Black History : A Trailing Twelve Plus Month

Black History like any other history occurs around the year and the clock. So check out some accomplishments made by well-known Black Muslims in the past twelve plus months.

January 2018: Muslim Writer Khadijah AbdulHaqq releases her groundbreaking children’s book Nanni’s Hijab

February 2018: The hashtag Black Muslim Reads drops

March 2018: Muslim Fashion Models Halima Aden and Kadija Diawara make headlines in Elle and Vogue Magazines respectively.

April 2018: Muslim Writer Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow releases her first children’s book Mommy’s Khimar

May 2018: Imam Omar Suleiman, Professor Su’ad Abdul Khabeer and Sherman Jackson among others are officially recognized by CNN’s as Top 25 Most Influential Muslims in America

June 2018: The hashtag Black Muslim Ramadan is in full swing

July 2018: Muslim Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad releases her memoir Proud

August 2018: Senator Ihlan Omar wins the Democratic primary in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District

September 2018: Fofky’s Kitchen; the First Ivorian cookbook in English is released

October 2018: Social Activist Margari Aziza expatiates on reforms for Mental Health campaigns

November 2018: Educator Umm Juwayriyah makes headlines for creating the first Muslim Fiction App

December 2018: Muslim Teens Amaya and Anwar Diggins are recognized as Top 6 Most Influential Youth

January 2019: Judge Walker-Diallo is named Supervising Judge of the Kings County (Brooklyn) Civil Court

February 2019: UK band Pearls of Islam releases its first album

These are just highlights and there are many more productive Black Muslims out there. Let’s keep chronicling and curating history for the next generation insha’Allah.

Original article.

1441 AH (August 2019 – August 2020)

Assalamu aleikum!

Looking for reviewers for the next Muslim year insha’Allah. If interested, please email bookmanager@djarabikitabs.com .

Amazon link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947148230

Jazakh’Allah khair and wassalam,

Papatya*

In Honor of National Domestic Awareness Month Page To Stage Presented ‘Expendable’ by Sahar Abdulaziz at the Pocono Cinema and Cultural Center

Sahar Abdulaziz is originally from New York. She moved to the Poconos in 1993 with her growing family. In 1988, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of New Rochelle. In 1995, she received a Certificate in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Counseling and shortly after, in 1996 as a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Counselor/Advocate. In 1997, she received a certificate from PCADV and volunteered for many years as a hotline worker and counselor/advocate. In 2003, she co-facilitated a domestic violence/sexual assault group, Un Lugar Seguro. An award winning author, Abdulaziz covers a wide-range of hard-hitting topics using her writing, and voice to advocate for the underrepresented, the disenfranchised and maligned. Her multidimensional characters have been described as having “substance and soul,” while demonstrating that those who have suffered abuse are not victims, but survivors.

October is National Domestic Awareness Month and Pennsylvanian community arts initiative – Page To Stage – picked the valuable contribution of American Muslim Author Sahar Abdulaziz in her thriller EXPENDABLE to raise awareness on October 7th, 2018 at the Pocono Cinema and Cultural center. Abdulaziz’s recent novel EXPENDABLE deals with narcissistic and emotional abuse. This is a subject known to be an equal opportunity discriminator across ALL communities in the world.

The free community event was a success with the help of the sponsors, the flawless expertise and delivery of the actors and musicians. And last and not least, the event was a success because of the community who showed up in support of this unique event. Read more here.

Original article.

PRESS RELEASE : 'FOFKY'S KITCHEN' BY PAPATIA FEAUXZAR

THE FIRST IVORIAN COOKBOOK IN ENGLISH

DALLAS, TX — September 30th, 2018. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING has officially released Fofky's Kitchen : Easy Ivorian Recipes for Traditional and Street Foods by Ivorian American Author Papatia Feauxzar.

About the Book Fofky's Kitchen : Easy Ivorian Recipes for Traditional and Street Foods

Ivorian Cuisine has started to gain recognition across the globe. In addition, many Millennium and post-Millennium Ivorians are seeking restaurants to enjoy their favorite traditional dishes and street foods. Others simply want to know how to cook the same dishes their ancestors made. This cookbook is an easy to follow guide to help anyone curious about what Ivorian Cuisine is.

Fofky's Kitchen : Easy Ivorian Recipes for Traditional and Street Foods is available in paperback at Djarabi Kitabs Publishing and Fofky's Online Book Cafe's websites. The book is also available on Amazon on eBook, hardback and paperback formats. Don't miss the official book launch interview at Fofky's here.

