I arrived a few minutes late to the bookshop and quietly took a seat towards the back as to not draw attention to myself. Nevertheless, our eyes locked immediately, and she flashed me a smile that indiscreetly greeted me ‘salaam’ as she spoke to the full room. Although we had corresponded virtually for a couple years now, this was the first time that we met face-to-face. I had to contain the fangirl in me as I sat and listened to New York Times best-selling author Sajidah Ali

Dearest Banana Lover, I pray you receive this email in the best of health and imaan, insha Allah, and are reaping immense blessings in this beautiful month of Ramadan. I am honored to share that, I received blessed news this week. All Praise belongs to Allah for The Blessed Bananas received the International Book Awards Best Children's Religious book award! This is truly a huge honor, and I am so grateful for this recognition. Those of you that have seen my book know it is a

You may have wondered why I chose a monkey as my main character in "The Blessed Bananas." I still remember the night my dad came home from work and brought my sister and me our very first stuffed animal. He used to work in the city from morning to night. As immigrants, my family worked long hours to make ends meet. My younger sister and I were oblivious as kids to the reality of our financial situation. We didn't notice the lack of toys, books, new clothes or even food. What

Greetings! Welcome to my healthy recipes page. I'm so glad you're here! I want to start by telling you what home-cooked food means to me. You see, I find baking and cooking to be therapeutic for me. Just like writing, it takes time and effort to produce a delicious dish or dessert. I have to pay attention to detail and put my heart and soul into it. For me, a completed book and a plate of fresh-baked cookies are both great labors of love. It's a form of expression for me, and

There’s a phone in every hand, but who’s really listening? Why bother listening when no one is even talking. I know you know what time it is, but do you have time for me? I’d like a few words with you, but can you even hear me? Look carefully. Are you capturing a moment? Because I don’t think you can see me. Is the image even real or just an illusion plastered on your screen? You’re so into your phone, but you’re not really into me. We made ourselves “accessible,” but do you