Tag Archives: Books

Ismaili Authors Series: Teenager Maya Shariff of Dallas, Texas, Tells a Lively Story to Explain Peer Pressure – Self-published, it is in Paperback and Read-Along Formats and is a Must-Read

4 October 2024

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By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s introduction of “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with a story by 16-year-old Maya Shariff. We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books, which are listed chronologically below. We encourage Ismaili authors worldwide to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Simerg’s Message to Young Ismaili Muslim Writers: If a story you have presented in your school — whether in the classroom, a special event, or a newsletter — has received high marks from your teacher, please consider the opportunity to share it with a broader audience by submitting it for publication on this website, with the consent of your parents and school teacher. Maya Shariff’s submission and story below are good examples for your consideration. Note that Maya has published her book as a paperback and has a YouTube read-along presentation. Please submit your responses to the standard questions — see below — with the story to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

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I want to bring awareness to peer pressure and the importance of being able to express yourself from a very young age. My goal is to try to bring awareness to kids about what peer pressure is in hopes that when they are being pressured to do anything they are uncomfortable doing, that they able to voice their feelings and are not afraid to do so — Maya Shariff, Dallas, Texas.

Simerg: What is behind the name and title of the book? 

Maya Shariff: The title of my book is “Swim or Climb? Max’s Swimming Dilemma.” The Character in the book has a choice of either doing what he loves to do, which is climbing, or choosing what his friends want him to do so he can fit in like the rest of the kids.

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family to read the book, and what will we learn from it?

Maya: From my research before I started this project I found by talking with many parents, children, and teachers, that peer pressure begins at a very young age. There is a stigma that peer pressure only happens in middle and high school. However, it happens at a very young age when kids are not aware that they are pressuring someone to do something of their liking and the other person may not know how to properly respond and stand up for themselves. Reading this book will give an example of peer pressure at a young age and show children how to stand up to it and be confident in themselves.

Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?

Maya: I want to bring awareness to this topic of peer pressure and the importance of being able to express yourself from a very young age. From my experience as someone who was peer pressured and from conversing with younger kids under the age of 10, peer pressure starts at an age as young as kindergarten. My goal is to try to bring awareness to kids about what peer pressure is in hopes that when they are being pressured to do anything they are uncomfortable doing, that they are able to voice their feelings and are not afraid to do so.

Interview continues below

Paperback Edition of Maya’s Book

Swim or Climb? Max's Swimming Dilemma by Maya Shariff, with notes Mrugakshi Kulkarn
“Swim or Climb? Max’s Swimming Dilemma” by Maya Shariff, with notes Mrugakshi Kulkarni; self-published through Lulu, July 12, 2024; paperback, 20pp. See below for a read-along version on YouTube.

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YouTube Read-Along Presentation By Maya Shariff

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Simerg: How can I purchase the book, and what are its available formats?

Maya: You can purchase the book’s paperback edition through the Lulu website; all proceeds from the sale go to the Girl Scouts Organization. I also have a read-along audiobook version on YouTube for kids that you can watch above.

Simerg: Did you hire an editor or an illustrator, or did you do all the work by yourself? 

Maya: This is a self-published book through Lulu. My IB English teacher approved all the content, and I wrote and hand-drew my illustrations. 

Simerg: Which was your first book, and how many have you written? 

Maya: This is my first self-published book.

Simerg: How long did it take you to write the book — from start to finish?

Maya: Writing the book and content approval took about a month. Illustrations took 6 months. This book is not to be marketed as it’s a Gold Award Project. Having the book on this website will create a greater awareness of this issue to young children, and the activities at the end of the book will assist the kids in comprehension and understanding of the topic “peer pressure.” 

Simerg: Tell us something more about your book (and its primary character).

Maya: Max and Jack come across an ad in the local newspaper for a swimming competition. They meet a girl named Crystal who loves to swim. Max feels pressured to learn how to swim to fit in. Will Max be influenced by Crystal’s behavior? Or will he resist being peer pressured? I, therefore, invite you to join in the reading of “Swim or Climb? Max’s Swimming Dilemma,” as we discover an example of peer pressure.