«Félicitations Fofky! Fofky’s Kitchen est gourmand et fidèle à notre culture. Merci d’avoir faire voyager la cuisine Ivoirienne! » — Cheffe Prisca Gilbert

"Congratulations Fofky! Fofky's Kitchen is a food lover and reflective and accurate of our culture. Thank you for sending Ivorian Cuisine overseas!" — Chef Prisca Gilbert

"As I read through this cookbook, Fofky’s Kitchen, by Papatia Feauxzar, I found my thoughts adrift to a distant place where food and family seamlessly intertwine. Each shared dish, whether simple or complex, conveyed a human story, a history, and a taste that clearly reminded the author of home. She presented each recipe in support of the connectivity between food, culture, history, and family... Fofky’s Kitchen is a lovely taste of home, shared with love, enthusiasm and humor. Well done." — Sahar Abdulaziz, Author of EXPENDABLE

"... Fofky’s Kitchen brings us some new and exciting and not to mention easy to make meals from the Ivory Coast. Included in this awesome cookbook are some of my favorites such as Ginger Juice aka Ginger Beer and Bissap (Hibiscus) tea...The one that peaked my curiosity is the Fried Yams! Yes, you can fry yams. I never knew that, but now I do, and I will.  But wait! You can boil them too! That along with some braised beef and grilled chicken recipes will be sure to enhance your food repertoire... Go ahead and enhance your palate with Fofky’s Kitchen:  Easy Recipes for Traditional Street Foods by Papatia Feauxzar." — Khadijah Abdulhaqq, Author of Nanni's Hijab

"This is a Kitchen I want to step into — and one we all need to step into — to learn about (halal) West African cuisine. The immaculate, mouthwatering photos are almost enough to satisfy my appetite." — Shireen Hakim, Author of Salternatives: 25 Natural and Flavorful Alternative Seasonings to Salt

“I was so excited to have the opportunity to read Fofky’s Kitchen. I love to try out new cuisines and was not at all familiar with Ivorian cuisine... I was also pleasantly surprised to find some dishes that are very familiar to me. Many Americans forget about how African flavors have influenced our cuisine. But ingredients such as okra and grits (corn porridge), or recipes like beignets and boiled peanuts (my personal favorite!) are very common and well-loved in the American South. I love how beautifully this book is laid out, with photos and insights into each recipe. The majority of the recipes have very simple instructions and seem like they will be very easy to make… I definitely recommend this cookbook, not only to Ivorians looking for a taste of home, but to anyone who would like to try out a new and delicious cuisine!”— M.K. Johnston, Author of Halal Comfort Food: The New Muslim Guide To Going Halal

About the Author

Papatia Feauxzar, also known as Fofky, is an Ivorian American author, barista, and publisher living in Dallas, Texas with her son and husband. She holds a master’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Personal Finance. Feauxzar blogs at Between Sisters, SVP! or A Ducktrinor Mom. Check her out.

TO BUY IN BULK CONTACT : 

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: bookmanager@djarabikitabs.com

PRESS RELEASE : 'EXPENDABLE' BY SAHAR ABDULAZIZ

EXPENDABLE: GROUNDBREAKING, UNPREDICTABLE, WELL-WRITTEN.

DALLAS, TX — July 1st, 2018. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING has officially released Expendable by American Author Sahar AbdulAziz. Although Expendable is her fifth novel being published, it has seniority over AdbulAziz's timely and critically acclaimed political thriller titled Tight Rope. Simply said, Expendable was written before Tight Rope. And DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING is honored to be the best home for this needed book as well. Read the press release to get more details about Tight Rope.

About the Book Expendable

Tethered to a man perfectly willing to destroy her sanity, Bella must somehow find the strength within herself to leave and never look back. Logan appears to all who know him as a charming and adoring husband, yet behind closed doors, a dangerous, darker side emerges. To his circle of unsuspecting friends, he is the master of his destiny. To the trail of broken women left behind, a cruel and callous monster. But to his family and most of all to Bella, he remains an inescapable and recurring nightmare. Trapped, isolated, and unable to seek help, Bella plots her escape, but time, as well as opportunity, are quickly running out. Blaming, shaming, power and control converge in Sahar Abdulaziz’s new contemporary fiction novel, EXPENDABLE–the intimate story behind the “normal” veneer of one couple’s unraveling marriage.

And now the readers have spoken and some reviews about Expendable are in.

“With Expendable, the author has crafted an engrossing story with strong, believable characters as she successfully tackles the difficult topics of emotional abuse and PTSD.”— Susan Moore Jordan

"Expendable is a great story that illuminates the devastating effects of the psychological abuse that one controlling, power-driven person can heap on another individual.”— Catherine Schratt

“Logan supposedly loved Bella but his behavior exemplified nothing close to the true definition of love. Expendable draws the reader inside the mind of a controlling, manipulative man while uncovering the hidden strength of a woman determined to break free.”— Diane Bukoski

If the reviews of Expendable piqued your interest. Enter the book giveaway here and attend the official book launch at Fofky's here.

About the Author

Abdulaziz covers a wide-range of hard-hitting topics using her writing, and voice to advocate for the underrepresented, the disenfranchised and maligned. Her multidimensional characters have been described as having “substance and soul”, while demonstrating that those who have suffered abuse are not victims, but survivors. She and her husband presently reside in Pennsylvania–the proud parents of six grown children and the mega-proud grandparents of seven beautiful grandchildren. Visit her website.

