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 life. So it was not enough for me to read about meteors and relay those facts to her.
I referenced Qur’an and hadith and found that I couldn’t just limit my response to the straightforward answer—“It’s a rock falling from space.” Rather, I had to juxtapose that information against Allah’s statements in the Qur’an, asserting that the angels guard the secrets of the heavens from the eavesdropping shayateen with flaming stars. I knew I could only accomplish this through storytelling, as simply reading facts about meteors alongside Surah al Mulk would not lead to any great depth of understanding in a five-year-old.
Suddenly, my answer to Nusayba’s simple question had serious spiritual implications. I had read an article on Yaqeen Institute about pathways to doubt for modern Muslims. One of those pathways was the perceived incompatibility of science and belief. I felt a responsibility to try and harmonize the science and belief for young readers in a way that would build on and strengthen their ‘aqeedah.
Did that mean if I couldn’t find an ayah or hadith that directly aligned with NASA I would fail them? Would I leave my young readers in a state of internal conflict? No, a perfect mirroring of science and faith could not be the answer.
I took the time to learn about meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites. I read the translations and tasfir for Surah al Mulk and Surah al Jinn. Then I wrote and let the story unfold. When I stepped back to see what I had crafted, I realized I hadn’t written a story about shooting stars as I had set off to do. Rather, I was penning a story about al ghayb, the Unseen, a key element of our Islamic creed.
As I let the dialogue play out between my characters, I put myself in young Rayyan’s shoes. What might a child ask upon hearing about Allah’s unseen realm? I determined that the most natural thing would be for my young protagonist, Rayyan, to wonder, “Why does Allah keep secrets from us?” This was also when the title came to me.
From then on, my task was to ensure this story would help kids feel comfortable knowing that there are unseen and inaccessible levels to Allah’s presence in our lives. While the idea of being surrounded by so many unknowns can feel intimidating and scary, I made it my goal to leave my readers with a sense of awe and excitement about Allah and everything He is capable of beyond our wildest imaginations.
In my research, I came across Dr. Aycha Tammour and decided I had to get a hold of her to hear from a real-life Muslim astronomer who loves learning about the cosmos and also loves Allah. Her perspective was critical in helping me frame the scientific philosophy. I am so thankful to her.
I pray that parents and children who read this book will feel inspired to know Allah and His attributes and to explore the world to see His signs and wonders.
Hidden Secrets is available for pre-order. I encourage you to be among the first to order and to claim the special bundle price for all three books. I am honored Hidden Secrets is to be released alongside the works of Imam Azeez and Mashal Ayobi. At the 10-year anniversary of Tarbiya Institute this September, Imam Azeez will unveil more information about what’s in store for the Institute for Muslim Advancement and Renewal (I’MAR), in sha Allah. This is just the beginning.
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