The Book of Ibns (The Amazing Sons of Islam)

For many young individuals, history often appears as a tedious roster of names, dates, and events. However, the history of Din al-Haqq al-Islam (Islam, the religion of Truth) and the people of Dar al-Islam (The homeland of Islam) is nothing short of captivating! This book vividly portrays the astonishing triumphs of Muslims across the expanse of the Islamic Empire, stretching from the Atlantic shores of Morocco to the distant beaches of the South China Sea. What served as the common thread linking these far-reaching regions was Islam itself: the unwavering belief in Allah as the sole deity and in the Prophethood of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

In the Arab realm, a parent can colloquially be referred to as Abu ‘Ali (“father of Ali”) or Umm Marvam (“mother of Maryam”) following the birth of their firstborn son or daughter. Subsequently, each child can acquire a sort of sobriquet denoting them as the “son of” (ibn) or “daughter of” (bint) someone specific. Therefore, Abdul Haqq bin Luqman and Marvain bint Luqman would signify “Abdul Haqq, son of Luqman” and “Maryam, daughter of Luqman” respectively.

Within these pages lies an introduction to the remarkable lives of twelve Muslims. Each of these esteemed individuals, celebrated herein, is an ibn (son), and thus remembered through their father’s name. They were all achievers, whose blend of fortitude, intellect, drive, and unshakeable Islamic faith resulted in contributions that have not only enriched the lives of Muslims but also benefitted humanity at large.