Direct Link : https://youtu.be/aK6LHmPAYwI

Expendable is available in paperback at Djarabi Kitabs Publishing and Fofky's Online Book Cafe's websites. The book is also available on Amazon on eBook and paperback formats. Don't miss the official book launch and reading at Fofky's. Check them all out today!

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

The New Muslim's Field Guide — A Review

Written by Papatia Feauxzar

The New Muslim's Field Guide by Theresa Corbin and Kaighla Um Dayo is a compelling self-help book of about 218 non-illustrated pages. For a start, it's more than a new Muslim's field guide. It navigates the intricacies of the many shades of Islam due to the plethora of cultural and school of thoughts of its adherents. And hands down, it's a great start to guide the new Muslims understand Islam. Besides, I have always felt like there wasn't enough out there or done to help new Muslims with salat and other accommodations such as decent support systems.

Having said all that, The Field Guide will also help people who plan in getting married outside the scope of their race and culture. I say this because had I read such a book seven years ago, many things I learned the hard way could have been avoided. All is not lost though, there is always a reason for our trials and a lesson to be learned. The Field Guide book will definitely help others perusing the thought of intra-cultural marriage.

May Allah also make this guide sadaqah juwayriyah for the authors, aameen.

To continue, the book spans over eighteen insightful chapters covering sensitive topics from reliable Islamic sources, cultural Islam, the real Islam, love, sex, marriage to Islamophobia amongst other subjects. The authors also share some ludicrous anecdotes to help the readers relate and keep them tuned in. It's truly an easy read because Corbin and Um Dayo have a certain humorous pluck even when dealing with delicate and controversial topics in the ummah.

This is the look of my personal copy depicted below... If I tell you all about it, you won't need to purchase it for the people around you who need it *laughs*.

I highly recommend The New Muslim's Field Guide to new Muslims, single & searching folks, and any born Muslim who wants to reconnect with the faith. 

Rating: 4.5/5

You can purchase it on paperback format at Amazon or at our e-Store. The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.

Bio: A blogger and a barista amongst other hats, Feauxzar enjoys reading and drinking soothing tea. Check her out at https://www.fofkys.com/blog.

PRESS RELEASE : 'DUKYARIAN RECTANGLE' BY BABS SOARES

AN ENGAGING INTERFAITH MUSLIM  FICTION NOVEL

DALLAS, TX — May 15th, 2018. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING  officially released Dukyarian Rectangle by Nigerian and Canada resident, Author Babs Soares.

DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING republished Soares's book titled Disvolution as a new expanded and re-titled version; Dukyarian Rectangle. 

About the Book

The year is 2085. The world has reached the end of the evolutionary continuum. In this post-evolutionary world, truth and conscience are EXPENDABLE. In the atheist-dominated world, right and wrong are dictated not by God or His holy books, but by an overreaching World Government Organization. The WGO, as it is popularly known, soon meets its match in, of all places, Dukyaria, a heavily-indebted third-world country, a country brought to heel by corruption and ethno-religious antagonism. Dealing with its Nemesis in Dukyaria of course demands that the WGO play four characters against one another—the moderate Muslim cleric (Salim Kamil), the terrorist Homo Haram leader (Abu Danja Mamba), the Catholic Reverend Father (Basil Okoye), and the business-savvy head of the Abounding Grace Ministries (Pastor Emmanuel Kalu). It is up to Kamil and Okoye to get the four points of the Dukyarian rectangle to stop antagonizing each other and, instead, team up to upend the WGO’s plans. The question is how?

Join DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING and Fofky's @fofkys on Facebook and Instagram for the official book launch starting promptly at 09:00 a.m. on May 15th, 2018 God willing.

Direct link:  https://youtu.be/snpG3Mn0bqM

"Dukyarian Rectangle is a long story but the dark humor skillfully weaved throughout the plot kept us turning pages."— Hayati Magazine

Enter the book giveaway here.

About the Author

Author Babs Soares. Soares is a former high-ranking government official. He also has an extensive international experience, having worked in an international organization for approximately twenty years. As a professor of public administration, he taught at leading universities. He holds a B. A. (Hons) Admin., M.A. (Econ) and doctorate degrees from reputable British universities. Soares has published widely in his field of specialization. He blogs at Dukyarian Chronicles .

Dukyarian Rectangle is available in paperback at Djarabi Kitabs Publishing and Fofky's Online Book Cafe's websites, at Amazon on eBook and paperback formats, and at OkadaBooks in eBook .

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

The Keir Collection: The First Islamic Art Collection at the Dallas Museum of Art

DALLAS — It has been a little over a year since the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) of Texas received the third largest collection of Islamic Art of North America on an extended loan. It is said to be one of the world’s leading and private collection of Islamic art. The collection features Islamic and Islamicate arts from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The collection was put together by Edmund de Unger, an Hungarian art collector over a period of fifty years. The Keir Collection used to be also displayed in a British mansion, thus the name. With the help and determination of Sabiha Al Khemir, a Tunisian American curator, the collection made its way in the DMA for the public to see.

THE LAUDABLE

The Keir Collection is composed of priceless and unique pieces of Islamic and Islamicate History and Art. The colors of some of the pieces are vibrant and the skillmanship of the pieces is simply praise-able.

