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ILYAS & DUCK Search for Allah: Pillar 1

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lyas and Duck search for Allah is an adorable storybook for kids about a boy's quest to find God. "Where is God?" is a question that any parent teaching their kids will one day have to answer. This book helps parents answer that question while conveying the profound mystery of it all in a fun way. In this story, likable Ilyas pairs up with Duck to ask the one question over and over in different scenarios. With whimsical and poetic replies, Ilyas slowly begins to realize what his question truly means. And by the end, his childish curiosity is fulfilled with profound realizations. The book has hardcover binding and comes with a cover jacket.

39 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

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95 people want to read

About the author

Omar S. Khawaja

10 books1 follower

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5 stars
40 (70%)
4 stars
11 (19%)
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5 (8%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Becky.
1,432 reviews12 followers
January 3, 2016
I saw this book in my public library and was intrigued. In the story a little boy, Ilyas, and his friend, Duck, wonder "Where is Allah?" They search for Him in the sky, up a tall mountain, down in the deep ocean, in the dark rainforest, and in outer space. In each location there is an animal who says "Allah is all around us...But you can' tree Allah like you can see me." At the end Ilyas realizes that the animals were telling him that you cannot see Allah, but you can see Him through his creations."

After reading it, my opinion is that the title could easily be "Johnny and Rover Search for God." Replace the passage from the Quar'an with a passage from the Bible and the name Allah to God and the same book would work as a Christian religious book for kids. Although there are many differences between the two religions, I wish more people would see the similarities.
41 reviews
March 28, 2017
"As he slowly drifted to sleep, Ilyas began to wonder..."Where is Allah?" (np)
In this beautiful picture book, Omar Khawaja addresses the idea of where does God exist in a simple yet informative way. He succeeds in connecting with children and their concerns through bright illustrations and patterns of how that question will be answered.

The first time I read this book was a couple of years ago. By the end, it brought tears to my eyes and it still does. I wish I had this book while I was growing up myself. It is clear that there is a need for literature addressed to the Muslim children population and this was a great effort.

What I really enjoyed was how this idea wasn't babied down at all so that it could strike with the audience. It was clear and articulate while still being enjoyable for any age. Also, it isn't just for Muslims and I believe this would be a great conversation starter for any grade on, what are beliefs.

The content alone and how it was presented garnered 5 stars. However, I would like to give another star for Khawaja's brilliance in putting a glossary in the back and referencing the Quran as a foundation for the book.

A favorite ❤️
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books458 followers
January 26, 2024
Ilyas (a human preschooler) and Duck (a duck) embark on finding answers to Ilyas' persistent questioning about where to find Allah (God).

Brave author and illustrator by Leo Antolini: This is the first picture book of this kind I've ever encountered!

The range of questions starts here, where Ilyas offers to let Duck try his binoculars:

"They help you to see things that are far away."

After many an adventure, exploring with his best friend Duck, Ilyas is satisfied.

FIVE STARS for raising the question, and for answering it in the context in which it was asked. That context is quoted on the very first page of the book. I'll repeat that quote in a COMMENT below.


118 reviews
March 31, 2023
E: I learnt that no one can see Allah and that the only way you can see him is in the creations. I liked it when he asked everyone.

Parent: a great book to start answering those questions children start asking. Enjoyed how different creatures and environments were used throughout the book.
Profile Image for Pashmina.
266 reviews22 followers
May 6, 2018
The author of this book came to my Sunday School, so I read it for the first time today... Cute books for younger kids with Islamic topics...
Profile Image for Sarah.
241 reviews
November 2, 2018
This is a super cute book to share with children of all faiths. My kids have enjoyed reading it and learning about what their friends believe.
Profile Image for Saba N  Taylor.
207 reviews28 followers
September 27, 2014
This book is definitely written with a child in mind. Ilyas asks a question many children ask, "Where is Allah (God)?" Children are curious by nature and they learn through using all five of their senses, so it is no wonder that they want to "see" God in order to know where He is. Based on a verse from the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an, Ilyas and his best friend, Duck, go on an adventure to find Allah. They ask creature after creature. They soon learn that Allah can't be seen with his eyes, but, He can be seen through his creation.
40 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2015
I bought this book because I was intrigued by review from Umm Waliyya.

A child-friendly book with minimal words, bright pictures, this book discussed about Ilyas and his best friend Duck exploring the mountains, ocean etc in a quest to find Allah.

as a Muslim parents, we ara taught Allah is in Arash, but we can ponder Allah is The Almighty from His creations
Profile Image for Rida.
816 reviews63 followers
October 8, 2014
This is such a great book! It is the best for young ones who are not understanding their faith or have questions about their Creator! Easy. Fun. Cute. The perfect book to help little ones understand the most important thing in life!
21 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2015
One of the best books i've read dealing with the intangible and often difficult to explain to children, concept of God's existence.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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