Daniel on teaching our children a holistic Islam, from New Horizons British Islam Conference earlier this year:
Daniel speaking at New Horizons
MBRN Conference Birmingham Sep 14
We’re pleased to be part of the MBRN conference on Exploring Contemporary Muslim Art, Culture and Heritage in Britain. We’ll be reflecting on how art and creativity is an integral part of the Islamic heritage and future. Join us!
On-Paper Festival Rossendale Aug 12-27
We’re excited to be part of the On-Paper Festival doing storytelling workshops on The 99 Names of God. Hosted by Apna Rossendale. Tuesday 15 Aug, 2pm Haslingden Library, Deardengate, BB4 5QL Haslingden Saturday 19 Aug, 2:30pm Rawtenstall Library, Haslingden Road,
Willowbrook Arts and Music Festival Jul 29
We’re looking forward to the Willowbrook Arts and Music Festival on Saturday July 29th from 9am until 10pm, bringing together nature, arts, crafts, music, sports, dancing and more! We will have a stall for our books so do come along and say hi!
Ramadan Countdown Reflections
Aussie-super-mum, Stephanie Boyle, reflects on the Ramadan countdown she and her son, Ayman (5 years old), undertook this year with the help of our book, The 99 Names of God. We hope you enjoy reading and feel inspired to do something similar next year!
The Book Cave Birmingham Jul 1
Join us for a storytelling workshop on the 99 Names of God. Author and illustrator, Daniel Thomas Dyer, will explore some of the Names of God using song, stories and interactive reflections. Daniel will also be signing copies of his book after the workshop. Register your attendance now…
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.
Ramadan Names
Day 29, Rabia Malik shares al-Ghafur, the Most Forgiving.
99 Names Ramadan Countdown
We were delighted to encounter mum-of-three, Stephanie aka @moukinina, on instagram, who has been using our book for the 99 day countdown to Ramadan with her eldest child. Stephanie is using a wonderfully creative approach to showcase the beauty and
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.
99 Names Storytelling Workshop Bradford May 7
Using the recently published book, The 99 Names of God, author and illustrator, Daniel Thomas Dyer, will explore some of the Names using song, stories and interactive reflections. Book your tickets!
London Muslim Lifestyle Show Apr 15-16
We’re excited to be part of London Muslim Lifestyle Show at Olympia exhibition centre over Easter weekend. Come say hello to the author and illustrator of The 99 Names of God, Daniel Thomas Dyer, on stand 81. Get your tickets…
Reflections on as-Sami and al-Basir
with Uzma Taj
I came across these two Names when I found myself pulling out my hair in frustration, desperately trying to understand the Mathnawi and other spiritual books, including my trepidatious relationship with the Quran.
MBRN Gender and Muslim Spaces Mar 29
We’ll be attending and exhibiting our books at Muslims in Britain Research Network Day Seminar on Gender and Muslim Spaces: Community and Academic Perspectives Wednesday 29th March 2017 Michael Sadler SR LG.10, Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Cultures, University of
London Book Fair Mar 14-16
We’ll be exhibiting at London Book Fair on March 14-16 with our distributor, Central Books. Contact us if you would like to arrange a meeting or just come over and say hi on stand 4F40!
Reflections on ad-Darr and an-Nafi
with Shanon Shah
In this book’s entry on these two names, Daniel highlights a verse from the Qur’an that sings to me hauntingly, “Say, ‘It is not within my power to bring good to, or divert harm from, myself, except as God wills.’” (Surah al-Araf, 7:188)
Reflections on al-Quddus, the Holy
with Sofi Hersher
As a dedicated student of religion and interfaith understanding, I am endlessly curious about how religious ideas can reflect, or allude to, larger human truths that transcend individual faith traditions. Holiness is one such idea.
The British Islam Conference Feb 25-26
We’re excited to be presenting at The British Islam Conference this year, organised by New Horizons. We’ll be using our new book, The 99 Names of God, to talk about how we can teach our children a more holistic approach to Islam by highlighting Islam’s rich treasury of female voices, fostering a sense of God’s immanence as well as transcendence, promoting an appreciation of other faiths, and nurturing ecological as well as social awareness. Let us know if you are coming – and book your tickets now…
Reflections on al-Alim, the All-Knowing
with Hifsa Haroon-Iqbal
We bear our pain and our burdens with the belief that God is with us. He helps and supports us through the bad times and shares our joy in the good. And whatever befalls us we say “Alhamdulillah” – all praise belongs to God. For he is indeed the Knower of All, al-Alim.
Inspirational Quotes Art Exhibition Feb 18
We’ll be exhibiting at the Inspirational Quotes Art Exhibition on Saturday Feb 18. Organised by Human Relief Foundation, it’s jam packed day with arts and crafts, food, and live performances. Join us from 12-5pm at Sheridan Suite, Manchester.
