Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So

by Rhonda Roumani, Nadia Roumani, Olivia Aserr (Illustrator)

A sweet and playful picture book about a common Arabic word for life's uncertainties that will ring true for all families.

Ranya wants to go to the park. “Insha’Allah,” her mom tells her.

But doesn't that just mean no? Ranya's mom says “Insha’Allah” when Ranya asks to make cookies. She says it when Ranya wants to sleep over at Jayda's house. She says it when Ranya begs to go to Disneyland.

This might sound familiar to parents and caregivers . . . It’s hard to know what to say when you can’t promise anything! Sometimes grown-ups say “Maybe” or “We’ll see.” And in millions of Arab and Muslim homes around the world, families use the phrase “Insha’Allah” when talking about the future.

So, what does “Insha’Allah” really mean? In this warmly illustrated picture book, Ranya and her mom tackle the meaning of the powerful phrase and ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams—and maybe, sometimes, the things they want to put off. (Like cleaning up toys!)

Cozy art and joyful, loving characters make this a perfect family read aloud.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year!

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Muslims, Childrens, Fiction, Islam, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful!

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think theres another word more said in conversation of Muslim and Arabs than inshaa Allah - and the inevitable dreaded (nooooooo) of kids when they hear a grown up say it😂😂

Every time Ranya asks her mom for something, Mama says in shaa Allah! Ranya is so mad- WHY DOES HER MOM NOT JUST SAY WHAT SHE PLANS TO DO!

With tenderness (and humor) Ranya’s mother explains that inshaAllah is what you say when you plan to do something, and take account the room for differences to happen in Allah’s will of the outcome.

And as Mama says to her baby girl: “You were my InshaAllah” (awwwww this quote just made me melt!!)

What an adorable book!!! I loved the little rascal main character who truly jumped off the page with her mischievousness! That last spread- genius!!

And honestly- this is so refreshing and needed. Muslim and Arab books that radiate joy and love and just everyday life for millions and billions of people all over the world.

There is magic in the every day loving convos between kids and parents💕

Get yours now!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not Muslim or Arab, so I'm saying this from outside the culture it's written from and for, but this book is an absolute delight. Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So tells the story of a little girl who is tired of hearing "Insha'Allah" from her mother, assuming that it really means no. They have a heart to heart about what it really means and the different reasons why she says it. The book is filled with a great sense of humour as well, with the great ending including the little girl saying "Insha'Allah" to picking up her toys. The whole thing just put a smile on my face. The art is great too. Definitely recommended!

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 5 out of 5]

"InshaAllah, No, Maybe So" by @rhondaroumani and illustrated by @roumaninadia is a picture book that both tugs at the heart strings and elicits giggles at childhood frustration over the Muslim parent response of "InshaAllah" to pretty much every request under the sun.

Ranya wants to go to the park, bake cookies, sleep at her friend's house... but Mama keeps saying "InshaAllah"!

"What does InshaAllah MEAN?!" asks Ranya (and every Muslim kid ever) - and Mama proceeds to beautifully explain the nuances of "InshaAllah."

I absolutely adore this book and how beautifully it fully explains "InshaAllah" for kids (and tbh, even for adults)! It works in Allah's Knowledge, Wisdom, and Divine Decree without being preachy or heavy at all.

THIS is a perfect example of explaining Islamic concepts in the most seamless way - AHEM, MUSLIM AUTHORS (esp SELF PUBLISHED ONES AND ANYONE GETTING THEIR BOOKS PUBLISHED AT KUBE).

And yes, the mother character doesn't wear hijab. Deal with it.

5/5 🌟

#bookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #MyMuslimShelfSpace #OwnVoices #weneeddiversebooks #diversereads #diversebooks #bookreview #kidlit #Muslimkidlit #picturebook #Muslimpicturebook #Islam #Muslims #MuslimBookstagramAwards

[Gayatri Sethi Desi Book Aunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly, this is a heartwarming & endearing picture book.

I find myself returning to pages in the book often to share. It is filled with wit, humor & quite relatable.

Highly recommend. Makes a thoughtful gift.

[Ad Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and cute story. I converted to Islam so learning about this nuanced phrase has been tricky. I identify with the small child in this one!

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the notes at the end particularly interesting.

