Golden Butterfly Books

  • On Science, Religion, and Creative Liberty

    Humans fascination with the cosmos long predates the technology and information we can access today. It is one of the most natural impulses for people to wonder about the glittering bodies in the sky. It is no wonder that Allah references celestial bodies and invites us to look upon His signs above. The Qur’an spoke…

  • A Simple Inquiry, a Response with Astronomical Impact

    I wrote Hidden Secrets because Nusayba asked me, “What are shooting stars?” I prefer to answer her questions thoroughly, using a holistic approach that connects the answers back to Allah. I don’t believe Islam should be relegated to one compartment in our minds that is separate from everything else we learn and interact with in…

  • Qur’anic Affirmations: Allah’s Response to Nusayba’s Question 

    In “Nusayba Knows Her Worth,” I reference the hadith about Nusayba (aka Umm ‘Umara) asking the Prophet (S) why the Qur’an only appears to address men. In response, Allah revealed ayah 35 of Surah al Ahzab which lists the attributes of men and women who will receive Allah’s just reward. As I was planning activities…

  • My First Month as a Published Author and What’s Up Next

    I just realized today marks exactly one month since I published “Nusayba Knows Her Worth.” Self-publishing has been a daunting and rewarding experience. Alhamdulillah. With minimal, organic promotion, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people purchased and continue to purchase my first book. Thank you all sincerely for supporting me. One thing I hadn’t…

  • “Are Butterflies in the Qur’an?:” A Book for Children and the Adults Who Educate Them

    Are Butterflies in the Qur’an? is heavily influenced by my foray into education philosophy and pedagogy. As I work toward developing competency as a homeschooling parent, I find myself gravitating towards Jerome Bruner’s constructivist theories on learning and cognitive development and resultant theories on discovery learning. Discovery learning “encourages learners to build on past experiences…

  • How My 3-Year Old Started Reading

    I want to preface this blog by stating that I am not a teacher by profession nor an expert on literacy. However, I often get inquiries about how Nusayba learned to read fluently at a young age. I can only speak to my own experiences, so I will share what I consider helpful tips on…

  • To My Friends and Patrons of Different Religions or No Religion

    I want to start by thanking my friends (and some strangers) who are not Muslim, but have ordered my book. I appreciate that you all want to support my writing endeavor and maybe to promote some diversity in literature. That’s awesome. That said, I do feel compelled to disclose to you that Nusayba Knows Her…

  • Through Play, Nusayba Knows Her Worth

    As some of you have seen, I developed a simple activity sheet with some suggested discussion questions as a supplement to my book Nusayba Knows Her Worth. I posed these questions to my Nusayba and I found her response to the first question to be eye-opening. The first question asks the child to consider who…

  • Muslims Are Allowed to Celebrate Resistance

    Across most cultures, religions, and countries, elements of armed rebellion, anti-government demonstrations, and combat are commemorated as necessary steps to building nations and civilizations. On the 4th of July, America celebrates its independence, which could not have been achieved without armed resistance and civil disobedience. The heroes of the American Revolution are honored with monuments…

  • Learning Experiences: A Matter of Finding the Teachable Moments

    It amazes me how a kid’s general curiosity and need to touch and tinker with everything can translate into the perfect teachable moment. As a parent, I get frustrated sometimes when Nusayba won’t focus on a task. But then days like today remind me that there are opportunities in those tangents and distractions your kid…

Nusayba Knows Her Worth cover