IHRC are delighted to be hosting an exclusive children’s book launch with author Mariam Hakim for her first book An Ocean in One Drop.
An Ocean in One Drop is a children’s picture book retelling the ancient tale of Hajar’s desert struggle to find water for her infant son. This story is revered by Muslims worldwide and is honoured within the Hajj pilgrimage.The book promotes the power of women’s narratives and is retold by Jamila’s grandmother, who has returned from Hajj with some wondrous Zamzam water that connects to this traditional tale.
Come along to the launch and one lucky family can win a free copy!
WHEN: Tuesday 6 August OR Thursday 8 August – please select your preferred date via Eventbrite (below) to attend this event:
Please ensure you select a ticket per family member.
TIME: 1pm to 3pm
WHERE: IHRC Bookshop, 202 Preston Road, Wembley, HA9 8PA
The book will be available to purchase online and in-store.
Free event
Refreshments available
Wudu and prayer facilities available
IHRC Bookshop is a minute’s walk from Preston Road Underground station (Metropolitan line). Free parking on nearby residential roads is also available.
About the event:
This event is for families of all ages. Mariam Hakim will do a presentation and reading of An Ocean in One Drop, followed by an Eid al-‘Adha themed arts and crafts workshop, a Q&A session and a book signing.
About the book:
An Ocean in One Drop is a children’s book that tells the background story of the woman honoured within the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage; Hajar.
During this pilgrimage Hajar’s story is expressed through the core ritual of Sa’ee, which ends with pilgrims drinking holy Zamzam water. This ritual remembers Hajar’s experience of being stranded in the desert, alone with her infant son, searching for water and help.
The Sa’ee tasks each and every pilgrim with reliving Hajar’s story and following her footsteps, running between two large hills seven times.
An Ocean in One Drop recounts Hajar’s desert struggle to young audiences, through the story of Jamila and her grandmother – who explains the importance of this pivotal moment within the Islamic faith.
Using poetic rhyming couplets and stunning water colour visuals, this children’s book explores Hajar’s narrative through the opposing themes of water and desert, life and death, and ancient heritage in modern times.
The book promotes the power of women’s narratives so that future generations can transcend gender inequality and injustice.
About the author:
Mariam Hakim was born and brought up in London. She has also lived in Switzerland and now the UAE. Mariam studied English Literature and Media at Sussex University and went on to work in the fields of Communications and Marketing in the charitable sector for many years. Mariam has a passion for interfaith activism, women’s stories and Islamic heritage and frequently writes about issues relating tothese subjects.
She currently divides her time between Dubai and London with her two children and husband. An Ocean In One Drop is her first venture into children’s literature and she hopes it will be one of many – Inshallah!