Ewer, Egypt, late 10th to early 11th century, rock crystal; 19th-century gold mount by Jean-Valentin Morel. Brad Flowers / Keir Collection of Islamic Art on loan to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Source: The National

Bowl, Iran, 13th century, ceramic. Ira Schrank / The Keir Collection of Islamic Art on loan to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Source: The National

The preserved Arabic texts of some items in the precious Keir Collection range from a Quran the size of a very small matchbox to embroidered fabric with sacred Arabic texts. The level of detail is mind-boggling and often requires a magnifying glass to peruse.

THE LIMITS OF THE COLLECTION

The map of the Islamic world in Africa was not totally accurate. It only showed two leading Islamic centers in West Africa and they were more than that. What’s more? Islam has always been all over the world, not in sporadic areas. Timbuktu and Abuja were great Islamic centers and so was Mankono in the north of Ivory Coast.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DMA OVERALL

The Keir Collection is composed of about 2000 pieces if not more. The DMA displays about 150 pieces at a time. Perhaps we will get to see an old manuscript from Timbuktu like depicted below one day locally.

Source: Manuscript recovered from Bamako, Mali by ‘Timbukto Renaissance’ curator Abdel Kader Haidara (image via the Prince Claus Fund)

OTHER PIECES OF ART IN THE KEIR COLLECTION

Jug, second half of the 12th century, ceramic. Ira Schrank / The Keir Collection of Islamic Art on loan to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Source: The National

Manuscript, Turkey, circa 1605–1610, work on paper. Ira Schrank / The Keir Collection of Islamic Art on loan to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Source: The National

Visit dma.org for more details.

Article written by Papatia Feauxzar. Originally appeared at MVSLIM.

GIVEAWAY FOR 'EXPENDABLE' BY SAHAR ABDULAZIZ

Enter to win one free copy of Expendable by Sahar Abdulaziz which will be officially out on 07/01/2018.

Giveaway ends 07/31/2018 and winners will be notified by email to provide their mailing addresses.

Thanks!

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Summary : Tethered to a man perfectly willing to destroy her sanity, Bella must somehow find the strength within herself to leave and never look back. Logan appears to all who know him as a charming and adoring husband, yet behind closed doors, a dangerous, darker side emerges. To his circle of unsuspecting friends, he is the master of his destiny. To the trail of broken women left behind, a cruel and callous monster. But to his family and most of all to Bella, he remains an inescapable and recurring nightmare. Trapped, isolated, and unable to seek help, Bella plots her escape, but time, as well as opportunity, are quickly running out. Blaming, shaming, power and control converge in Sahar Abdulaziz’s new contemporary fiction novel, EXPENDABLE–the intimate story behind the “normal” veneer of one couple’s unraveling marriage.

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE : THE DUCKTRINORS BOOK I & BOOK II BY PAPATIA FEAUXZAR

A MUSLIM YOUNG ADULT BOOK CENTERED AROUND THE DEEN

DALLAS, TX — March 28th, 2018. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING officially released  The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II by American and Black Muslim Author, Papatia Feauxzar. 

The author has written in many genres but she still feels like a child at heart. "I wrote 'The Ducktrinors' to inspire the Muslim Youth so that they realize that they have more than enough Muslim heroes to fashion themselves after." — Papatia Feauxzar

DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING is republishing tome I titled Hanifa with the much awaited tome II titled Malik with this edition. 

"Papatia's work is addicting in that love of the craft is immistakable through her skill. I'm seriously enraptured with the level of detail involved with everything from content to technical aspects of The Ducktrinors and as a word nerd myself I now aspire to the honor of reviewing all her works... Papatia's world is one of style. May it be laced with Divine grace...it is as Allah wills..."— Maryam Miller, Maryam Miller Writes

"Finally! Papatia Feauxzar has tapped her distinct noveling style into a fast-paced, futuristic novel with a decidedly Muslim flavor. As one of Papatia's editors, I think that I've read almost all of her stories, and Ducktrinors is definitely my favorite, so far. Although it's written mostly for a younger audience, Papatia has crafted another fun, slightly-awkward, but smart female protagonist in Hanifa Ducktrinor, and I enjoyed watching her problem-solve to save the world (and her own behind!)... I'm also excited that this is a series, as we just don't get enough of them! Looking forward to more and more from Papatia, insha'Allah."— Brooke Benoit, A Clichéd Life

"This book is a mixture of sci-fi, futuristic, and it also has a strong Islamic theme. Hanifa and her team have surely grown on me and I can see them being likable amongst the teens. The good versus evil reminded me a lot of the end of times."— Mrs. Shoohada Khanom, Children Book Author of Kamilah the Butterfly, Imagine, Who Could I Be, and Little Blue Skater Boy. 

