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Looking for last-minute ideas for Christmas gifts to give your co-workers or non-Muslim friends?
The following are suggestions for gifts that may prove to be an olive branch in the holiday season, offering much-appreciated education on Muslims and Islam.
The 99
The 99 is a critically acclaimed comic book series.
Each of the ninety-nine characters in the series embodies one unique Islamic virtue or attribute.
They are ordinary men and women from around the world who find themselves possessors of one of the ninety-nine magical, mystical Noor Stones, and as such they gain special powers.
The series is not religious, but it is definitely inspired by Islamic values.
Adults and children alike will enjoy reading these comic books and getting to know the unique, beautifully developed characters.
Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong
Islam: A Short History is one of the most concise and well-researched historical accounts of Islamic history available for the western audience.
Armstrong is a well-respected religious writer and historian who, although not Muslim herself, handles the topic with reverence, respect, and a beautiful storytelling style that makes it as entertaining as it is informative.
Mooz-Lum
Mooz-lum is a poignant film about a young African-American man who grew up in a strict Muslim household, entering college right at the time of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.
Starring Danny Glover, Evan Ross and Nia Long.
The film is a powerful glimpse into the American Muslim experience.
Yusuf Islam: Road Singer
Your neighbors have no doubt heard of Cat Stevens, the beloved singer-songwriter who penned memorable ballads in the 1970’s.
But after Stevens became a Muslim, he changed his name and has released music under his new name, Yusuf Islam.
Your music-loving friends will be thrilled to hear Stevens’ unmistakable voice on these new tracks, infused with spirituality.
A perfect gift for any music-lover looking to expand their library.
Islamic Art
Islamic Art is a luxurious book full of lush photographs and descriptive passages to give the reader an inspiring look at the very extensive world of Islamic art.
The book is arranged geographically, taking the reader on a tour of the Islamic world and highlighting paintings, calligraphy, textiles, carpets and other artwork from each area.
The Essential Rumi
Rumi is almost universally loved and admired by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
A compendium of his mystically infused poetry will be something a poetry-lover can cherish for decades.
I Speak for Myself Series
I Speak for Myself is a book series presenting engaging, powerful and unexpected stories of real life Muslims, told in their own words.
I Speak for Myself: American Women on Being Muslim and I Speak for Myself: 45 American Men on Being Muslim explore the lives of American Muslim men and women.
Contributors include high profile figures in the American Muslim community, representing a new generation that is making a profound impact inside and outside the Muslim world.
Demanding Dignity: Young Voices from the Front Lines of the Arab Revolutions brings together essays written by today’s generation of Arab youth who have directly inspired and sparked a revolutionary spirit that toppled governments, unearthing the corruption of decades of dictator dominated countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Malcolm X
One of the most powerful films made about the American Muslim experience, starring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee.
Malcolm X follows the life of the charismatic leader of the Nation of Islam from his humble beginnings as a street thug, his prison conversion to Islam, up to the day of his assassination.
Malcolm X is a truly inspiring story about one of America’s greatest historical figures.
Traveling Man
For a young child on your list, The Traveling Man,grades three to six, tells the story of a 14th century Muslim named Ibn Battuta’s trip to Mecca.
It is full of beautiful illustrations and maps that will capture the mind of your young reader and transport them to another place and time.
The Butterfly Mosque
The Butterfly Mosque is a widely acclaimed account of author G. Willow Wilson’s experience studying Islam in Egypt, and her conversion to Islam.
It is a deeply personal story recounting her experience as an American woman exploring a new religion, surrendering to the transformation and cultivating a whole new way of experiencing love and faith.
Islam: Empire of Faith
This beautiful PBS documentary traces Islam from its beginnings and follows it’s unprecedented spread across the globe.
Through epic storytelling, expansive cinematography and interviews with respected scholars.
Islam: Empire of Faith tells the story of Islam beautifully over three parts.
