Author of the Month: Zahra Rahman
This month, we’re delighted to introduce Zahra Rahman, a children’s author and illustrator whose debut work nurtures a love for salaah through imagination, colour, and Dr Suess-style rhyme.
Beyond being an author, Zahra works as an online English teacher, supporting students from around the world as they overcome their fear of making mistakes. Creativity fills much of her life – from reading and writing to sketching, carving, sewing, and experimenting with new crafts (many of which remain joyfully unfinished!). She also loves travelling with intention: appreciating nature, exploring Islamic history, and the echoes of Muslim civilisations that once walked the same streets we do today.
Zahra’s journey into writing began long before her published work. As a child, she created her very first handwritten book — a one-of-a-kind tale titled The Old Woman Who Ate the World. That early spark of imagination never left her.
The inspiration for Where, Oh Where Can I Pray? was deeply personal. Growing up, Zahra loved books, but rarely found stories that reflected her own Muslim childhood. So she decided to write the book she once searched for – a book that shows salaah as a natural part of everyday life.
The result is a vibrant, imaginative children’s book that encourages young readers to see the world as their masjid. Through playful poetry and colourful imagery, Zahra explores an important message:
Islam is not confined to rituals alone. It is woven into every part of our lives — including creativity, wonder, and joy.
One of her favourite moments in the book imagines making salah among the clouds, soft as candyfloss. Her favourite character? A familiar cuddly companion who often appears curled up at the end of her bed.
Like many authors, Zahra faced moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, as well as the challenge of marketing her work. Yet holding her printed book for the first time and hearing from parents whose children love it made every step worthwhile.
Her advice to aspiring authors is simple and sincere: read more, write more, and don’t give up. Writing improves through perseverance… and dreams become real when paired with action.
You can connect with Zahra on Instagram at @zahra.bookshelf, where she welcomes messages, feedback, and heartfelt reviews from readers.