"... Unique - in a great way. It blends sci-fi, futuristic, and dystopia pretty well. Neat gadgets - mechanical horse and some other tech ideas were pretty neat. Sylas is a bad guy people can hate. Dawud is a great side character. Jihad gets a bad rap these days because of the crazy people running around with suicide bombs. It's interesting to see the Secular sect portrayed as the bad guys."— Julie C.Gilbert, The Collins Case (Heartfelt Cases Book 1)

"...This is a wonderful story, written beautifully and filled with great Islamic historical references. It was breathtaking to read a story so relevant today. From the outset you are deeply connected to the main character and her struggles and you're gripped to read on and discover what will be of her and her family. Such a great, exciting read, with highs and lows and a story that really does take you on a journey of what it means to be Muslim for Hanifa."— Sarah Javed, Author of I'm So Angry!

"The Ducktrinors was an awesome read from the beginning; an absolute page turner. I loved how the sci-fi wasn't so surreal that it was like to actually happen in the future. I was actually scared of how real it could be. There were some topics that made me blush a little to be for Muslim children then I remembered the book was for teens, although not only teens. The Ducktrinors was adventurous and, Hanifa was a smart intelligent girl with a grand love for the religion. It was a vibrant mix of Islam and sci-fi (which wasn't too unrealistic)..." — Khadijah AbdulHaqq, Author of Nanni's Hijab

The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II additionally received several acclaimed feedback and critics from editors. Feauxzar shared one with us.

"I love that you feature a Muslim protagonist whose faith is important to her, and this aspect of her life is a huge part of the story, yet the genre itself is a poignant (and timely) sci-fi/dystopian. So cool! ...One of your best writing assets in this draft is your ability to write engaging, authentic dialogue (yay!). This is no easy feat! "— Kate Angelella, Angelella Editorial. Experienced YA/MG editor, formerly of Simon & Schuster Children's Books.

Join DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING from March 31st to April 4th, 2018 for the blog tour.

About the author:

Papatia Feauxzar is an American author, barista, and publisher of West African descent living in Dallas, Texas with her son and husband. She holds a master’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Personal Finance. After working as an accountant for a corporate firm for almost five years, Feauxzar decided to pursue Accounting from home while homeschooling her son. She is currently working toward obtaining her CPA license. Feauxzar then plans to obtain her PhD in Accounting. 

She also blogs at Between Sisters, SVP! or A Ducktrinor Mom . She is the Love and Relationship Editor at Hayati Magazine. She has written for AboutIslam, MVSLIM, and SISTERS Magazine. You can visit her websites at www.djarabikitabs.com or www.fofkys.com.

The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II is available on Djarabi Kitabs Publishing's website , Amazon on eBook, hardback and  paperback formats, and Fofky's Online Book Cafe.

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

- Review by Reclaiming Heart 

"The best thing I loved about the book is its narration. The book is a great page turner and lures us till the end. Papatia narrates the chapters from different timelines and this leaves the reader curious until the end. The story reveals through various characters and the usage of self-talk is a win-win. The plot is very fast paced and includes so many characters and details. But telling the story through people makes it simple to follow along." — Farzana Fathima , Reclaiming Heart

- Podcast with Naptime is Sacred

"Everybody [all the characters] brought something to the table." — Fousia Abdullahi, Naptime is Sacred

- Interview with _EatReadLive 

- Review with Dr. Shahira

"The book keeps you on the edge – looking forward to the next chapter...Having grown up with the Harry Potter series and knowing the inside-out of the series, I feel the Ducktrinor series will be a similar-themed adventure series for the young Muslim adult...Kudos to the author for being a trendsetter in the world of Muslim science fiction for the young adult." — By Shahira 

- Review with Be Flawless Muslims

"In a sentence... It was a thrilling and satisfying read...Recommendation? IT’S A MUST READ!" — Rimsha Tanaaz, Be Flawless Muslims .

- Interview with The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

"...Filled with high-tech gadgets and futuristic concepts, this would be a hit with the early teens who have an interest in this genre... I would definitely say this is a step into Islamic sci-fi. Papatia Feauxzar has taken a bold and brave step into this genre and I am looking forward to more of her creativity." — The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

- Review with The Imperfect Muslimah

"The Ducktrinors is a compilation of the first two books in the Jihad Series. This series is not likely to be one you’ve come across before – Muslim sci-fi novels are few and far between, after all... All in all, a good, interesting read that you’ll probably end up going back to once or twice." — The Imperfect Muslimah

- Interview with The Imperfect Muslimah

"The Ducktrinors is quite long but it’s a quick read – it took me just a few hours to reach the final page and it was nice to have a well tied up ending along with some interest toward the future of the series as well." — The Imperfect Muslimah

- Review by Halal Mama

"I really got hooked and have gone through the 500-odd pages in just few hours! ... The book is filled with Islamic references, cleverly tied into the story through Ducktrinors' conversations and descriptions of their halaqa sessions. Although we don't know the specific time setting, there are some strong indicators that the end of times is near: our characters having to hide their religious beliefs, women appearing naked despite being dressed, buildings so tall they seem to never end - to just mention a few. The book is a really engaging way to teach or remind the readers some basic Islamic principles."— Halal Mama

Author Spotlight: Papatia Feauxzar & Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea Shop

                                                    Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea Shop

Have you heard of Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea shop with a great selection of Muslim Fiction for adults and children? If you haven't, don't worry I'm here to put you on! Last summer I tested out the service owned by prolific Muslim Romance author and owner of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing,  Papatia Feauxzar for you! For $25 I was able to get a brand new Muslim fiction novel (Tight Rope by Sahar Abdulaziz) and an assortment of coffee, tea, and snacks to chomp on while I read! Can  we say Brilliant!!! I had to catch up with our dear sis. Papatia! 

