Islamic Fairy Tales

Involving the power of a djinn, poisoned dates, seven dwarf sisters-in-faith, and a mysterious old peddler woman in the woods wearing a face veil, this lyrically told story offers a unique twist on this fairy tale, whilst keeping the classic much-loved story intact, including a hateful and vain stepmother, a considerate huntsman, and a charming prince. Set in the heady snow-strewn woodlands of Anatolia by the illustrator Shireen Adams, this tale of flight, friendship, and forgiveness is richly detailed and beautifully brought to life. Snow White is the second book in the Islamic Fairy Tales series, which looks to offer meaningful and faithful variants of these popular worldwide stories.

After the wicked Count Lahab promises to crush the young princess Mariam at her aqiqah, she is hidden within the king's castle. Many peaceful years pass, but, upon news of Mariam's wedding, they come to a piercing end. Count Lahab finds a way to deceive the castle and present her with a beautiful hijab pin, covered in poison that leaves her in a deep, unbreakable sleep. After potions and prayers have no effect her husband, Haris, is told to go on a perilous journey to Makkah to pray for her recovery and bring back zam zam water for her to drink. But, faced by Count Lahab and his outlaws, what does his destiny hold? Fawzia Gilani has worked as a teacher, librarian, and school principal in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada since 1993. She is the author of thirty children's books, mostly on the topic of Eid. She also works as an educational consultant and is currently based in Qatar.