The Story of Karbala for Kids
A Powerful Introduction to Imam Hussain (A.S), Ashura, and the Heroes…
Ages 7–14Heroes of Karbala
Buy on Amazon Books that help children and adults fall in love with the Ahlul Bayt (A.S)
Illustrated stories of Imam Hussain (A.S), Bibi Zainab (S.A) and the Twelve Imams (A.S) for children, plus colouring books, duas for little hearts, and devotional books and duas for grown-ups.
A gift to every family
The Story of Karbala is free. For every child, for the generations to come.
The Story of Karbala for Kids is sold on Amazon in 7 countries. But the story of Imam Hussain (A.S) is not one a child should wait for, or have to buy. So the full illustrated book is yours to download, read aloud and keep.
- The complete illustrated book
- Ages 7 to 14, lovely read aloud
- Instant download
Prefer to hold it in your hands? Get the paperback on Amazon or read more about the free book.
Ages 7–14 · 10 books
Heroes of Karbala
Ten illustrated stories that introduce children to Imam Hussain (A.S) and the men, women and children who stood with him at Karbala. Each book follows one hero and the quality they teach: loyalty, patience, courage, speaking the truth.
See the whole series →
Hazrat Ali Asghar (A.S)
The Smallest Soldier of Imam Hussain (A.S)
Ages 7–14Heroes of Karbala
Buy on Amazon 
Aun and Muhammad (A.S)
From Bibi Zainab’s (A.S) Lap to Imam Hussain’s (A.S) Banner
Ages 7–14Heroes of Karbala
Buy on Amazon 
If you feel lost
Some nights, the heart whispers: “Does He even hear me?”
If you are tired, ashamed, far from where you want to be, or simply unsure that anyone is listening, these two books were written for you. Not to scold you. To sit beside you.
When you feel unheard or alone
Allah Is Near
“When My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me.”Quran 2:186
Forty Quranic verses for the days you cannot find the words. No lecture. Just the promise that He is closer than you think.
When guilt says you have gone too far
Allah Forgives You
“Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”Quran 39:53
Forty verses in four gates (Returning, Vastness, Healing and Love) that walk a heavy heart back to a door that was never locked.
One book for each Imam · 9 of 12 so far
The 12 Lights of Ahlul Bayt (A.S)
One book for each of the Twelve Imams (A.S). Each volume tells the life of an Imam as a story a child can follow, from the First Imam to the Ninth so far.
See the whole series →The Gentle Prince of Peace
Imam Hassan (A.S), the Second Imam Who Chose Peace Over War
Ages 7+12 Lights
Buy on Amazon 
The Voice of Karbala
Imam Zain ul Abideen (A.S), the Fourth Imam Who Spoke Through Duas
Ages 7+12 Lights
Buy on Amazon 
The Ocean of Knowledge
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S), the Fifth Imam Who Revived Islamic…
Ages 7–1512 Lights
Buy on Amazon 
The Wonders of Science and Faith
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S), the Sixth Imam
Ages 7–1412 Lights
Buy on Amazon The Light in Chains
Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S), the Seventh Imam, Babul Hawaij
Ages 7–1512 Lights
Buy on Amazon 
The Wise Healer
Imam Ali al-Ridha (A.S), the Eighth Imam, the Healer of Hearts
Ages 7–1212 Lights
Buy on Amazon 
The Young Sage of Baghdad
Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (A.S), the Ninth Imam
Ages 7–1212 Lights
Buy on Amazon For the seeker
Devotional books for adults
Premium, readable editions of classic supplications and Quranic reflections, in English and Arabic, designed to anchor the mind and comfort the soul.
Start here
Find the right book for your child
Choose by age, or jump straight to a series. Every book page shows the age range and what the story teaches.
Ages 4 to 8
Little hearts
Rhyming introductions to the Ahlul Bayt, duas for big feelings, and the four Quls, in short, warm books for early readers.
Browse → Ages 7 to 14Growing readers
Stories of Karbala told one hero at a time, and the lives of the Twelve Imams, written for children who ask “why?”.
Browse → AdultsFor the seeker
Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya, Dua-e-Kumayl and more: clear, beautiful editions with English alongside the Arabic.
Browse →Prefer a full list? Complete guide by age · Muharram and Ashura books · Books for adults
From Amazon reviews
What parents say
Real reviews from verified purchases, quoted as they were written.
★★★★★Verified purchase
Easy to read, inspiring, full of good lessons!
I bought all 6 books in this collection… Excellent introduction for children who want to learn more about the life and character of the prophet and his ahlul beyt. The stories are short, clear, and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for kids.
Reviewed bookThe Gate of KnowledgeView book ★★★★★Verified purchase
Love this Book!
Such a beautiful book for kids to learn the names of Allah. Nice big text, beautiful colors. Good definition of what each name of Allah represents!
Reviewed book99 Names of AllahView book ★★★★★Verified purchase
Amazing
The book is amazing, my 8 year old enjoyed reading it and learning more about Imam Ali A.S. I am planning on buying all the other ones.
Reviewed bookThe Gate of KnowledgeView book ★★★★★Verified purchase
Amazing Read
Such a good read and informative for kids. My 8 and 5 year old absolutely enjoyed it. After reading the book we continued our discussion.