What is Fofky's and what does the name mean?

Fofky without an 's' is a nickname I earned while I was attending high school in an all girl tolerant Catholic establishment. The name is derived from my maiden name. A last name I have heard is very popular in Liberia even though I'm originally from the Ivory Coast where it's not that popular. Now, since, the bookstore is mine, I decided to call it Fofky's (Fof-keys) like people normally do with their restaurants. After all, Fofky's is a food and beverage business too.

2. Who is Fofky for?

Fofky's is for your average bookish and bookworm Muslim who wants a balanced dose of deen, entertainment, and tayyab eatery. Fofky's is also a support system to make Muslim works more visible. In other words, it's a small attempt to support many unsung talented Muslim writers.

3. What inspired you to start Fofky?

It's you actually! Masha'Allah. I read one of your post where you were very disappointed by the fact that many Muslim bookstores won't carry Muslim fiction or give the light of day to writers who aren't MESA (Middle Eastern and South Asians). I agreed with you and thought that this needs to change. I also thought: "I can make the difference I want to see." In Africa, they say, "if you think you're too small to make a change, then you have not spent a night with a mosquito." I always try to remember that proverb when I am obsessed with an issue I want to resolve. So that inspired me to take the risk and run with the idea. And alhamdullilah, I dealt with concession inventory at my first accounting job so that was a huge plus. I was meant to do this.

4. What are some of the services and products that you have?

Fofky's offers book rentals at a very affordable rate for readers who don't feel like buying a book but still want to read it. Fofky's also has curated boxes aimed at young adults readers, a Half-a-Deen box with a candle and chocolate for people seeking marriage, divorced, or already married but who need intimate advice, new-mom packages which include a Muslim greeting card along with some delicious teas and organic hot cocoas, nikah boxes with cookbooks and recipes, self-affirmations book packages, curated boxes for color enthusiasts, and Muslim homeschooling kits just to name a few. 

In the food section, we have amazing book companions like halal and natural macaroons , organic and natural teas, frappes-lattes-cappuccinos-smoothies mixes, organic chips, popcorn, trail mix, etc.

(LOVE THESE  SERVICES!!)

5. How can the Muslims support you?

Muslims can help by spreading the word to those who they think will see value in the Fofky's business model. I mean not everybody reads. But if you're a Muslim out there who doesn't read but you know someone who is bookish, who is a bookworm, etc, please share Fofky's info with them. Ultimately, when clients come shop, they don't only support Fofky's, they also support the ummah writers. So by #buyandreadabookbyamuslim more money is injected back in the community, and we rise as one strong ummah.

6. Do you have plans to expand?

Yes, I plan to expand and put that business degree to good use! Haha! insha'Allah one day.

7. Besides selling books, how can Fofky's connect readers and authors?

Some Muslim authors have awesome stationary available like signed bookmarks, greeting cards, phone cases, pencils, notepads, backpacks, your typical bookish gear. Fofky's tries to acquire these from the authors directly or other sources like RedBubble and include them in the curated boxes the readers purchase. So authors need to have a great marketing strategy to allow Fofkys to facilitate the connection and bond between author and reader. I mean, normally a satisfied client will post pictures and tag the author. What author wouldn't like a new reader and free promo :) ?

8. Anything else that you want customers to know?

Fofky's is dedicated to support talented Muslim writers and offers easy to make refreshments that are free of high-fructose corn syrup. Let's iqra in style in a halal and tayyab way!

Original Post.

Dukyarian Rectangle – An Interview With the Author

Hayati Magazine: Today, we have a very special guest; Author Babs Soares. Soares is a former high-ranking government official. He also has an extensive international experience, having worked in an international organization for approximately twenty years. As a professor of public administration, he taught at leading universities. He holds a B. A. (Hons) Admin., M.A. (Econ) and doctorate degrees from reputable British universities. He has published widely in his field of specialization.   The blurb of his book we will be discussing today goes as this:

The year is 2085. The world has reached the end of the evolutionary continuum. In this post-evolutionary world, truth and conscience are expendable. In the atheist-dominated world, right and wrong are dictated not by God or His holy books, but by an overreaching World Government Organization. The WGO, as it is popularly known, soon meets its match in, of all places, Dukyaria, a heavily-indebted third-world country, a country brought to heel by corruption and ethno-religious antagonism. Dealing with its Nemesis in Dukyaria of course demands that the WGO play four characters against one another—the moderate Muslim cleric (Salim Kamil), the terrorist Homo Haram leader (Abu Danja Mamba), the Catholic Reverend Father (Basil Okoye), and the business-savvy head of the Abounding Grace Ministries (Pastor Emmanuel Kalu). It is up to Kamil and Okoye to get the four points of the Dukyarian rectangle to stop antagonizing each other and, instead, team up to upend the WGO’s plans. The question is how?

