THE EMERGENCE OF WESTERN ISLAMIC CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

Abstract

This article discusses the emergence of Islamic children’s literature and identifies a paradigm shift giving rise to religious and cultural hybridity. It reflects on the initial avoidance of Muslim publishing houses to produce Islamic fiction. The article further outlines the reasons why Islamic children’s literature is now slowly gaining momentum. Definitions of Islamic children’s fiction have been included to allow an understanding of how this genre may differ from other forms of children’s literature. Additionally, the article seeks to highlight the obscure position of Islamic children’s literature with the hope that stakeholders within the international community will begin to provide an academic space for its study.