We love audiobooks in our home! Not only for their educational benefits and because Islam has an amazing oral heritage, but they're truly enjoyable to listen to as a family together, as your imagination wanders. They're perfect for roadtrips (when that was something that we did, pre-COVID19), but even at home during lockdown, we've been enjoying audiobooks.
I've compiled a selection of Islamic audio books below for you and your family to enjoy!
Mamanushka Storytime on Soundcloud
Mamanushka, by Aiysha Malik and Sumaya Teli is one of my favourite blogs. I've followed it since they first started a few years ago and I'm so glad they're posting again. We just listened to their latest audio story as part of the Mamanushka Storytime series, "In the Belly of the Whale: Prophet Yunus" and WOW, I couldn't wait to share it with you.
The lockdown is an opportune time for your mini Muslims to learn about the Prophetic story of Yunus AS inside the whale, as we can somewhat resonate with him being in seclusion. We posted about this on Instagram a few weeks ago, sharing some ideas on how you can discuss this with your children, as well as some activities.
This audio story by Sumaya of Mamanushka is absolutely beautifully narrated. We found it so moving, especially listening to the dua of Prophet Yunus AS amidst the whalesong *goosebumps*. Please do listen with your families - we hope you enjoy it!
Mamanushka also have two more audio stories on their blog www.mamanushka.com: one about Prophet Ebrahim AS & why he was asked to sacrifice his son Ismaeel AS, as well a story of Israa' & Mi'raj.
Illustration by Zarina Teli.
Safar Publications: Bedtime Stories
Mawlana Kamal Uddin Khan started this series as a bedtime story for his daughter, and alhamdulillah, he is now sharing these Stories of the Prophets with Muslim families across the world. The stories are adapted from the Safar Publications Islamic Studies series, which will soon be available to purchase at SUHAYLAkids. Please do contact us if you are interested in these products, for your home or madressa.
Thank you to Safar Publications for compiling these recordings, inshaAllah may many families benefit from this series. JazakAllah khayr.
Listen to them here.
Miraj Stories App
We've posted about the Miraj Stories app before - it is filled with world-class educational content, including their renowned audio books, most of them covering stories of the Prophets (peace be upon them).
The stories are geared towards ages +4 years.
The app also includes animations, interactive books and games, and may be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play (This one is not free, but the monthly fee is only about R13 - well worth it).
Mehded Maryam Sinclair
Mehded Maryam Sinclair is a professional storyteller with over 25 years of experience and it shows! Listen to one of her audiobooks and be mesmerised with Islamic history, as she retells stories from the Seerah. This will captivate you and your mini Muslims!
Don't take out word for it though, listen for yourself:
A Mercy to the Worlds - about the birth and upbringing of the Prophet Muhammed SAW.
The Bowing of the Stars - about the life of Prophet Yusuf AS
Miraculous Happenings in the Year of the Elephant - providing context into Surah al-Feel
Dawud Wharnsby Books
Canadian singer-songwriter, Dawud Wharnsby, has produced beautiful poetry books accompanied by audio CDs featuring his delightful poems sung by himself. These are also favourites in our home, perfect for singing along as a family. The poems cover important themes in Islam, such as love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW, Allah SWT, His Creation, as well as relevant social themes, plus so much more. They're available to purchase at the links below:
7 Stories - Toledo Society
A children's podcast, 7 Stories by Toledo Society, features highly produced 7 minute stories, each with an important message for parents and children to engage upon after listening. Created by Wasan Altikriti and Moeed Ahmad, listen to it here.