{"product_id":"malaika-and-the-seven-heavens-toyin-omoyeni-falola-9780472057672","title":"Malaika and the Seven Heavens: A Memoir of My Encounters with Islam","description":"\u003ci\u003eMalaika and the Seven Heavens\u003c\/i\u003e explores Toyin Falola's personal journey with Islam, beginning with his early years in Ibadan, Nigeria. Growing up in environments where Islam coexisted with traditional African religions and later living in a predominantly Christian country, he witnessed the complexities of cultural and religious diversity. In this memoir, Falola shares stories of deep understanding, personal development, and the beauty of a faith that transcends language, nationality, and culture. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Although faith is a lifelong journey, Falola identifies key moments in his upbringing that shaped his perception of faith, such as observing Islamic prayers, witnessing the significance of pilgrimage, engaging with spiritual leaders, and interacting with both Muslims and non-Muslims. By blending personal observations and reflections with the broader historical and cultural contexts of Islam, the book provides a unique perspective on the lived experiences of Muslims. In addition, Falola's comparative perspective on the interaction of Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion illustrates how these faiths influence and coexist with one another. Chapters explore firsthand experiences at madrassas, Islamic education, the influence of Islamic music on Yoruba culture, the historical importance of places like Oja Oba in Ibadan, the role of women in Islam, the intersection of traditional medicine with Islamic healing practices, and the broader social and political implications of Islam in Nigerian cities such as Ilorin and Lagos. Ultimately, \u003ci\u003eMalaika and the Seven Heavens\u003c\/i\u003e aims to foster a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity, inspire meaningful conversations that bridge cultural divides, and enrich our collective knowledge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Toyin Omoyeni Falola\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0472057677\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780472057672\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e University of Michigan Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/02\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 242\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.00lbs","brand":"Toyin Omoyeni Falola","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47425023639807,"sku":"9780472057672","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_252e4a52-c42d-4c95-baa6-2875f550df49.jpg?v=1761536476","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/malaika-and-the-seven-heavens-toyin-omoyeni-falola-9780472057672","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}