about us

about SUHAYLAkids 

SUHAYLAkids is an online store for Muslim children based in South Africa. We are passionate about making Islam fun for children, through reading and play. We believe that this will, insha'Allah, instil a love for Allah and our beautiful deen in our children.

We currently stock a wide range of highly-acclaimed books with child-friendly language and captivating illustrations. Our range also includes educational toys and games, dolls as well as beautiful handmade musallahs for children.

We welcome you to browse our store to find something special for the mini Muslims in your life!

our story

While pregnant with my son, I really looked forward to reading stories to him, and to inculcating a love for reading in my mini Muslim (as my parents had done for me). I became nostalgic of my own childhood as a bookworm (remember "Bennie Boekwurm"?) and the many hours I'd spend curled up with my nose buried in a book.

I came across wonderful literature for Muslim children via social media, none of which was easily available in South Africa. As I started to order books for him, I considered that there must be many other Muslims across the country who would also appreciate high-quality books targeted at Muslim children, with beautiful illustrations and child-friendly language. This latter aspect is one of the most important for me - in order to captivate a child's attention, and promote their understanding, the language used should be easily-understood by the child. Not simplistic - but also not too advanced so that they get bored easily, with proper grammar being imperative.

My husband and I then decided to start SUHAYLAkids, with the intention of earning Allah SWT's pleasure by instilling a love for our deen in our children, and other mini Muslims in South Africa. We aspired to do this by sourcing books, toys and other products through which our children can learn about Islam and themselves, as Muslims, in a fun and an exciting way. (May Allah purify our intentions throughout this journey, ameen).

And that is how, in January 2017, through the infinite grace of Allah SWT, SUHAYLAkids was launched by Abu and Umm Zakariyya! Alhumdulillah!

we love muslim children's books

While we love reading many book genres, at SUHAYLAkids, we really love books with Muslim protagonists or characters (with or without religious content), as we value the importance of our mini Muslims being able to relate to and connect with what they are reading. This is most effective when a child is able to see themselves and their families depicted in the book they are reading. This may be, for example, either via a character that looks similar to them or has a familiar-sounding name, or if the child recognises familiar elements such as a bearded man or hijab-wearing lady. 

At the same time, we acknowledge the need for them to feel part of the world we live in - a world which is growing smaller and smaller and increasingly more connected - and a world where the ability to empathise with each other is of paramount importance.

about the brand name

"Suhayla" is the Arabic word for Canopus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, and the chosen name for our brand SUHAYLAkids. We believe, through reading, a child is able to reach for the stars.. The future is bright for children who read avidly (& are read to!).. the sky's the limit!

For more information about the Canopus star, please visit the following link.

dua for our mini muslims

Oh Allah, it is only through Your guidance that we, as parents and caregivers, are able to guide the mini Muslims in our lives. We humbly ask You to grant us the ability to do so in a manner that is pleasing to You. May the children of this Ummah, grow to love You and the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), and may they strive to attain closeness to You. Ameen.