By Mindful Muslim Reader
A defining character of the Prophetic way of life, mercy is also the virtue of the first 10 days of Ramadan. We see mercy in our fellow humans as a reflection of the mercy Allah ﷻ has shown toward His creation. Check out these books highlighting characters who show mercy to another or who see Divine mercy around them.
My Mum is a Wonder (Ages 0-7)
My Mum is a Wonder is a sweet and simple picture book, narrated by a young boy who realizes how much the work of a mother matters. Yes, she cooks and cleans, and runs a neat and tidy household, but the true essence of motherhood and sacrifice is revealed in the small details of her everyday life: she’s there when the boy comes home from school, she serves her family, her neighbors, and her community, and most importantly, she teaches her child how to love and worship Allah ﷻ. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
The Prophet's Pond (Ages 0-7)
“We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.” (21:107)
The Prophet’s Pond describes a young boy’s earnest search for the meeting place of Muslims with our beloved Prophet ﷺ, not realizing it will happen in the next life. Children attach their hearts to the Prophet ﷺ by learning of his immense benefit to the believers. The vivid descriptions of his hawd–the vast body of water from which Muslims will drink on the Day of Judgment–inspire children through love and awe of the best of creation ﷺ. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
The Camel in the Sun (Ages 4-10)
The Camel in the Sun The camel has worked its entire life carrying bundles on long journeys across the desert. One day the camel is overwhelmed by sadness and finds itself in tears. But when the Prophet ﷺ sees the camel’s plight, everything changes. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
Thank you, Mr. Falker (Ages 4-10)
“Stop! Are all of you so perfect that you can look at another person and find fault with her?”
Thank you, Mr. Falker is a biography rich with lessons for children: reverence for knowledge, books, teachers, and elders; the importance of seeking help from teachers, parents, and family; and the causes and effects of bullying and laughing at others. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
Heidi (Ages 4-12)
If we ask for something it isn’t right for us to have, He [God] won’t give it to us, but in His own good time, if we go on praying and trust in Him, He’ll find us something better. You can be sure it’s not that He didn’t hear your prayer, for He can listen to everybody at once….
Originally published in 1880, Heidi should be read aloud to every young child. It is a beautiful story of a girl with the purest of hearts who develops an understanding of God’s mercy and subsequently teaches others how to be patient with God’s tests. The story is imbued with invaluable lessons that teach reliance upon God, understanding of His will, reflection on how He accepts our prayers, thanking God, and praising God. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
Inheritance (Ages 12-15+)
Very few fantasy series combine a compelling story and a Tolkien-like world with a virtuous and likable protagonist. The series relies on the appeal of universal characters rather than what’s common in fantasy series today—sex and shock value.
Inheritance earns our Gold Star because the protagonist, Eragon, responds to evil with goodness, faces struggles with patience, and counters cruelty with compassion. He also strives to include all the races of creatures into what used to be an exclusively human and elven domain. In the end, it is Eragon’s response of empathy and compassion that wins the battle with the evil tyrant. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
Peace Like a River (Ages 15+)
Peace Like a River earns our Gold Star for the deep and profound relationship with God that is at the center of this heartwarming tale. Through immense trials with his family, the father is kept grounded through his faith and his consistent habit of prayer. The book weaves in many virtues as an anecdote to the excess and vice of modern society. Find detailed ratings, virtues, struggles, and flags.
Find more books on mercy for the first 10 days of Ramadan.
Mindful Muslim Reader rates children’s books for virtue, language, story, and beauty and flags content advisories when needed. We read cover to cover so you don’t have to. Find more books worth reading.