Author Babs Soares, welcome to Hayati Magazine! How long have you been writing fiction and non-fiction?

BS: You could say I chose writing as a vocation the day I embarked on an academic career. I could not have risen to the status of university professor of public and international affairs without publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals and authoring full-length textbooks in the field. Of course, that warranted interrogating real-life, non-fictional, mostly, concrete, but perplexing, challenges. I am a late-comer to fiction. I tried my hand at creative writing in 2014. This was in an attempt at liberating myself from the constraints of robotic thinking, the kind imposed by contemporary science’s theory and methodology of knowledge.  

HM: How long did it take you to write Dukyarian Rectangle formerly known as Disvolution?

BS: It took me ten years. This is what you get when you combine a new passion with ongoing commitments!

HM: Impressive! Dukyarian Rectangle is a long story but the dark humor skillfully weaved throughout the plot kept us turning pages or should we say swiping the pages from right to left on our reading device. So this brings us to the next question. Do you outline your stories or do you just go with the flow?

BS: Writing a story is like building a house from the ground up. You have to start with a sketch of sorts. You need an architectural drawing. But that is probably where the analogy ends—at least, in my own case. I keep changing the drawing as I move along. I may find myself in a super market where a person’s appearance, comportment or utterance rings a bell. What I generally do in such circumstances is to note how that might move my story along. Many writers get inspired at night. My own inspiration comes early in the morning. I have lost count of the number of times I woke up at dawn to capture an overnight inspiration. I also learn a lot from conflict and tension, more so, as both help me challenge my own assumptions and modify my architectural drawings!

HM: Right. Inspiration is all around us, and writers are anthropologists of some sorts. While the writing muses often strike at night for most writers like you said, it often happens at other specific times during the day. Good stuff, masha’Allah. Now, when will the new edition of your book, Dukyarian Rectangle, officially launch? Readers, you can read a brief review here.

BS: Insha’Allah, in May 2018.

HM: Insha’Allah. African countries had their own names before the colonialists swung into action there. After independence, many African countries reverted to old names or picked names befitting in the cases of Ghana, Burkina Faso, etc. How did you come up with Dukyaria as the name of this country?

BS: The Hausa word for wealth is ‘dukyar’. In what amounts to linguistic license, I stretched the word and ended up with ‘Dukyaria’, meaning, ‘public property’, ‘Commonwealth’, or, contextually, ‘a state owned by all the People’.

HM: Brilliant! Now, how has your publishing journey been?

BS: Fascinating!

HM: Alhamdullilah. When did the idea of writing Dukyarian Rectangle hit you?

BS: It came to me when I was on the staff of an international organization, travelling the world, and interacting with peoples from diverse backgrounds.

HM: All your characters were unforgettable. They were truthfully and sharply cunning. Will we read about Ekineta, Jamie, and the clever clone X300 Sly Fox again?

BS: I am counting on that! For now, let us wait for the readers’ verdict on Dukyarian Rectangle. If they want more, there is more (and better) where that came from.

HM: Sam was also another character with crafty skills. Did you have fun penning him?

BS: You bet! Sam really got my attention. It takes extraordinary skill to turn deviousness into fine art.

HM: That’s very true! The plight of Abu Mamba reminded us a bit of Samory Touré. Are we correct to think so?

BS: You are absolutely correct. Both have a lot in common.

HM: This concludes this interview. Thank you for being with us. The team at Hayati Magazine wishes you great success with your book launch and the book sales. Please share with us your social media links so our readers can get to know you better.

BS: Follow me on Twitter @BabsSoares1, on Facebook at 100004412059474@facebook.com and on LinkedIn.

This interview first appeared at Hayati Magazine here.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE UNVEILED EBOOK

You can get the eBook two ways :

1 - Download the FREE PDF here

OR

2 - Simply go to this link ---> https://www.djarabikitabs.com/bookstore/unveiled-ebook-format and add to cart. Check out and input your email and mailing address. You don't need to put in a form a payment. The fields are grayed out.

You will be prompted to download your PDF format eBook after your free purchase. If you close the window by accident, please check your email to download the PDF from there. The access link will expire in 24 hours. Therefore, please download the book within 24 hours.

Thank you,

The DKP Team

NEW RELEASE : 'TIGHT ROPE' by SAHAR ABDULAZIZ

TIGHT ROPE : A Muslim Socio-Political Thriller

DALLAS, TX — June 1st, 2017. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING has officially released Tight Rope by American Muslim Author Sahar AbdulAziz.

Tight Rope centers on an American Muslim Woman named Nour Ibrahim. She is an activist who has earned the attention of unsavory people while also dealing with personal issues. As she deals with all these tests, she wonders what has been ordained for her; the end game. Will she prevail or will she be another martyr fighting oppression from islamophobes, racists, bigots and what not? Get your copy to find out and seal that decision to own your copy by reading what readers have to say about Tight Rope below.

