Watkins Bookshop London Jun 29

Watkins Bookshop London Jun 29

Daniel Thomas Dyer discusses Sufism as a framework for providing a more holistic education for our children today. Using his recently published illustrated family guide to the Islamic 99 Names of God, Daniel explores how critical thinking, creative imagination, meditation, and spiritual practice can be combined to deliver a more balanced, heart-based experience of ourselves and our world.

A Rabbi’s Reflections

A Rabbi’s Reflections

Book Review of The 99 Names of God by Rabbi Yonassan Gershom:

Although The 99 Names is intended for Muslim children, it’s really a treasure for all ages and faiths. In fact, it could be used as a basic primer on spirituality, and would be a fine addition to any religious library. I defy anyone to read this book and not come away with a deeper appreciation of God’s presence in the universe.

Mother Nature and the 99 Names

Mother Nature and the 99 Names

One of the aims of The 99 Names of God is to help children, parents, and teachers build a spiritual link to the natural world, making us aware that God communicates to us through nature in the most beautiful, awesome, playful, and sublime manner. Young and old are encouraged to see how we learn spiritual and ethical lessons in the natural world, how we are nourished by it inwardly and outwardly, and that outside of the human soul, it is nature that is the ultimate playground for the manifestation of Allah’s Names…

Reflections on as-Salam, the Source of Peace

Reflections on as-Salam, the Source of Peace

with Debra Shatoff

As infants, we are welcomed into this world by You, the Source of Peace, when we are gently placed on our mother’s chest, above her beating heart. We feel deeply cared for, warm and safe. When we are close to You, Beloved, there is that same deep feeling of inner peace, as if we are resting on Your tender chest. With each inhale and exhale, with as-Salam on our lips and in our heart, You draw us in, even closer. Perhaps this is what You speak of in the Holy Quran when You say You are closer to us than our jugular vein…

Bradford Literature Festival May 2016

Bradford Literature Festival May 2016

We’re delighted to be presenting another storytelling session at the Bradford Literature Festival this year! With over 200 events featuring world renowned speakers, artists and authors, Bradford is the place to be from the 20th to the 29th of May! See details about our event below and others that we are proud to be supporting. Let us know if you are coming – don’t forget to book your tickets and share with your family and friends…

December Delights!

December Delights!

We have had a very busy December so far here at Chickpea Press. At the beginning of the month we visited Aisha Gray Henry of Fons Vitae over in Louisville, Kentucky. Fons Vitae are publishing an Islamic curriculum for children based around the works of Al-Ghazali. This important work introduces children to the beauty of genuine Islam, with a focus on attending to the inner aspect of the heart, on compassion, tolerance and spiritual insight. Check out their Launchgood page and become a part of this amazing project…

Festival update and workshops

Festival update and workshops

We had a wonderful time at the Bradford Literature Festival. The storytelling sessions were kicked off by Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, author of The Barefoot Book of Jewish Tales, a beautiful book that captivated us all (we’ll be hearing more from her soon we hope!). Then we presented stories and songs from Sufi Tales. We had an excellent, engaged audience with children and parents joining in the singing…

Bradford Literature Festival

Bradford Literature Festival

We are proud to be supporting the Bradford Literature Festival, taking place from the 15th to the 24th of May. The festival will be celebrating the written and spoken word and showcasing the intimate relationship between words and art forms such as film, theatre and music, set against the city’s distinctive backdrop. With over 150 events featuring world renowned speakers, artists and authors…

Valentine’s Day Showcase

Valentine’s Day Showcase

We are so excited to be attending Rumi’s Circle event this Saturday with Mahmoud Mostafa who will be speaking about The Spiritual Practice of Rumi! We will be showcasing sample pages from The 99 Names of Allah and answering questions. Join us for wonderful reflections and company – your evening is still free for romantic plans!