In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, two young sisters are making significant strides in educating their peers about Ramadan through their writing. Manessa Issa, 9, and her sister Madina, 7, have both become published authors, with Manessa’s book titled “My First Ramadan” and Madina’s “Heart of Madina.” Their heartfelt stories not only reflect their personal experiences but also promote a message of faith and compassion, encouraging understanding and respect for their religion.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Motivation Behind the Books |
| 2) The Impact of Their Stories |
| 3) Going Beyond Writing: Public Engagement |
| 4) Parent Support and Reflection |
| 5) Future Endeavors and Aspirations |
The Motivation Behind the Books
The inspiration for Manessa’s and Madina’s books stems from their personal journeys and unique experiences. Manessa’s book, “My First Ramadan,” details her experience with fasting for the first time during Ramadan and highlights the importance of this holy month in Islam. In her reflection, Manessa elaborates,
“It’s about my journey through fasting, and my first Ramadan.”
This sentiment resonates with many young Muslims who experience fasting for the first time, providing them with a relatable narrative.
Madina, on the other hand, draws from her challenging health journey. She underwent three open-heart surgeries due to congenital heart defects before her first birthday. Inspired by her own experiences, Madina wrote “Heart of Madina” to share her story. She expressed her motivation, stating
“I had a heart defect, so that inspired me to make my book.”
This dedication to raising awareness about health issues intertwined with a message of faith showcases the depth of the sisters’ motivations, providing both insight and inspiration for readers.
The Impact of Their Stories
The impact that these books have on their audience extends beyond simple storytelling; it highlights critical themes of resilience, faith, and community. Through their narratives, Manessa and Madina aim to enlighten peers about Ramadan and the deeper values within Islam, striving to cultivate understanding and respect. The sisters share their beliefs regarding kindness and gratitude, with Manessa emphasizing the importance of empathy for the less fortunate in her writing. She articulates,
“We should be grateful that God is letting you start fasting and praying. We have to try to feel like the orphan because they have no food and those that are less fortunate.”
Such powerful messages impart significant lessons on compassion and community spirit.
Furthermore, their books serve as tools for educational engagement within diverse community settings. By framing their experiences in a way that is accessible and relatable to other children, the Issa sisters are making strides toward a more inclusive understanding of Islam. Given the challenges faced by many young Muslims today, the sisters’ works play a vital role in fostering dialogue and understanding about their faith and practices.
Going Beyond Writing: Public Engagement
Manessa and Madina do not confine their efforts to the written word; they actively engage with their local community by reading their books in schools and mosques. This initiative not only showcases their literary works but also provides a platform for deeper discussions about Ramadan and the Islamic faith. They have also launched a dedicated website called Muslim Journeys, which serves as a resource for those interested in learning more about their stories and Islamic teachings.
Their mother, Amera Issa, has been a pillar of support throughout this journey. She shared her thoughts on this community engagement, stating,
“It’s a very proud moment for me.”
This speaks to the pride and joy felt by many parents when their children are positively contributing to their communities, reflecting the values that they were taught.
Parent Support and Reflection
Amera Issa’s support has been instrumental in guiding her daughters through their literary journey. She encourages them to pursue meaningful topics rather than superficial trends, initially steering the sisters away from their desire to start a makeup channel toward something more impactful. Manessa expressed her sentiments on this shift in focus, emphasizing,
“It’s more meaningful, and religion is better than makeup.”
This insight illustrates the sisters’ commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of their beliefs through their literary contributions.
As a parent, Amera often reflects on the responsibilities of raising children in today’s world. She stated,
“You have moments where you feel like, ‘Am I doing the right thing with my kids?'”
Yet, seeing her daughters actively engage and positively influence their peers through their writings reassures her that they are on the right path. This reinforcement highlights the importance of parental guidance and support in shaping the values and missions of young children.
Future Endeavors and Aspirations
The Issa sisters are not stopping with their current publications; they are already working on a third book that promises to further their mission of educating others about their faith. Such continuous efforts reflect their commitment to sharing their experiences and knowledge beyond their immediate circle. The upcoming book is highly anticipated by their readers, who are eager to engage with more stories that emphasize positive themes in Islam.
The sisters’ drive to educate others about Ramadan and promote peace is commendable, setting an example for youths everywhere. They are harnessing the power of storytelling to advocate for a better understanding of Islam while encouraging respect and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. Their future endeavors will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their audience, inspiring children and adults alike to foster empathy and active engagement in their communities.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Manessa and Madina Issa are young authors from Dearborn Heights, specializing in stories about Ramadan and personal journeys. |
| 2 | Their books convey essential themes of resilience, empathy, and understanding of Islam. |
| 3 | The sisters actively engage with their local community by reading their books in schools and mosques. |
| 4 | Their mother, Amera Issa, supports their literary journey while instilling meaningful values. |
| 5 | The sisters plan to release a third book, showing their commitment to educating others about their faith. |
Summary
The journey of Manessa and Madina Issa illustrates how storytelling can be a powerful tool in educating others about cultural traditions and religious practices. Their heartfelt narratives not only reflect their personal experiences but also contribute to a greater understanding of Islam, promoting messages of empathy and kindness. As they continue to grow as authors and community advocates, their impact on peers and readers of all ages is sure to resonate. Their dedication serves as an inspiring example of how young individuals can drive positive change through their creativity and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What themes do the Issa sisters’ books explore?
The Issa sisters’ books explore themes of resilience, faith, empathy, and community, particularly in relation to their personal experiences with Islam.
Question: How do the sisters engage with their community?
Manessa and Madina engage with their community by reading their books at local schools and mosques, promoting discussions about Ramadan and the teachings of Islam.
Question: What inspired Madina to write her book?
Madina was inspired to write her book, “Heart of Madina,” to share her journey with heart defects and to raise awareness about health issues, drawing from her personal experiences.
