This book offers children a unique approach to chronological history. Based on the premise that a starlight can take years to reach earth, the author gives a vivid eyewitness account of past events unfolding in front of him. In three short stories he illustrates Islamic history from a global perspective rather than in isolation. Major events such as the spread of Islam, the Mongol and Crusader invasions, and the loss of Andalusia benefit from this novel treatment.

Age range: 10 and up.

About the author --

Sayyed Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi (1914 – 1999) was one of the leading Muslim scholars of our time. He hailed from a family which has produced such illustrious figures as Sayyed Ahmad Shahid (1786-1831). He was the Rector of Nadwatul ‘Ulama, Lucknow; Chairman, Managing Committee, Darul Musannifin (Shibli Academy); Azamgarh, India, Member of the Academy of Arts and Letters, Damascus, and the Higher Council of the Islamic Universities, Rabat and of the Academy of Arabic Language, Oman. He was a Founder Member of the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League, Makkah and Chairman of the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, Oxford UK. He received the King Faisal Award and numerous other awards from national and international bodies for his services to the cause of Islam.

He was a powerful, eloquent writer and orator, both in Urdu and Arabic. His works in both these languages are numerous; many have been translated into English: among them are Islam and the World; Muslims: Beliefs, Customs and Traditions; Stories of the Prophets; Muhammad the Last Prophet, Shaikh ul-Islam Ibn Taimiyah (Taymiyyah) Life and Achievements, Studying the Glorious Qur’an; Stories from Islamic History; A Starlight View of Islam’s Past and The Minaret Speaks.