There are many ways to become a good Muslim, but two of the easiest include listening to your elders and reading about those fellow Muslims who had been role models. The book, Amazing Muslims who changed the World by Burhana Islam is a must-read for you and your friends, if you want to be ‘ideal’ Muslims, in the long run.

The book brings out devout ‘followers of Islam’ who managed to make a huge impact during their times. The list comprises 15 men, and an equal number of women, making it 30 in all. It introduces the first Muslim nurse, the great Salahuddin Ayyubi as well as the brilliant scientist Ibn-al-Haytham. With few names from the early days of Islam, the book contains details about some Muslims alive today, whose cultures and lifestyle resemble ours.

Be it Dr Hawa Abidi of Somalia, Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali, Sir Mo Farah the sprinter, or Ibtihaj Muhammad, the female fencer who fought and won wearing a hijab over her costume, there are a lot of people with whom the reader could easily relate to. There is detail about a female spy who worked during World War II, a princess-turned-pirate, the masked female knight, and the youngest Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

From the creator of super-hero Ms Marvel, G Willow Wilson, to the astonishing story of musician Cat Stevens, who embraced Islam and became Yusuf Islam, the book is full of surprises and is bound to bring a change in you. From sports to science, from politics to rulers, from kings to prisoners, and from bakers to architects, the 200-page book carries profiles of prominent Muslims from everywhere.

Some names emerge from Spain (old name Andalusia), some from Somalia, USA, UK, a couple from India and Pakistan, while a small country like Tunisia also features in the list. At the end of each chapter, there is an amazing fact regarding the person discussed in that chapter. It carries information such as Boxer Muhammad Ali having an airport and Malala Yousafzai an asteroid named after them.

From the olden days, the book casts a positive light on lesser-known or forgotten heroes. Beautiful illustrations throughout the book with activities at the end are also engaging for the reader. It is a must-read for Muslims as well as non-Muslims to know about those who made their mark on the world. It educates you and your friends about their heroes as well as the glorious past Muslims had.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 15th, 2023