The Muslim Bookshelf: Hafsah Dabiri on writing stories that reflect underrepresented experiences

Naima B. Robert introduces guest Hafsah Dabiri, author of children's books like 'My Dad is Always Working'. Dabiri shares her diverse background, including sports, politics, and marketing, and how a disability led her to writing. Her first book, 'Baseera the Basketballer,' was written in three hours after reflecting on her life's journey.

Hafsah Dabiri integrates her family members into her stories, ensuring representation for those who look like her and her community. Her primary motivation as an author is to hear from parents and children who connect with her books, especially when they address underrepresented stories, like the role of fathers in 'My Dad is Always Working.'

Dabiri's first book, 'Baseera the Basketballer,' features a character who looks like her, stemming from a personal desire for self-representation. The story explores themes of grappling with disappointment and understanding Allah's plan, as Baseera learns the true meaning of 'inshallah' through her father's wisdom.

Dabiri shares her experience of getting 'Baseera the Basketballer' published while in secondary school. She emphasizes the importance of a strong 'why' behind writing and encourages aspiring authors to share their stories without self-limitation, viewing critique as beneficial to development.

'My Dad is Always Working' is loosely based on Dabiri's family dynamic, highlighting a child's perspective on a busy father and prompting gratitude for his efforts. The book consciously celebrates fathers, an often-underappreciated role, drawing criticism from outside the Muslim community but resonating deeply with Muslim families.

During her pregnancy, Dabiri created sensory cards for newborns to introduce Islamic concepts and Arabic language from an early age. These high-contrast cards, featuring Arabic alphabet, are designed for tummy time and are set to be developed into flashcards for older children.

Dabiri believes the biggest opportunity for Muslim authors lies in their initial, deeply personal story. The main challenge, she notes, is everything after the writing process, particularly marketing. She highlights her role in helping authors navigate the complexities of getting their books into homes, advocating for 'Halal' and ethical marketing strategies.

Dabiri discusses the struggle against social media distractions. She advises having a purpose for social media use, being self-critical, and having a support system for accountability. For reading, she suggests using e-readers to easily access new books and reignite the joy of reading, ultimately encouraging parents to prioritize books over screens for children.