The Zaytuna College Bookstore: A Book Lover’s Sanctuary The Zaytuna College Bookstore , for many people, serves as a threshold between their own world and the College. This is no accident; the bookstore is in some sense a microcosm of Zaytuna, a means by which supporters can engage with the ideas and lessons inspired by the College curriculum at their own pace and from any distance.
faculty. “It is something we’re particularly delighted to share with you, because it becomes a very real touchpoint between the faculty and the supporters,” said Khadija, reflecting on her many encounters with customers in person and online. She continued:
knowing that each text on the shelves is selected for its appropriateness to the topic. A bookseller in the traditional world, especially in Muslim lands, is a sort of companion to the seeker, anticipating and catering to his or her needs with the right recommendation for the right time.
This approach extends to the gifts offered by the bookstore, which run from beautiful prints of prophetic prayers for study and well-being to handicrafts to College memorabilia. Indeed, the collection even includes crafts by Dr. Cindy Ausec, a beloved member of Zaytuna’s faculty.
The bookstore revives this tradition, bringing with it the recommendations and guidance of Zaytuna’s
“We’re honored to be able to share this space with you, both virtually and physically,” said Khadija.
“To imbue our environments and actions with Khadija O’Connell, founder and creative director beauty and excellence is an act of worship. This is of the bookstore, describes a charge we take seriously its three areas of emphasis: at the bookstore, which is The Prophet s tells us, beauty, connection, and designed in a way that is “God is beautiful, and He loves beauty.” guidance. Each of these both aesthetically pleasing is grounded in the sunna and easy to navigate. of the Prophet s and supports the mission of Whether in the physical store, built with the Zaytuna in an essential way. incredible woodwork of Bosnian craftsman Arif Velagic, or on the website, we want the bookstore The curated bookstore serves as a guide to the to be a welcoming space.” seeker of knowledge, who has the advantage of
bookstore.zaytuna.edu
One way to support Zaytuna is to buy books and gifts from the Zaytuna College Bookstore.
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