What inspired you to write Safia’s Family Album?

I was asked if I could write a children’s story that would cover issues concerning modesty and family life. Safia’s Family Album was written from the Islamic faith perspective for five year old Muslim children. It outlines some of the important themes that young Muslim children should be aware of, such as the sanctity of marriage, family life, modesty, hygiene and cleanliness.

I didn’t want the book to be too preachy, so I brought it right down to the level of a five year old and added a bit of humour. Hopefully it will be something children and adults will enjoy reading together.

The story’s central characters are a family, what main message do you wish to give to readers when they read this book?

The family is the bedrock of society. It’s where social moral values can be instilled into children from a young age by their parents. Good character and behaviour is not something you are born with – it is something you learn and practise. If Muslim children learn good character and behaviour early on, it will hopefully become a lifelong habit. If they can display good character and manners in the home they will then be able to transfer them to other aspects of their social lifein school, work and the community at large. Within the family, children also learn to share, understand and tolerate differences between genders, age groups and personalities. Family life equips children with skills in the socialisation process and prepares them for interacting in wider society.

What was your favourite book as a child?

My favourite memory as a child was being tucked up in bed while my dad read me Winnie the Pooh stories. He used different voices for all the characters. I think bedtime reading with children is a dying tradition. As parents we need to revive it. Not only is it priceless in terms of spending quality time with your kids but it also instils the love of reading and learning.

If you could be any character in a book who would you choose?

After reading about the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) I would love to be like him in almost everything - his good manners, his patience and his wisdom. His wife Khadijah was also a woman I very much admire. She was a wife and a mother and a very successful business woman. She was righteous, intelligent and very devoted. He was an exemplary man for an exemplary woman.

Do you think you have found your place writing for children?

I certainly enjoy writing for children and I find it much easier than writing for adults. Its more straight forward.

What other subjects would you like to write about?

I would love to write about issues that worry children and inspire them to overcome problems or barriers in life. Negativity and despair can hinder a child’s potential but if they are given encouragement and hope, they can thrive to become more positive and productive individuals.

Do you have a favourite illustrator?

It takes a lot for me to like illustrations, but when Sharifa Hameed showed me her illustrations I liked them straight away. They are bold, colourful and funny. I think they are also appealing to young children.

When you are not writing what do you do?

I love spending time with my family. I love swimming and skipping and chasing my kids around the house with spiders! They’re hugethe spiders I mean, not my kids! I love looking under rocks and logs for bugs, slow worms and frogs! I get a real buzz from that. I’m a big kid at heart!

What type of subjects would you like to see in today’s Islamic literature market?

I’d like to see more positive role models for Muslim children and young adults. We need more positive Muslim narratives. I’d also like to see more true to life stories that are morally meaningful, engaging and inspirational.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Go for it! There are millions of readers out there hungry to read something new and different. If you have the talent, it is possible to get published. You might not sell millions though, but if you like what you have written, the chances are there will be others who will like it too.

Are you working on any other books or projects right now?

I might bewatch this space!

'A wonderful book which introduces basic concepts of modesty; personal hygiene

and relationships in a non-provocative manner for young children.’

Zarreen Ajmal, Founder

www.Muslim-Mums.co.uk

Amatullah is an English revert to Islam and lives with her husband and children in the UK. When

she is not working she likes to spend most of her time with her family and writing children’s stories.

She loves to write about issues that worry children and inspire them to overcome problems or

barriers in life. Her work has a focus on removing negativity and despair which can hinder a child’s

potential, but if they are given encouragement and hope, they can thrive to become more positive

and productive individuals.

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