Sleeping Beauty: An Islamic Tale

By Dr. Fawzia Gilani

A faithful retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story that is set in ancient Egypt. Featuring an aqiqah to celebrate the Princess Mariam’s birth, four wise sages, a poisoned hijab pin, an unbreakable sleep, a wicked Count and a charming prince, this story will awaken a love for this classic tale in a whole new community’s heart.

After the wicked Count Lahab promises to crush the young princess Mariam at her aqiqah, she is hidden within the king’s castle. Under the watchful eyes of Lady Masarah Mariam is safe from wicked whispers, and becomes a pious young woman with strong faith and helpful manners.

But, beyond the castle walls a serpent waits patiently and upon the news of Mariam’s wedding, Count Lahab finds a way to deceive the castle and present her with a beautiful hijab pin, covered in poison, that leaves her in a deep, unbreakable sleep.

After potions and prayers have no affect her husband, Haris, is told to go on a perilous journey to Makkah to pray for her recovery and bring back Zamzam water for her to drink. But, faced by Count Lahab and his outlaws, what does his destiny hold.

“An intriguing, fun story with some positive messages for little Muslims.” Happy Muslim Mama “..On reading the book to my little girls I had a lot of fun finding the original story replaced with all sorts of Islamic references. ”