These book accompany our Islamic Empire Main Lesson Block and were gifted to me by Siraj Bookstore.

I’m sharing biographies and books that fit beautifully into an Islamic Empire or Silk Road main lesson block, roughly covering 600–1200 CE. I received these books from Sıraj Bookstore, which generously sent them to me so I could review and share them with you. I chose them because many of my own vintage Islamic biographies, some from as far back as 1958, are no longer available, and I wanted to find modern, accessible alternatives for others to use in their homeschool or classroom studies.

I love incorporating biographies into our Waldorf-inspired history lessons because they make historical figures come alive. Most of these books are elementary to junior high level, though they could be used for read-alouds with any age. We’re currently studying the Islamic Empire, Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, Ancient China, and the Silk Road, so these biographies fit perfectly into our larger historical unit.

The Age of Bliss Series (Main Set of Biographies)

This collection is called The Age of Bliss, and it’s a beautifully cohesive series of short biographies, each around 60–80 pages, perfect for read-alouds or independent reading for middle-grade students. I chose these for two reasons: they are biographical and level-appropriate for our homeschool. The chapters are short, with small illustrations, and the books avoid depicting people or animals, making them suitable for Muslim families.

Books in the series include:

1. Khalid ibn al-Waleed – This book tells the story of one of the most brilliant military commanders in early Islamic history. It focuses on his courage, loyalty, and deep faith that guided him through numerous battles. It presents him as a powerful yet humble leader who devoted his life to Islam.

2. Fatimah bint Muhammad – This biography shares the life of the Prophet’s daughter, highlighting her kindness, strength, and devotion to family. It paints a tender portrait of her as a model of piety and resilience. Through simple storytelling, it helps readers understand her significance in Islamic history.

3. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) – This is the longest book in the series at about 130 pages, giving a fuller overview of his life and mission. It’s written simply yet reverently, suitable for children without being overly simplified. It provides a beautiful way to understand the Prophet’s compassion, wisdom, and role as a teacher and leader.

4. Ali ibn Abi Talib – The story follows Ali’s bravery, intelligence, and spiritual depth. It portrays him as a devoted companion of the Prophet and a symbol of justice and humility. The short chapters make it an easy and engaging read-aloud.

5. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid – This biography introduces Khadijah as the first believer in Islam and a successful businesswoman. It shows her as both strong and gentle, a devoted wife who supported the Prophet through the earliest, hardest years of revelation. Her character and faith shine through simple yet powerful prose.

6. Omar ibn al-Khattab – Omar’s leadership, wisdom, and fairness are highlighted here, showing his transformation from a fierce opponent of Islam to one of its strongest supporters. The book focuses on justice, humility, and service to the people. It’s written in a way that both Muslim and non-Muslim readers can appreciate.

7. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq – This biography centers on the Prophet’s closest companion, known for his faithfulness, generosity, and quiet leadership. It captures his gentle strength and the pivotal role he played after the Prophet’s death. The storytelling feels intimate and inspiring, even for younger readers.

8. Uthman ibn Affan – The book portrays Uthman’s kindness, wealth, and generosity, and his devotion to preserving the Qur’an. His calm and patient nature are emphasized throughout his caliphate. It’s another gentle read that gives children insight into his peaceful leadership.

9. Aisha bint Abu Bakr – This biography celebrates Aisha’s intelligence, courage, and scholarship. It describes her important role in preserving Hadith and teaching future generations. It’s written in a lively, accessible style, making it especially appealing to young readers.

10. Hasan and Husayn – This dual biography presents the Prophet’s grandsons, emphasizing their innocence, bravery, and faith. It shows their devotion to truth and justice even in times of hardship. The tone is gentle, highlighting moral and spiritual lessons for children.

Altogether, the series forms a complete introduction to the earliest figures of Islam, covering the 600s through early 700s in Arabia. The short chapters and larger font make the books ideal for homeschoolers, read-alouds, or supplemental history reading.

Step Into Reading – Meet the Luminary Series

These are much simpler biographies, more like early readers. While I don’t personally love the glossy finish, font, or illustration style, they’re valuable for young independent readers who might not be ready for longer texts. They allow children to engage with Islamic historical figures on their own.

1. Imam Abu Hanifa – This short reader introduces Imam Abu Hanifa, a great scholar and founder of one of the main Islamic schools of thought. It focuses on a single story—a debate that reveals his wisdom and character. It’s a good entry point for young readers to begin understanding Islamic scholarship.

2. Ibn al-Haytham: The Book of Optics – This biography covers the life and discoveries of Ibn al-Haytham, a pioneering scientist of the Islamic Golden Age. It explains how he studied light, vision, and optics, influencing later scientists in Europe. The text is simple but highlights the creativity and curiosity of Islamic scholars.

3. A Traveler Meets Nasir al-Din al-Tusi – Though I wasn’t familiar with this biography before, it appears to introduce readers to another important Muslim scholar known for his contributions in astronomy and philosophy. It presents the scholar through an engaging encounter with a traveler, making complex ideas more approachable.

4. Ibn Sina (Avicenna): A Reward – This book tells the story of Ibn Sina, one of the greatest thinkers and physicians in history. It focuses on his dedication to learning and his many contributions to medicine and philosophy. The story is short and easy to follow but gives a good overview of his brilliance.

The Last Will (Graphic Novel)

I’m not generally a fan of graphic novels, and neither are my children, but I wanted to try this one because it’s a different format that might appeal to visual learners. The story is presented in comic-book style, likely for elementary readers, and at the end there’s historical background information about the people and settings. Even if we don’t love the style, the back matter provides valuable context that we can use in our lessons.

Birds and Other Animals in the Qur’an

I was thrilled to find this book because I’ve been researching animals and foods mentioned in the Qur’an to create new main lesson blocks. The book gathers stories about animals referenced in the Qur’an, with Arabic text, English translations, and surah references, making it a wonderful resource for both storytelling and study. While it’s written as “stories for children,” I may use it as a teacher’s reference, retelling the stories in my own words during lessons.

The Book of Fools

This book reminds me of Aesop’s Fables—each story seems silly on the surface but carries a deeper moral lesson. The illustrations and multicolored fonts aren’t my preference, but I can see the educational value in reading the stories aloud and letting children discover the morals themselves, which aligns beautifully with Waldorf education philosophy. One story is about a man who crosses a river naked to find a bucket for a bath, and another about a man who forgets he’s sitting on his tenth donkey—both humorous but rich in meaning when reflected upon.

In total, I’m delighted with this collection from Sıraj Bookstore. The Age of Bliss series forms the backbone of our Islamic Empire block, while the simpler biographies, graphic novel, and themed books add depth and variety. Even though I have personal preferences about illustration styles and paper finishes, I deeply appreciate that there are now so many accessible, engaging Islamic biographies for children and families to include in their learning.