A beautiful delve into Islamic faith (From Stroud News and Journal)

A beautiful delve into Islamic faith

STROUD'S Hawthorn Press is to launch a timely and approachable new book celebrating Islam at The Space this week.

The book, The Islamic Year, is written by an Englishman and an Iraqi who fled Iraq after the last Gulf War. It is aimed at children, teachers, and anyone interested in finding out about Islam.

It is a beautiful and informal delve into the Islamic faith that highlights the similarities between Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

"Most existing books on Islam are very dry and boring. They tend to be very academic or instructional.

They are bogged down in seriousness because people find it a difficult subject or are afraid of seeming flippant and being accused of insulting Islam," said co-author Noorah al-Gailani.

"But there's no reason why learning about our faith shouldn't be entertaining and fun."

The Islamic Year celebrates the life of Muhammad the wise prophet with stories, prayers, songs, games and amusing folk tales. The main Islamic festivals are explored, including the Muslim New Year (al-Hijra) which this year falls on Tuesday 4 March.

It mixes a vivid account of the Prophet Muhammad's life with quotes from the Qu'ran and colourful, often humorous traditional Arab folktales.

The Islamic Year will be launched with an evening of moving Islamic stories, funny folk tales, riddles

and songs for families with children of eight plus at The Space, Lansdown, Stroud, on Friday, March 7 at 7.45pm.

Storyteller and co-author Chris Smith will tell stories, play music and share the evening with Norah Al Gailani, and local illustrator Helen Williams will display her beautiful artwork.

Tickets are available from Moonflower, Stroud High Street, or on the door.