An Ocean In One Drop by Mariam Hakim

An Ocean in One Drop is a children’s book that tells the background story of the woman honoured within the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage; Hajar.

During this pilgrimage Hajar’s story is expressed through the core ritual of Sa’ee, which ends with pilgrims drinking holy Zamzam water. This ritual remembers Hajar’s experience of being stranded in the desert, alone with her infant son, searching for water and help.

The Sa’ee tasks each and every pilgrim with reliving Hajar’s story and following her footsteps, running between two large hills seven times.

An Ocean in One Drop recounts Hajar’s desert struggle to young audiences, through the story of Jamila and her grandmother – who explains the importance of this pivotal moment within the Islamic faith.

Using poetic rhyming couplets and stunning water colour visuals, this children’s book explores Hajar’s narrative through the opposing themes of water and desert, life and death, and ancient heritage in modern times.

The book promotes the power of women’s narratives so that future generations can transcend gender inequality and injustice.

The author will be visiting us in 2020 for a storytelling and craft session for children and parents. Until then there’s also some activity sheets in the shop now for youngsters to colour in and fill out.