ISBN: 9-781738-463824

Shadows of Strangers

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An encapsulating tale based on real events in which a family of Muslims are pushed to their limits to survive. Secret codes and cryptic undertakings abound in the Fernandez household. These are Moriscos of Al-Andalus, secret Muslims who has to hide their faith during the Spanish Inquisition.

Fernandez, his wife, Maria, and their children, Nicolas and Elvira, use their strength, intelligence, faith, and courage to navigate the treacherous lands of a world now forgotten. As the world around them looks bleak, they rely upon a hidden book-but will that spell more challenges for these underground Muslims?

A story of survival, trust, and adventure. Shadows of Strangers brings to life the experiences of Muslims in a world darkened by the Spanish Inquisition. They need to bond together and work out how best to survive in a most difficult environment

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An encapsulating tale based on real events

An encapsulating tale based on real events in which a family of Muslims are pushed to their limits to survive. Secret codes and cryptic undertakings abound in the Fernandez household. These are Moriscos of Al-Andalus, secret Muslims who has to hide their faith during the Spanish Inquisition.

Fernandez, his wife, Maria, and their children, Nicolas and Elvira, use their strength, intelligence, faith, and courage to navigate the treacherous lands of a world now forgotten. As the world around them looks bleak, they rely upon a hidden book-but will that spell more challenges for these underground Muslims?

A story of survival, trust, and adventure. Shadows of Strangers brings to life the experiences of Muslims in a world darkened by the Spanish Inquisition. They need to bond together and work out how best to survive in a most difficult environment

What Readers Are Saying

  • "It gives a flavour of the Islamic identity, but at the same time, it educates somebody about a very important historical period where we were persecuted."

    Mohammed Hijab

  • "An encapsulating tale based on real events in which a family of Muslims are pushed to their limits to survive."

    Paul Williams

  • "Shadows of Strangers is a heartfelt work of historical fiction based on the persecution of Muslims in Spain. Be prepared to cry, in a good way."

    Abdullah Guerrero

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Osman Latiff

Osman Latiff

Osman Latiff, a Senior Researcher and Instructor at Sapience Institute, holds a BA in History, an MA in Crusader Studies, and a PhD focusing on the role of religious poetry in Muslim efforts to reclaim Jerusalem during the Crusades. He has presented numerous papers at prestigious academic institutions globally and authored 'The Cutting Edge of the Poet’s Sword: Muslim Poetic Responses to the Crusades' (Brill, 2018). He also conducted post-doctoral research on the impact of war media imagery on US identity and authored 'On Being Human: How Islam addresses othering, dehumanisation and empathy' (2020) and 'Navigating War, Dissent and Empathy in Arab/U.S relations: Seeing Our Others in Darkened Spaces' (Springer, 2021). His recent works include 'Divine Perfection: Christianity and Islam on Sin and Salvation' (Sapience Institute, 2022) and 'Characteristics of the Caller' (Sapience Institute, 2023). Osman Latiff is also a lecturer and teacher at Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre, Slough, and a frequent speaker at mosques and universities in the UK and abroad.

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What is Shadows of Strangers about?

Shadows of Strangers is a historical fiction novel based on real events, focusing on the Fernández family—Moriscos (secret Muslims) living in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition.The story delves into their struggles to preserve their faith and identity amidst persecution, highlighting themes of survival, trust, and resilience.

Who is the intended audience for this book?

The book is suitable for readers aged 12 and above. It’s ideal for teens, young adults, and anyone interested in Islamic history, identity struggles, or meaningful fiction grounded in real-world events.

How is this book different from other historical novels?

Shadows of Strangers blends fact with fiction to tell a unique Muslim perspective rarely covered in mainstream literature. It focuses on the emotional and spiritual challenges of Muslims living in secrecy, offering an insightful and gripping experience rooted in real historical tension.

What are the physical details of the book?

This is a 205-page paperback with a compact size, making it easy to carry and read. It has been designed for an immersive reading experience with clean typesetting and quality print.

Is this book suitable for study groups or educational settings?

Yes, the book is well-suited for group discussions, Islamic studies sessions, or classroom settings. Its historical basis, moral themes, and accessible narrative make it a great tool for reflection and dialogue.

Customer Reviews

Based on 15 reviews
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I
Ishfaq Gul
Shadows of strangers

Absolutely disappointed with the grammar very hard to read and understand

M
Mohsina Kashif
Wonderful story

What a woderful story that reminded me that even today we Muslims are in the same situation but UNFORTUNATELY less oppressed externally and more oppressed from our internal desires.

S
S KHAN
Brilliant read

Having never heard of the Secret Muslims (Moriscos of Spain) but knowing of the Spanish inquisition, this book was a thoroughly good read! Absolutely enjoyed the story telling layout and wish there were more Islamic books presented in this manner!

Hope to expand on my Islamic knowledge and history with other reads In Shaa Allah!

A
Amal A. Juhar

جزاكم الله خيراً.. طلبت هذا الكتاب هدية عيد الفطر لابنتي ١٢ سنة وأحببته جداً وسعيدة وفخورة به.. شكراً للكاتب والعاملين على الكتاب

N
Nayeem Karnachi
Really good insight

Really good read. Thank you