Zakia Iman Shahbaz, Dedicated - Consistent - Talented
Zakia Iman Shahbaz wrote her first book after the birth of her grandson (she now has four), when she discovered that finding books that addressed the needs of Muslim children was more difficult than she imagined. Since then, her writing skills have improved, and there has been no stopping of using her imagination and artistic ability to write and illustrate children's stories: A Trophy for Bilal, A Medal for Nabila, The Big Blue Bicycle, Ameerah's First Day, Ameerah and The Missing Lunchbox, and the soon to be published, Ameerah Makes a Friend. Her latest publication is Ramadan and the 3Rs.
Zakia earned a Bachelor's degree of Education from Cheyney State and worked for many years as an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia, PA, where her natural love and respect for children was further nurtured. Other lifelong loves are drawing, painting, and all things artistic, so she returned to school, received a Master's degree in Education with a Major in Art from Temple University, qualifying her to teach art.
Though she'll always be a, "Philly girl," her life was forever enriched when she became a Muslim, and made Hajj to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. After this she travelled to Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and lived for several years in Bahrain and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It was in Sharjah, UAE where she met a group of like-minded sisters interested in literary pursuits and founded, Muslim Women Writers' Workshop International. Returning to the United States, she lived in Maryland and continued MWWWI meetings via SKYPE. Her travels have not only been to the Middle East and North Africa, she has also travelled to France, London and Canada. But, it was her trip across America from the east to the west coasts and back again by a different route, that opened her eyes to the beauty and diversity of the landscape and people of America, and piqued her interest in travelling.
Zakia likes to be inspired and in turn to inspire others. She travels and grows, writes and glows, is goal oriented and strives to accomplish them. She loves to explore nature's wonders, continues to write and illustrate more books, and continue her artistic interests. Zakia also loves and appreciates the companionship of the faithful sisterhood who are always remembering Allah, with their prayers, du'as and conversation. Watching TV shows that explore creative ideas with 'hands on,' projects, drinking cappuccino without the kick, walking barefoot at home, and spending time with her grandchildren, are her favorite past times. She is married and the mother of two.
Zakia earned a Bachelor's degree of Education from Cheyney State and worked for many years as an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia, PA, where her natural love and respect for children was further nurtured. Other lifelong loves are drawing, painting, and all things artistic, so she returned to school, received a Master's degree in Education with a Major in Art from Temple University, qualifying her to teach art.
Though she'll always be a, "Philly girl," her life was forever enriched when she became a Muslim, and made Hajj to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. After this she travelled to Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, and lived for several years in Bahrain and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It was in Sharjah, UAE where she met a group of like-minded sisters interested in literary pursuits and founded, Muslim Women Writers' Workshop International. Returning to the United States, she lived in Maryland and continued MWWWI meetings via SKYPE. Her travels have not only been to the Middle East and North Africa, she has also travelled to France, London and Canada. But, it was her trip across America from the east to the west coasts and back again by a different route, that opened her eyes to the beauty and diversity of the landscape and people of America, and piqued her interest in travelling.
Zakia likes to be inspired and in turn to inspire others. She travels and grows, writes and glows, is goal oriented and strives to accomplish them. She loves to explore nature's wonders, continues to write and illustrate more books, and continue her artistic interests. Zakia also loves and appreciates the companionship of the faithful sisterhood who are always remembering Allah, with their prayers, du'as and conversation. Watching TV shows that explore creative ideas with 'hands on,' projects, drinking cappuccino without the kick, walking barefoot at home, and spending time with her grandchildren, are her favorite past times. She is married and the mother of two.
ZAKIA'S NEW BOOK: RAMADAN! and the THREE Rs
RAMADAN ! and the Three Rs, Zakia's new book, was presented at Saffat's conference, March 29-31, 2013.
Rahim was a 2rs kid. But during Ramadan, his mother challenged him to do something he did not want to do. As a result, he grew from being a 2 Rs to a 3Rs kid. And it was not an arithmetic problem!
Children should read Ramadan and the Three Rs to find out what the challenge was, what the Rs are and how they can become three Rs kids too!
This book is filled with colorful illustrations and statistics about protecting and preserving the environment that are important for adults as well as children to know. There are questions, a glossary and a list of activities for all age groups.
Rahim was a 2rs kid. But during Ramadan, his mother challenged him to do something he did not want to do. As a result, he grew from being a 2 Rs to a 3Rs kid. And it was not an arithmetic problem!
Children should read Ramadan and the Three Rs to find out what the challenge was, what the Rs are and how they can become three Rs kids too!
This book is filled with colorful illustrations and statistics about protecting and preserving the environment that are important for adults as well as children to know. There are questions, a glossary and a list of activities for all age groups.
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An example of Zakia’s poetry (a ghazal): Jewel In the Sun Driving, wondering, anticipating the glorious vision of you. Waiting, wondering, expecting to see the glorious vision of you. Resembling a flower, glistening in the morning dew A joy to behold for the moment the glorious vision of you. Basking in freshness the day’s labors will soon wear away. Inevitable. But that does not change the glorious vision of you. Soon the moment of approach our meeting eminent; My happiness reflected in the glorious vision of you. Language friendly greeted me but not your kin; Left out, she asked with a shout, where is the glorious vision of you? Why was a stranger welcomed and the other ignored? No answer was forthcoming from the glorious vision of you. Through the open door, we entered a marble tundra And were coldly unwelcome by the glorious vision of you. Midas’s touch lined every crevice of the edifice. Yet paucity everywhere surrounded the glorious vision of you. Another door appeared; we entered and were warmed by words. We understood but was it really part of the glorious vision of you? We fetched our fill of this treasure hidden deep within An embrace away from the false façade of the glorious vision of you. Seeking, we found a precious jewel protected from plunder. By a door closed but not locked deep inside the glorious vision of you Steadfast, a jewel in the crown of good conscience That grows and glows from within the glorious vision of you Sincerity is the key to open this place of refuge and joy Venture in Zakia, and experience the vision of the glorious you! |
ZAKIA'S BOOKS     |
A Trophy for Bilal ( You can purchase the ebook here)/ A Trophy for Bilal ( hard copy can be purchased here)
A Medal for Nabila (You can purchase the book here)
A Medal for Nabila (You can purchase the book here)
