Muslims of the World: Portraits and Stories of Hope, Survival, Loss, and Love

Sajjad Shah is the founder of Shah and Co. LLC, a consulting firm that focuses specifically on Muslim owned start-up companies. He launched the Instagram account @MuslimsoftheWorld1 three years ago with the intention of one day turning the stories posted there into a book. He is one of five boys and now spends most of his time bringing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen through a non-profit called Pure Hands. He holds a Master of Professional Accounting degree from Butler University.
 
Iman Mahoui is finishing up her last year at Indiana University, focusing on neuroscience and international studies. Her love of books and poetry, as well as social activism, inspired her work with Muslims of the World. She is the oldest of three girls, and through the dedication and commitment of her parents she hopes to empower other women the way her parents have empowered her.  

In this book that's based on the Instragram account @MuslimsoftheWorld1, more than 60 Muslims discuss in their own words their lives, experiences, and thoughts. Each account is no more than a few pages and accompanied by a clear photo. The stories are divided into thematic sections, each introduced by the authors: fate and faith, refugees, racism and prejudice, hijab, female empowerment, prayer, and love. The tales range from simple to heartrending to inspiring. Some are better written and more cohesive than others, but all ring true. Given the title, some may expect more geographical diversity than they will find here, but the book succeeds in highlighting some intersections of identities including gender, race, ability, and more. The book is gorgeous, with colorful full-page pullout quotes. There's a glossary of primarily Arabic terms in the back; these terms are italicized in the main text. VERDICT For fans of Humans of New York and for shelves in search of positive and authentic Muslim representation.—Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL