In-store location: Shelf 2.9

By Asmaa Hussein, Ruqaya's Bookshelf Publishing, Paperback, 302 pages

A Temporary Gift was written during the two years following Asmaa Hussein's husband's departure from this world. This book is about re-learning how to live in the face of loss and trauma.

On Friday, August 16, 2013, twenty-six-year-old Amr Kassem attended a peaceful protest in Alexandria, Egypt along with thousands of others, rallying against the mass injustices taking place in the aftermath of the coup d'etat by the Egyptian military under the command of Abdel Fattah al_sisi. As Kassem returned home to his family, an Egyptian army sniper shot and killed him, leaving a woman widowed and a child fatherless.

A Temporary Gift is a record of journal entries written by Kassem's widow, Asmaa Hussein, during the two years following his departure from this world. This book is about re-learning how to live in the face of immense trauma. It is a reminder that beyond the pain and darkness of loss there is still the potential of light in patience and constancy.

Here is an excerpt of the review by Emaan's director:

"A Temporary Gift shows you how beautiful and empowering Islam is in motion. The concepts of tawakkul (reliance of Allah), sabr (patience) and love for the sake of Allah come to life through her personal journey. She found strength, inner peace and courage by connecting with her Creator in these difficult times and in turn, allowed me to see Islam in a whole new light."

You can read the rest of her review here.

Watch the video about the book here.

About the author:

Asmaa Hussein is the founder of the publishing company Ruqaya's Bookshelf, based in Canada. Her mission has been to publish bright, fun, and engaging Islamic children's books to add to your home and school libraries. You can find her other titles here.

Quran - Arabic only, Ka'bah door cover, pocket sized

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