Reviewed bookThe Brave Heart of KarbalaView book Everyday faith
Gentle books for ordinary days
First introductions, big feelings, Ramadan, and colouring books made for Muharram and Arbaeen.
Who Are the Ahlul Bayt? (A.S)
A First Introduction for Little Muslims
Ages 4–8Little Learners
Buy on Amazon 
Lady Fatima (A.S)
Islamic Book for Kids: Love of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and Lady Fatima (S.A)…
Ages 5–18Little Learners
Buy on Amazon 99 Names of Allah
Asma ul Husna for Children: Learn the Beautiful Names of Allah
Ages 5–12Little Learners
Buy on Amazon 
When I’m Happy, I Thank Allah
Islamic Books for Kids (Talking to Allah)
Ages 3–10Little Learners
Buy on Amazon 
My First Muharram Colouring Book
A Gentle Journey Through Ashura for Little Hearts
Ages 4–8Colouring & Activity
Buy on Amazon Arbaeen Colouring & Activity Book
30+ Fun Activities to Learn About Imam Hussain (A.S)
Ages 4–8Colouring & Activity
Buy on Amazon Free for families
Pick a free PDF for your child
Muharram reflection series, and colouring books for Eid-e-Ghadeer and Eid-e-Zahra. Choose one, and we will send it to your inbox. New printables and books follow when they are ready.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
0series to explore
0Heroes of Karbala
0Imams told so far
0Amazon stores worldwide
Our story
It began with a question
Back in 2019, Sama was designing a beautiful, easy-to-read edition of Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya. Aleena asked why it wasn’t easily available in English.
That question became a publishing house, and then a shelf of books for children and adults.
Read our story“We didn’t just want children to memorise. We wanted them to fall completely in love with the teachings and stories of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S).”Sama Anwar and Aleena Jillani, founders
From the blog
Raising children who love Allah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his family
Warm, practical guides for parents: what to say, what to do at bedtime, and how to let love come before rules.
For ParentsInside “Who Are the Ahlul Bayt?”: A Rhyming Introduction for Little Ones
A look inside our rhyming picture book that introduces the Panjetan Pak and the Twelve Imams to children aged 4 to 8, with real pages, meaning and how to read it.
For ParentsTeach Your Child the 4 Quls in 40 Days (Without Tears)
A gentle 40-day plan to help children learn Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas and Al-Kafirun, with the meaning, the method and real pages from the My 4 Quls workbook.
For ParentsHow to Help Your Child Love the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and His Family
Stories, salawat, small rituals and honest answers: how parents can help a child love Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and the Ahlul Bayt from the heart.
For ParentsThe Story of Karbala for Kids: A Gentle, Honest Telling for Ages 7+
A look inside The Story of Karbala for Kids: how the book tells Imam Hussain’s (A.S) story honestly and gently for ages 7 and up, with real pages and how to read it together.
Our StoryWhy We Created the Heroes of Karbala Series
Why Praying Pearls created the Heroes of Karbala series: ten honest, gentle stories for ages 7 and up, one hero at a time, so children meet them as people to love.
For ParentsHow to Help Your Child Fall in Love with Allah
Love comes before rules. Warm, practical ways to help your child know Allah as near, kind and forgiving, with activities for every age and a 7-day plan.
For ParentsAllah’s Signs in the Honeybee’s Eye and Your Child’s Eye
Use the honeybee’s eye, the human eye and the favours around us to teach children to see Allah’s signs and say thank you.
For ChildrenHow to Explain Karbala to a Child Without Frightening Them
An age-by-age guide to telling the story of Karbala and Ashura to young children: what to say, what to leave for later, and how to keep it gentle.
For ParentsWhy Teach Your Child to Say Salawat Every Day
Why and how to teach children to say Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad every day, with meaning, ages, bedtime habits and playful ideas.
On Instagram
Faith, wonder and Allah’s power, in small pieces
Short reminders, science that points back to the Creator, and mothers reading with their children. Follow @prayingpearls for a new one most days.
For schools and institutions
Running a weekend school, majlis or library?
Order the books for your children’s programme. Tell us the titles, the quantity and your country, and we will send you a quote.
Questions
What parents ask us
Who are the Ahlul Bayt?
Ahlul Bayt means “the people of the household.” In Shia Islam it refers to the family of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H): the Panjetan Pak (the Prophet (P.B.U.H), Imam Ali (A.S), Lady Fatima (S.A), Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain (A.S)) and the Twelve Imams. Our books introduce them to children through stories.
What age are Praying Pearls books for?
The picture books and colouring books are written for ages 4 to 8. The Heroes of Karbala stories suit roughly ages 7 to 14. The 12 Lights books range from about 4 to 15, so check each book page, and many families read them aloud to younger children.
What do (A.S), (S.A) and (P.B.U.H) mean?
(A.S) stands for “Alayhi as-Salam,” meaning “peace be upon him.” We write it after the names of the Imams and other noble figures. For the women of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) family we write (S.A), for “Salamullahi Alayha,” meaning “peace of Allah be upon her,” and for the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) we write (P.B.U.H), meaning “peace be upon him.” They are marks of respect.
Where can I buy the books?
All books are sold on Amazon, and each book page has a store selector for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France and Japan.
Is there anything free?
Yes. Choose a free PDF on our Free PDFs page and we will send it to you: Muharram reflection series, and colouring books for Eid-e-Ghadeer and Eid-e-Zahra.