATIONS :

The book is beautifully illustrated attracting the attention of its very young readers. The vibrant and soft colours look appealing and catches the eye.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEW :

To write a book for children by an adult of a concept which literally cannot be fully encompassed by words or pictures is a herculean task. The writer has done justice to it and this book is an exemplary work of bringing the concept of Oneness to the level of comprehension of the child!

I recommend this book wholeheartedly for young readers to inculcate in the child a spirit of learning about our Creator.

(The book was sent for review. All opinions and thoughts are mine!)

9 thoughts on “Book Review – The One by Manaal Jafrey-Razaque”

You’re so right! Children learn by looking at illustrations. I have been thinking about this since quite some time, how to teach my son about God. He’s not 2 yet but Masha Allah he can recognise many animals and things.

Definitely something the kids would love… I am going to check out for this one, InShaAllah… Lovely review!

It’s definitely looks to be a great book to get for children!

You’ve written a really nice review.. I would love to have this book for my baby..

Thank you for the review…wish I could get it here….Sounds like a interesting book for kids…..

Yes my lil one loves reading time before bed it’s all about the illustrations for him! Lovely review 🙂

this looks like such an interesting book! I am at that stage where I am trying to make my little one love the concept of islam and the oneness of Allah! definitely going to check it out!

Thanks for this Shahira! I read about the book and was considering getting it for the kids – this really helps with my decision. I love the illustrations too. I often find the ones with poor illustrations or where there is far too much going on on the page, are ones that the kids don’t go back to reading much.

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