Date posted: October 4, 2024.

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About the Author

Ismaili story teller Maya Shariff, Books by Ismaili authors, Peer Pressure,

Maya Sharif, a sixteen-year-old high school student at Plano East Senior High School in Plano, near Dallas, Texas, is a Girl Scout Cadette with Troop #167. Her passion project, Peer Pressure, reflects her commitment to making a difference. Her book, “Swim or Climb? Max’s Swimming Dilemma”, is a powerful tool in raising awareness about peer pressure at young ages, helping children understand its implications and learn to resist it. Maya’s future is bright, with aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare sector. In her free time, she enjoys running track, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with her family. She lives in Dallas.

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as has been done in the post above. Please also see the series launch article and submit your responses to Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. All writers should include a brief profile with a portrait photo.

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Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first)

  1. “Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (featured in Simerg on February 10, 2021, series start date)
  2. “Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
  3. “Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15 and 21 by the same author)
  4. “To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
  5. “Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
  6. “IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
  7. “RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
  8. “Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
  9. “The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
  10. “Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
  11. “Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
  12. “Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
  13. “This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
  14. “Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
  15. “A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3 and 21 by the same author)
  16. “Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
  17. “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
  18. “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
  19. “Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
  20. “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)
  21. Off the Cuff by Mansoor Ladha (August 3, 2023, and see also 3 and 15 by the same author)
  22. Mehndi Boy by Zain Bandali (November 18, 2023)
  23. All the Russ Without the Fuss by Reeshma Haji (March 2, 2024)
  24. al-Risalah al-Bahirah (The Epistle on the Radiance) by Abu Ya’qub al-Sijistani, translated by Boustan Hirji (April 3, 2024)
  25. Namirembe Road by Salim Rahemtulla (August 3, 2024).
  26. Swim or Climb: Max’s Swimming Dilemma by Maya Shariff (October 4, 2024).

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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Prophet Muhammad: Books for the Young from Aga Khan Museum, a Song and the Call to Hazrat Ali

16 October 2021

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Strength does not lie in carrying heavy loads: a camel can do that. The essence of strength lies in taming your temper and your anger. — Tradition of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) from article How a Muslim Sees Muhammad by Michael Wolfe

Compiled and prepared by MALIK MERCHANT
(Publisher-Editor Simerg, Barakah, and Simergphotos)

The Milad or Mawlid of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) falls on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal. In 2021, Muslims in different countries around the world will be observing the birth anniversary between October 18-19. The Ismaili community in Canada will be marking the Milad on Monday, October 18 in Jamatkhanas around the country. The Milad is an appropriate time to learn more about his inspiring life and leadership as well as his faith in God whom he served as the last messenger for 23 long and devoted years, bringing to Muslims the blessing of the Holy Qur’an. We present to you briefs on two books that will appeal to young Muslims and non-Muslims alike, a song by Late Izzat Muneyb (d. May 20, 2017), and an artistic Sufi hat from the collection of the Aga Khan Museum that depicts the well known prayer of Naad-e-Ali invoked by the Prophet.

1. Books on Islam and Prophet Muhammad for the Young

In the Prophet's Garden - Traditions or Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad
Available at the Aga Khan Museum bookshop or order on-line. Click on image.

In the Prophet’s Garden is a compilation by Fatimah M D’oyen and Abdelkadir Chahi of two hundred ahadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) taken from authentic sources. The book is thematically arranged in twenty-nine short chapters to cover essential Islamic teachings on faith, religious practices, morals and manners, character, and conduct. Aimed at children and young people from the age of ten onwards, this book also forms a suitable general introduction to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad for people of other faiths and those new to Islam. The book is a colorful presentation with images, Arabic narration, and English translation. Buy In the Prophet’s Garden at Aga Khan Museum.

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important themes in Islam—its message of peace, love of the Prophet Muhammad Aga Khan Museum
Available at the Aga Khan Museum bookshop or order on-line. Click on image.

