Bilal’s Bad Day
First Published in 2024 by THE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION
Distributed by KUBE PUBLISHING LTD
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Text copyright © Neelum Khan, 2024
Illustrations copyright © Alice Larsson, 2024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner
Author Neelum Khan
Illustrator Alice Larsson
Art Direction Iman Anwar Book design Rebecca Wildman
A Cataloguing-in-Publication Data record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-0-86037-928-7
eISBN 978-0-86037-933-1
Printed by China.
Guidance for parents and caregivers
I’m sure many of us can relate to feeling quite helpless when we see our children struggling with emotional overwhelm. Sometimes we recognise the triggers and are able to redirect our children before chaos takes over. But truth be told, we can’t always be present or that intuitive. My aim in this book is to demonstrate to young Muslim minds some calming strategies and how they can draw on the remembrance of Allah (Swt) to help themselves when their big emotions are threatening to take over.
With the over stimulation and pressures children experience from today’s world, the importance of developing strong Iman and mental health is more vital than ever. As Muslim adults, we understand that the two are intrinsically linked – if we have a strong connection with Allah (Swt) we are more content and able to manage our emotions for sounder outcomes. My intention is for Bilal to model useful ways for children to take control of their emotions and to rely on the All-Mighty to get them through. This idea will hopefully set the foundation for them to navigate the challenges of life that lie ahead.
From the five strategies that can be selected by the spin of a dial, there is a choice of common yet effective tools for emotional self-regulation. Deep breathing, removing ourselves physically away from stressors to relax and being hugged by a loved one are grounding techniques known to provide relief when feeling emotionally unbalanced. By nurturing our children to establish their trust in Allah (Swt) with whatever strategy they choose, we can equip them to appreciate and learn from studies in psychology while drawing deeper from our faith and applying it to these regulating techniques.
I have also included two faith-based strategies that are equally as powerful. The barakah of wudu to wash away sins is an authentic sunnah. Here the idea of cleansing ourselves has been developed for children to feel that they are washing away their worries. Even if the spiritual significance is not yet understood by younger children, the sensory impact of having water run over the skin is in itself soothing. It moves our minds away from inner thoughts to the outward sensation we feel on our skin.
From the moment Bilal opened his eyes, he just knew it was going to be one of those days. The kind of day when nothing goes right. First, he woke up to the sound of his brother and sister arguing over their toys.
On top of that, Mum ordered him to tidy his room. Bilal plodded up the stairs.
Could this day get any worse?
Can you spin the dial and help Bilal choose a way to feel better?