Reflections on at-Tawwab, The Guide to Repentance
with Siema Taj
At first glance, this Name doesn’t feel so comforting because I immediately recognise that I have to sincerely try and see what I have to be regretful for, and that is an uncomfortable feeling I would like to avoid – it means I am wrong, and so my pride resists…
Reflections on al-Azim, the Tremendous
with Matthew Bain
I find myself drawn to Allah’s names of majesty and wrath such as al-Azim, the Tremendous. Daniel chooses strong words and images on these pages: earthquakes, sinews, mountains, cracks and dust.
Through the cracks wrought by earthquake and mountain-splitting, there is always the leavening of light which Daniel invokes using a Leonard Cohen quote. Daniel could have gone back to Rumi for the original but it is in the spirit of this wonderful book to embrace variety and diversity wherever possible…
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…
Jesus and the 99 Names of God
with Julian Bond
The phrase ‘The 99 Names of God’ is a particularly Islamic phrase and probably doesn’t ring too many bells outside the places where non-Muslims are familiar with Islam. Yet, this is one of the most inclusive Islamic books that I have seen, of course it follows the Quran in that respect…
Reflections on al-Wasi, the All-Embracing
with Marie Dyer
In the climate of division and exclusion that is our world today, the Name that inspires me is al-Wasi, the All-Embracing. God embraces all people, regardless of colour, race, religion or beliefs. The world would be a much better place if we all aspired to al-Wasi, especially those in power and authority…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…
Reflections on al-Wadud, the Loving
with Julian Bond
I chose al-Wadud not only because it is close to my heart but for its important message about Islam. Yes, Islam is indeed a religion of love, though it is usually Christianity which has that reputation. Listen out for Muslims talking about the love of God…
The 99 Names of God Launch
PRESS RELEASE Jan 16, 2017
Chickpea Press is launching a pioneering new children’s educational resource to promote progressive teachings about Islam and Islamic heritage.
Book Launch Feb 6
Chickpea Press invites you to celebrate the publication of The 99 Names of God, a unique and engaging illustrated guide for young and old on the Divine Attributes found within Islam.
They’re here!
The books have finally arrived! And Daniel looks pleased with the finished product…phew!
We hope that all UK pre-orders will be delivered before Christmas – and if you want to order more (or haven’t yet ordered – what?!) then place your orders now!
We look forward to hearing your feedback – please do share a picture when you get your copy!
Gone to print!
By the grace of God we have sent the final files to the printer and as we speak our book is being put together! It should be arriving into our distributor’s warehouse the first week of December and from there your pre-ordered copies will make their way to you, arriving hopefully before the Xmas postal dash…
Honouring the Divine Feminine
Daniel will be speaking at this unique event next month, honouring the sacred feminine. He will be showcasing material from The 99 Names of God, sharing his experience of working with the Divine Names of Beauty and Majesty, and his exploration of the teachings of female saints and mystics…
The goal is in sight!
Daniel has finally done it – he’s finished writing and illustrating all 99 Names! The revised book design is also almost complete, and we now just need to have it proofread before we go to print and, God willing, make the books available by early December…
Winnie-the-Pooh and the 99 Names of Allah
One of my sweetest childhood memories is of my father in his armchair, me in his lap, my two older brothers perched on either arm of the chair. All three of us are listening to him read Winnie-the-Pooh, enchanted because he is barely able to speak from laughter at some Pooh-ism. Passages like this did it for us…
A Whirl of Workshops!
We’ve had a whirl of workshops recently…
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…
Women of Faith
It’s really important to us that we have plenty of women’s voices in The 99 Names of Allah. Our aim is to quote from an equal number of male and female saints from the Islamic tradition…
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…
Inter Faith Week 2015
It’s Inter Faith Week from Nov 15-21 and we’ve got an exciting programme ahead…
Let there be Light!
We’ve been working with the first of our two young contributors to THE 99 NAMES OF ALLAH recently. Joya Dettman is working with Daniel on developing An Nur: The Light. She had some insightful and illuminating reflections to share. Joya used her prism to help us explore the concept of light and colour. We look forward to putting her thoughts into the book…
Inspiring Interfaith Workshops
We’re excited to offer fun and inspiring tailored workshops based on faith and spirituality that help to build bridges across faith communities…
Portraying Shams
As we move from summer into autumn we thought it a good time to share another update of the 99 Names project…
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
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…
You Did It!
Whoo-hoo we made it! Thank you so much for your support in getting us fully funded! What an amazing two months it has been…we are absolutely blown away by the generosity of everyone who has been involved, not just through donations but sharing, sharing, sharing!
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!
We’re live!
The big day is finally here and we are live!
Watch our crowdfunding video and check out all our perks on our Indiegogo page:
igg.me/at/99NamesofAllah
Please help support our bid and share with all your contacts! Thank you!