A Whisper of Peace by Dawud Wharnsby, a convert to Islam, is a delightful collection that covers important themes in Islam — its message of peace, love of the Prophet Muhammad, God’s nearness, and caring for and marvelling at the wonders of the world. Full of uplifting rhymes and faithful ideas, this collection will inspire and inform children of all faiths and none. Dawud is well known for writing stories, songs, and poems for people of all ages for many years. Buy A Whisper of Peace at Aga Khan Museum.

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2. Song

By LATE IZZAT MUNEYB (d. May 20, 2017)

This song introduces us to some of the titles by which Prophet Muhammad came to be known. They are: ‘Ahmad’, ‘Mustafa’, ‘Rahmatan li’l-‘aalameen and ‘King of law laak’. The words ‘law laak’ in Arabic mean, “Were it not for…” There is a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad, where Allah speaking to His prophet, says, “Were it not for you, I would not have created the universe – law laaka lamaa khalaqtu’l-aflaaka.” [1]. In the song, the lines marked * are sung twice.

Muhammad, Muhammad,
How shall we praise you, Muhammad?*

Shall we call you Ahmad?*
He who is praised in heaven
Shall be praised here on earth.

Muhammad, Muhammad,
How shall we praise you, Muhammad?*

Shall we call you Mustafa?*
The Chosen of God on earth,
You have brought us the Qur’an.

Muhammad, Muhammad,
How shall we praise you, Muhammad?*

Shall we call you Rahmatan li’l-‘aalameen?*
God sent you as a Mercy
To the whole of creation.

Muhammad, Muhammad,
How shall we praise you, Muhammad?*

Shall we call you the ‘King of law laak’?*
Even God says He created
The universe for you.

Muhammad, Muhammad,
How shall we praise you, Muhammad?*

Notes:

[1] Source: Sukheel Sharif, The Jawziyyah Institute, 2006

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3. Nadi Ali

Sufi Hat Aga Khan Museum Naad e Ali or Nadi Ali
Views of a Sufi hat in the collection of the Aga Khan Museum depicting the famous “Nadi ‘Ali” (also Naad-e-Ali) prayer of the Prophet Muhammad. Photo: Aga Khan Museum, Copyright: Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.5 CA.

By  DR. ULRIKE AL-KHAMIS

This white felt hat [1] once formed part of a dervish’s outfit. It is embroidered with a well-known prayer to ‘Ali (“Nadi ‘Ali”), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the figurehead of Shia Islam. The embroidered text is contained within tall and elongated, gracefully crenellated units that interlock. Hats of this shape are known to have been worn since the Safavid period, but this particular style seems to have emerged much later in the nineteenth century. A similar cap, attributed to the Khaksari Sufi Order and dated to the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, can be found among the collections of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (Reg. No. 2004.100.5).

Transliteration and Translation of Arabic Inscription

Transliteration: Nadi ‘aliyyan muzhir al-aja’ib. Tajidahu ‘awnan laka fi al-nawa’ib. Kullu hamm wa ghamm sayanjali bi ‘azamatika ya Allah, binabuwwatika ya Muhammad, bi-wilayatika, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali 

Translation: Call upon ‘Ali, the revealer of miracles! You will surely find him a helper to you in crisis. Every care and sorrow will pass through your magnificence, oh God, your prophethood, oh Muhammad, your companionship, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali.

To read article at source, please click Sufi Hat, AKM678, The Aga Khan Museum

Date posted: October 16, 2021.

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Dr. Ulrike Al-Khammis Aga Khan Museum CEO
Dr. Ulrike Al-Khammis

Dr. Ulrike Al-Khammis was recently appointed as the Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum. She has been a key member of the Aga Khan Museum’s executive and leadership team over the past four years, acting as Director of Collections and Public Programs since 2017. Commenting on the new role that Dr; Ulrike assumed, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Chairman of the Aga Khan Museum Board and speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors said: “I have worked for four years with Dr. Al-Khamis and it has been a joy. She is committed, creative and always ready to try something new. I think that under her leadership the Museum will play a major educational role and will open new and exciting doors.”

[1] Spirit & Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection (Geneva: Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2007), 67, Cat. No. 41. Also click Spirit & Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection. Geneva: Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2007. ISBN: 9782940212022

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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents  for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few.