AMWASA at the Durban International Book Fair 2024

Celebrating Muslim Women Authors and Their Stories

27 November to 1 December 2024 | Eduvos, Umhlanga

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About AMWASA

AMWASA, the Association of Muslim Women Authors in South Africa, is a supportive network dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices of Muslim women writers. By fostering a space for connection, collaboration, and creativity, AMWASA empowers authors to share stories that celebrate Islamic values and inspire readers. Through initiatives like the AMWASA Stamp of Approval, we ensure books meet faith-conscious standards, offering readers quality literature free from questionable content. Our mission is to build a diverse literary community where Muslim women authors can thrive and bring unique perspectives to the world of literature.

The AMWASA Stamp of Approval is a mark of trust, signifying that a book upholds Islamic values and is free from unsuitable content. Curated and vetted under our strict criteria, this stamp assures readers of literature that respects their faith, with clean language, positive portrayals of Islam, and thoughtful themes.

Meet the authors

We are thrilled to represent Fadila Moolla at the Durban Book Fair. As a woman who has worn many hats – mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant -Fadila Moolla brings a wealth of experience to her writing. Her debut novel, Take Control, is a gripping family saga that reflects her belief in facing life’s hurdles with courage and strength.

From a young age, Fadila excelled in speech and drama, which naturally led her to discover her love for writing. But it wasn’t until later in life that she put pen to paper to write her first novel. Describing her writing style as “original, spellbinding, and descriptive,” Fadila has a unique ability to immerse readers in her stories.

One of the most compelling aspects of Take Control is its central character, Fay Williams. Fadila admires Fay for her strength and ability to navigate difficult situations, and she imagines Fay as someone she would love to meet in real life. When asked which character she would least like to be stuck with, her response is telling—she would rather avoid Fay’s husband’s friend entirely, even in a dream!

Fadila is very much a “pantser” – she prefers writing spontaneously without much planning, letting the story flow organically. Her nocturnal writing habits often see her up past midnight, chocolate or fruit in hand, bringing her characters and stories to life.

If you ever meet her, you’ll notice her vivid imagination; she often feels as if she is living within the world she creates. And while her writing might be spontaneous, there’s one thing that grounds her after a long writing session – reciting the Holy Qur’an, which provides her with peace and relaxation.

Her literary journey is one of faith and resilience, and her novel, Take Control, mirrors her own life’s challenges, especially the deep emotions she felt after losing her beloved husband. Fadila’s reflections on time, relationships, and faith are central to her writing and make her story one that resonates deeply with readers.

Join us at the Durban Book Fair to meet this inspiring author, and immerse yourself in her world of family, faith, and perseverance. You won’t want to miss hearing more from Fadila and her unforgettable debut novel!

@sumayya_bint_muhamad on Instagram

Waheeda Ismail’s journey into writing started with a simple school story, one that earned her teacher’s praise and planted the seed for her passion. Writing comes to her naturally and on her own schedule – she’s a “pantser,” letting each story unfold as it will. Her style is simple and conversational, always easy to read, and she has a habit of jotting down notes that may or may not end up in her final work. With a cup of tea or water and a handful of almonds nearby, she’s ready to dive into her creative flow.

Waheeda finds inspiration in authors like Kamala Makhandaya and Paulo Coelho and admires works like Jonathan Livingston Seagull – books rich in introspection and spirituality. She brings this same depth to her characters, especially Hannah, the younger character she would love to meet and reassure. Writing, for Waheeda, has also been a way to process profound moments in her life, like her mother’s passing, which was one of the hardest scenes she’s ever written.

Outside of writing, Waheeda enjoys cooking and walking, and if she could travel to any fictional world, it would be the Elizabethan era. To her, life is about learning from cradle to grave, and she carries this philosophy into her work, blending wisdom and experience with every story. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @wihealingtouch to see what she’s working on next.

Join us at the Durban Book Fair to meet this inspiring author, and immerse yourself in her world of family, faith, and perseverance. You won’t want to miss hearing more from Waheeda and her fictional memoir!

Reserve your books

Pre-Purchase for Pickup at the Fair – Purchase your copies securely now, and opt to collect them at the Fair (between 27 November and 1 December 2024).

Why visit the AMWASA booth

  • Meet your favourite Muslim women authors.
  • Discover books that resonate with Islamic values.
  • Access exclusive giveaways, competitions, and pre-purchase collections

Sign up for The AMWASA Saga

The AMWASA Saga is our monthly newsletter, offering the latest updates, insights, and inspiration from the AMWASA community. Each edition brings exclusive content, including event highlights, author spotlights, new book releases, and tips for writers. Whether you’re an author or an avid reader, The AMWASA Saga keeps you connected with our mission and engaged with stories that celebrate Muslim women’s voices in literature. Stay informed, inspired, and part of our journey by subscribing to The AMWASA Saga!

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