Dates of Interest
Interview with Qaiser M. Talib
Published date: 16th November 2011
"...so funny yet so realistic... emotionally charged
and flooded with Islamic knowledge..."
RAYHANA KHAN, AUTHOR OF ‘A MUSLIM GIRL’S
GUIDE TO LIFE’S BIG CHANGES.’
“With good-natured humour and insight, Qaiser Talib punctures many of the stereotypes around Muslim families in Britain… an exciting story of friendship and rivalry that can be enjoyed by young readers of all backgrounds."-
THE INVITATION MAGAZINE
Suhaib Haider is a teenage Muslim boy who was born and brought up in Balsall Spark, a multi-cultural part of Birmingham, England. He has loving parents, attends a wonderful school and enjoys his life enormously. He has no complaints against his Lord…but one Jum’ah, he has a major complaint against himself. His usually cheery mood changes as he faces the greatest challenge of his young life so far.
As he tries to establish prayer in his life, he becomes embroiled in a battle for the spiritual future of his school: a power struggle between a Muslim, a Christian and a staunch atheist. The Christian, Emma-Louise Macchiato, is one of the sweetest girls Suhaib has ever come across whilst the atheist is anything but sweet.
Will Suhaib manage to correct his own faults? Will he manage to come out on top in this power struggle?
Will his uncle, Chacha Conspiracy – member of the notorious political Al-Death to Al-Kafiroon – dissuade Suhaib from participating? And will the forces of godlessness bring Suhaib’s dreams crashing to the ground?
Q. Why did you write the book?
A. Ever since I was a small boy, I have loved writing. I have always fancied the challenge of writing a story for Muslim children, especially teenagers but never got around to it. I have written it because I sincerely believe the book has two important messages. Firstly, the earlier you establish prayer in your life, the more peaceful your world becomes. Life moves pretty fast these days – too fast – and if you want to truly take in what is happening around you, you must think and reflect. Prayer is a fantastic way to do that and that is what my main character, Suhaib Haider, learns… although he certainly takes his time!
The second reason is that when people of faith – especially Muslims and Christians – face challenges from militant atheism, religious people should work together to as great a degree as possible. I have created a beautiful and kind Christian character, Emma-Louise Macchiato, who I hope represents the best and most moral values of Christian belief.
After all, God states:
“…and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant."
Qur’an 5:82
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