Salat in Secret
What’s inside...
The story follows two Muslim children, Amina and Muhammad, on their respective journeys to find a quiet place to perform their daily prayers (Salat) without being disturbed. Amina discovers the true meaning of perseverance, family support, and staying true to her beliefs. Muhammad, on the other hand, receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith. Despite encountering challenges such as being mocked while praying in public, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray at school. These stories highlight themes of community, family, acceptance, and the importance of staying true to one's faith.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they were practicing Salat in secret?
How do you think keeping a secret affected the character’s relationships with others?
Why is Salat important to the main character?
Can you think of a time when you had something important that you kept to yourself? How did it make you feel?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle tone while discussing the themes of the book, ensuring the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Encourage the child to relate the experiences of the main character to their own life, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection.
Highlight the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse practices and beliefs, reinforcing inclusivity and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Privacy
Explanation: The narrative illustrates the importance of maintaining personal privacy through the protagonist's dedication to praying in seclusion, highlighting that some experiences are meant to be private.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect their own and others' private moments or activities, understanding that not everything needs to be shared publicly.
Example Lesson: Commitment to Faith
Explanation: The protagonist's regular practice of praying, even in secrecy, teaches the steadfastness in one's beliefs and commitments, regardless of the external environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to stay true to their beliefs and commitments, like following through with chores or homework, despite distractions or challenges.
Example Lesson: Respecting Different Cultures and Practices
Explanation: By showcasing a character who engages in religious practices that might be unfamiliar to some, the book fosters a respect for diversity and the various practices that people uphold.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing respect and curiosity about different cultural practices they observe or learn about in their community or school.