"Tight Rope is refreshingly real. It paints a worrying picture of the societies that we live in and it serves as a reminder of how lucky some of us are. Tight Rope also reminds us that there are battles being fought every day – people are fighting against prejudice from all corners. And we have a duty to assist them in those fights by acknowledging that they exist and by refusing to let unacceptable behavior continue when we are confronted with it." — The Imperfect Muslimah

"The characters are real and relatable. Sahar AbdulAziz is a great storyteller. She did a good job bringing her characters to life. I was on the edge of my seat turning pages and taking deep breaths. I enjoyed Tight rope and will be interested in other books by the author."— Fabulously Liberated

"The story gives you an inside view into lives of American Muslims post Trump Era , effects of Iraq and Afghanistan war and the rampant racial profiling and growing Islamophobia. It also highlights the flaws within the Muslim society and the division which from the outside world seems so homogenous." — Sana Khan, My Journey With Hijab

"A true page-turner!" — The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

"I loved the way the writer brilliantly crafted this story, how she weaved all the characters lives together was incredible." — Shoohada Khanom

"One of my favorite things about the author’s style is how she dedicates chapters to each character. This gives the reader the chance to understand each character’s point of view without, for lack of a better word, getting interrupted by another character’s voice. Another great thing about the chapters is the length with each chapter being about 3 – 5 pages long. This is perfect for readers who have a short attention span and who are only interested in taking in small amounts of information at a time."— Aisha Obi

"The interplay between the various characters in the book is amazing, especially when they start to cross paths." — Christal Joan 

“I wrote Tight Rope because of the way my beautiful sisters’ – day after day, year after year have been forced to face down this dehumanization and disrespect – inside and outside of the masjid by Muslims and non-Muslims … attacked and hurt over and over again by this inexcusable behavior. It’s revolting, inhumane, and haram. Allah and His Prophet [PBUH] have instructed that we speak the truth no matter who it offends – So be it,” Abdulaziz told MVSLIM.

Intrigued? Below are links you can follow to get your copy :

Amazon’s eBook link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz-ebook/dp/B071Z6M86N/

Amazon paperback link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz/dp/0996709495

Fofky’s Link : https://www.fofkys.com/buy-books-coffee-sweets-and-tea

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

TIGHT ROPE

Assalamu aleikum – Peace be unto you,

DKP’s new author Sahar Abdulaziz has written a powerful novel that needs to be read by all. Tight Rope will be released soon insha’Allah. It centers on an American Muslim Woman named Nour Ibrahim. She is an activist who has earned the attention of unsavory people while also dealing with personal issues. As she deals with all these tests, she wonders what has been ordained for her; the end game. Will she prevail or will she be another martyr fighting oppression from islamophobes, racists, bigots and what not?

Stay tuned to find out!

Wassalam,

Papatya*

The Phantom of the Library

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

©Papatia Feauxzar 2016

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0

Prominent Americans of Foreign Descent Who Make America Great

President Trump has tried and still trying to put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia.  Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries.

We can all agree that family dynamics in the US are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-denominational members in their mix and such measures and restrictions like visa ban would split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

What has been happening since Trump reached the White House suggests that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he aimed to put a visa ban on.  These people made and still make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.

So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.

 The late Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have been somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?

Hamidi Ulukaya

Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.

To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani.  He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.

Abdullah Hammoud

Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!

Tariq Farid

Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.

Sadia Faruqi

Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.

Fayez Sarofim

Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.

Shahid Khan

Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.

Originally published at AboutIslam.Net .

SEVERAL PROMINENT AMERICANS OF FOREIGN DESCENT THAT MAKE AMERICA THRIVE

Trump put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. We can all agree that family dynamics  are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, Seculars, and non-denominational members in their mix and this visa ban will split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s favoritism, un-American, it and goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Tump’s supporters are going to great length to defend his actions and even claim it’s not a Muslim ban. The denying game can go on but deep down we all know what it is about. It’s a Muslim ban period. From Trump’s actions, we can infer several things. One of which is that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he put a visa ban on.  These people made and make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.

So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.

 THE LATE STEVE JOBS

Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?

HAMDI ULUKAYA

Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.

To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani.  He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.

ABDULLAH HAMMOUD

Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!

TARIQ FARID

Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.

SADIA FARUQI

Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.

FAYEZ SAROFIM

Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL's Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.

PAULA ABDUL

Abdul is a singer and a dancer but she became well known after American Idol first aired. The show was copied all around the world. Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent from her father side. Syria contributes again to American entertainement.

SHAHID KHAN

Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.

Above all, this ban needs to be overturned because it will impact America in all domains as we’ve seen above. It’s also imperative that we don’t fall in the traps of division. Some citizens of Saudi Arabia had something to do with 09/11 but there was no ban on the country. We shouldn’t point that out because it will create a divided ummah and that’s the goals of the enemies of justice and Islam. Let’s put our differences aside and stay a united front. #NoMuslimBan !

Written 02/03/2017