Tell Me About Islamic History by Luqman Nagy published by Goodword Islamic Books explains about ten important events in the history of Islam. Questions are asked in this childrens book on Islam, such as when and where were the first Islamic coins produced?, Who was Al-Idrisi? etc. The idea is to present an interesting account of Islam for young minds. Some of the noteworthy phases in this history are considered below.
Young minds are taught to think critically in this kids book on Islam.
Islamic books,Islamic Books StoreFor example the chapter on Birth of Islamic Coinage in 695 CE asks relevant questions at the end of the chapter. Some of these questions are why was there no need for local coinage in Arabia during the time of the Prophet Muhammad? or What were the important coins in usage during the time of Prophet Muhammad?
Similarly there is an interesting chapter on the history of papermaking. Children are encouraged to arrive at an answer to questions themselves. Some of the important questions asked are about what is the difference between papyrus and parchment?, Where and when was the first real paper invented?, What were the ingredients of Chinese paper? etc
An entire chapter is also devoted to The Fall of Granada, chronicling the flowering and downfall of Spanish Muslim culture. Finally an account is given of the fall of Muslim Spain into the hands of the Spanish king on January2nd 1492. 1992 was the 500th anniversary of the reconquest of Granada. On this occasion the present Spanish king apologised for the intolerance of his ancestors towards the Muslim community of Spain.
Interesting questions are asked at the end of the chapter such as What was the Nasrid capital and what is so special about the palace there?, What happened to Muslims two years after the fall of Grenada?, Who were the Beni Nasr and what were they able to do? etc. Such questions develop the critical thinking aptitude of children as well as develop their sensibilities. Goodword Books through this childrens book on Islam, approaches history as much as an exercise in aesthetics as a search for facts.
A separate chapter is also devoted to the destruction of Baghdad in 1258 CE in 1453 CE. Regarding the destruction of Baghdad the entire city was set alight and massacring and wanton destruction continued for many days. Over the years many historians have asked why this disaster befell the ummah. Many believe the people had become decadent and taken to bad ways and a new beginning was necessary, marked by the invasion of Mongol invaders.
Childrens minds are asked to question the occurrence with questions such as who was Genghis Khan and his grandson?, who was the last Abbasid caliph and how did he try to prevent Hulagu Khan from attacking Baghdad? etc.
In this way children are encouraged to view history as also about personalities and of how people make history.
In this way the different faces of history are brought before children in a simple and lucid style
