A Programme of AMWASA

The AMWASA Index.
A measure of integrity in Muslim women’s fiction.

The AMWASA Index is our twelve-point framework for recognising books that portray Islam faithfully and centre faith-driven characters with warmth and honesty. It exists to guide readers toward stories they can trust, and to walk alongside authors doing that work well.

Previously known as The AMWASA Stamp of Approval.

submit your book SEE THE INDEX CRITERIA
What the Index Measures

Two questions sit behind every score.

Before a single point is counted, we ask whether a book earns its place in a Muslim reader’s hands — and whether it does so with craft, not compromise.

Is it Faith-Driven Storytelling?

Books where characters’ faith shapes the story itself, and where that faith is portrayed with accuracy, nuance, and respect for the diversity within the Muslim community.

Is it Respectful Content?

Stories that are unapologetically Muslim — free from foul language, explicit intimate content, and anything that sits outside Shariah-compliant storytelling.

the index scale

Scored out of twelve

Every submission is read in full and measured against each point below. This is the same framework our reading panel has always used; only the name and the presentation have changed.

  • 1. Author
    Written by a Muslim author, or one who values and upholds Muslim teachings
  • 2. Accurate Representation
    Portrays Islamic teachings and cultural perceptions accurately.
  • 3. Positive Change
    Promotes positive cultural change through its narrative.
  • 4. Faith-Driven Characters
    Characters’ faith drives the story, rather than sitting alongside it.
  • 5. Positive Portrayal
    Consistently portrays Islam in a positive light throughout
  • 6. Muslim Identity
    Embraces and celebrates Muslim identity with confidence
  • 7. Respectful Language
    Excludes foul language throughout
  • 8. Modesty Standards
    No explicit intimate scenes, nor the promotion of immodest attire
  • 9. Cultural Sensitivity
    Respects diverse interpretations within the Muslim community
  • 10. Inclusivity
    Promotes inclusivity and diverse perspectives within its world
  • 11. Appropriate Imagery
    For children’s books, illustrations are minimal, age-appropriate, and aligned with Islamic principles
  • 12. Non-fiction content and references
    Must adhere to the standards of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah

Why it matters

Briefly and concisely explain what you do for your audience.

FOR AUTHORS

Featured Listing

Indexed books are listed on our website and shared across our social platforms.

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Introduced to independent bookshops.

Official Recognition

A Certificate of Recognition and a digital Index mark for your book, website, or promotional materials.

FOR READERS

Quality Assurance

Indexed books are suitable for practising Muslims and free from inappropriate content.

Peace of Mind

Every listed title has been read in full and measured against the Index Scale above, not simply skimmed for keywords.

AMWASA is a registered Non-Profit Company. The reading contribution for the Index covers the time our panel spends reading each manuscript in full; it does not generate profit for directors. Any surplus supports the Publishing Fund and our other author-development programmes.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

wHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

01 A complete manuscript OR A desk copy of your published work
Work must be fully edited, proofread, and with any illustrations finished. The Index is a recognition framework, not an editing service — your work should already have been through multiple rounds of editing.

02 Your final cover
Please submit both the manuscript and the final cover design together.

03 References, for non-fiction
Full references included where applicable, in line with point 12 of the Index Scale.

04 Your reading contribution
Payable per title. If a book doesn’t meet the Index this time, you’ll receive a short report and may rectify and resubmit, or claim a 50% refund of your contribution.

JOIN A GROWING INDEX

Submit your book, and stand alongside authors committed to quality, Islamic storytelling

Submit for Index Read the full criteria again