[Kirin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not every funny thing a child says can be copied and pasted into a children's book.  And while I have no doubt that this book was edited and revised numerous times, it sure feels like a conversation or 20 that I've had as a mom, a teacher and a librarian over the years.  Well, I take that back, the mom in this book, is very articulate, and not nearly as exasperated as I'm sure I always am.  It is so on point that it makes me truly wonder, are you even a Muslim parent if you haven't been asked what Insha'Allah means? The backmatter articulates that Muslims and Arabs of all faiths use Insha'Allah. The text and illustrations themselves are not Islam specific, but the authors are Muslim, and the term always on the tip of our tongues. It is very relatable and impossible to read without smiling, I can't wait to share it, insha'Allah. (See what I did there? ya.)

The book starts simple enough, a little girl asks her mom if they can go to the park as they walk near one, and mom says, "Insha'Allah," and keeps on walking.  Ranya gets upset asking why she said no, and the mom explains that insha'Allah doesn't mean no, it means God willing.

Ranya doesn't just accept the answer and move on, she tells her mom it always feels like no, until her mother explains that we can want something to happen, but sometimes Allah has other plans.  Ranya presses her mother a little more trying to understand if insha'Allah means, maybe.  A few more examples are shared, and the definition is expanded to also mean, hopes and dreams.  

Ranya wants to pin down her mom on some of the insha'Allahs, making cookies, a sleepover, a trip to Disneyland.  Mom does her best, but Ranya is spunky and makes sure she gets the last word in.

I love the note at the end that ties it all together and shows the universal appeal of the word.  

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ideal example of ways in which stories depicting non-dominant cultures and patterns can transcend any traditions or patterns to serve every child. For decades (centuries?) it was conventional wisdom that all children and families who were NOT of the majority culture could still find themselves within stories featuring that an exclusive dominant culture. The truth is, kids of every culture who ask for what they want are counting on hearing YES. Anything less (we'll see, maybe, etc.) comes across as NO! That universal emotional expectation and response is portrayed in this story so well, for every child, and also reveals a family/cultural pattern that might be new or less than fully understood by others.
The expression, Insha'Allah, is launched in the first-person voice of a child who calls out her mother for always saying Insha'Allah, meaning NO! Mama patiently explains that the expression means "God willing", not NO!. Mama listens as Rana reports how it actually feels to her, and then Mama clarifies that is is used for things we WANT to happen, but don't know if they will.
Examples are kid-friendly. (Go to the park? It might rain; Bake cookies? Not enough time before bed; Have a sleepover? Someone got sick.)
Some things are NO, some are MAYBE SO, and some are INSHA'ALLAH... it is out of our hands, for now.
The art in this new release is lovely, with saturated colors, figures with natural edges, readable expressions, familiar settings, and a warmth that is undeniable. There's a humorous twist or two at the conclusion and the story's topic and appeal spans many ages.

[Kidlitsoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent has a grab bag of yes, no, or maybe to choose from when negotiating expectations and possibilities in the family. Muslim parents also have insha'Allah, a phrase that invokes the authority of The Almighty on the course of decision making. From a child's point of view, Insha'allah could be interpreted as a more optimistic or pessimistic form of maybe. It really depends on its pattern of use in the family. One parent may use it exclusively as a substitute for the word 'no' in order to avoid immediate disappoints. Another may be more inclined to use it when the child's desire can mostly likely be met with a yes. Since our choices can contribute to a child's positive or negative perception of The Almighty's influence on affairs, the conversation held in this text is important.

While the story discusses Islamic approaches to uncertainty, this warmly illustrated picture book (love the colour palette) opens a conversation for all families to consider. Are we being fair to our children in the answers we give them? Do we usually say 'maybe' when we really mean 'no.' How might this affect our children's sense of trust in us and other people? Also, when we approach negotiations directly, perhaps our children can develop strong skills of their own. Do we avoid clarity because we don't have the time or emotional capacity to deal with strong willed children? Lots to pull apart and consider. Inshallah, pick up this book and begin the conversation in the classroom or at home!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this picture book [3.5 for me!] focuses on an Arabic word or phrase, its meaning and sentiment will surely be familiar to youngsters from many cultures. After all, as the young protagonist Ranya points out, it often seems to indicate no or functions as a way to postpone a real response. Thankfully, Ranya and her mother seem to have an open relationship, and they are able to discuss what it means and how sometimes adults misuse it. The digital and watercolor illustrations are rich and warm and alongside the text, feature helpful examples of the phrase's significance. Ranya's feistiness and curiosity are appealing, and her humorous final response to her mother's suggestion that she clean up her room shows that she certainly understands what she's just learned. Whether for cultural outsiders or insiders, reading this book is revelatory, reminding readers that often there are things over which we have little or no control and can only hope for the best.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from a child's perspective. Written about an Arabic phrase, but readers of all cultures will connect with a parent giving what feels like a vague answer. Ranya starts the story by asking to play at the park. Her mama responds "Insha'Allah" and they continue to head home. This leads to a discussion on why Ranya feels this phrase means no. Her mother offers an explanation on why they say this and the deeper reasons behind it. I appreciate the authors using language younger readers will understand. Though the two engage in serious discussion, the humor at the end lightens the story. At some points, it does feel like explaining why something didn't happen at the time rather than later would have solved some of the miscommunication.

[yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet picture book about the collective groan let out by millions of Muslim kids around the globe when the adults say insha'Allah, and why the phrase might not be as much of a shut-down as they think. Honestly, I'd never really interrogated the semantics of the thing, even though I heard insha'Allah used like this hundreds of times growing up. I really did just assume it was a way for parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents to keep a "no" open-ended, with a taste of religion for good measure. So, this book was for 25-year-old Yasmin, too. And, shoutout for having Ranya's mother express an apology to Ranya and say how she'll try to communicate better — that's something a good chunk of kids don't get to hear from their parents.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very sweet -- the child's perspective of trying to understand what that expression means, and how it applies to various life situations, felt so genuine and the mother's desire to help her understand was touching. I remember my friend from years ago, who was Muslim and spoke Arabic, using that expression many times. My youngest was interested by the back matter which explains how some other languages have an expression that is somewhat similar, such as "ojala" in Spanish, which comes from the Arabic word insha'Allah and means "hopefully."

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is thoughtful, funny and child-perspective picture book about a young girl who is upset when her mom responds "insha'Allah" to multiple requests. Convinced that insha'Allah really means no, her mother lovingly explains what the phrase means and why she and other Muslim and Arabic-speaking use it. Playful and full of love, this picture book will ring true for lots of kids who are too tired of adult speak explaining away their requests. Cozy and lovely.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insha'Allah is Arabic for "if Allah wills" but the little girl in this story feels like when she hears it her parents always mean no. This story is told in a conversation between mom and child. It is sweet and so relatable. I love this every day peek at another culture that both explains a piece of their culture, but also helps them feel more relatable. Warmly illustrated and told this is a darling picture book.

[Marissa Bonham]

This beautifully-illustrated book is about a young girl named Samira who is tired of hearing the term “Insha’Allah” from her mother. She thinks that it means no, but her mother patiently explains that the expression means “God willing.” The story gives a great explanation of this versatile and powerful phrase from a child’s perspective. I can use this book in my future classroom to open up discussions about cultural identities, phrases, and experiences.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy from Edelweiss.

This was absolutely delightful! A young girl confronts her mom who seems to always say Insha'Allah when she means "Maybe, no." She learns what the word really means and negotiates a fair amount to get her mother to say more yeses than no. Like every good picture book, the ending will make kids chuckle or giggle.

Sweet (and lovely illustrations too)!

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is cute lol my kids are going to appreciate that this picture book exists! It's witty and joyful and does a wonderful job of explaining what "insha'Allah" really means, doing the job for us parents ;) I would've loved this to be around when I was little. Just seeing the word "Insha'Allah" in the title would've meant the world to me.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother explains to her daughter that "Insha'Allah" means.

Author's Note explains that the phrase means "God Willing" in Arabic and that it is a phrase also used by Arabic speaking Christians, Jews and other religious groups. Different ways of writing it are also mentioned including iA in texting and social media.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to ask my friend, who is Muslim, about whether or not she uses this phrase (which means if God is willing). I have never heard it before myself. But I like the concept of the book, that sometimes things are a maybe and if God wills. We want them but we don't know if it will happen. Thats a lot of life, isn't it?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent explanation of this phrase from a child's perspective. Great back and forth questions and answers between daughter and mother.

[Fatima Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, very relatable.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little book about the actual meaning of Inshallah and what children think it means. Authors are siblings (how cute!). Loved the illustrations, realistic and colorful.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sly humor in this one

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, such a lovely and empathetic book. As someone who’s always used ojalá, I could relate to the versatility of insha’allah.

[Jackson’s Books & Music · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet, cozy, and informative read. The familial love is so warm. The illustrations are beautiful, with lots of fun details and diverse representation.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple story, charming illustrations. Really enjoyed it!

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING i wish I had it as a kid!

Perfect marriage of story and illustration. a love letter to Muslim kids everywhere!!

[Nadine Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this picture book. It's so fun, accurate and relatable! It's absolutely adorable.