From Paganism to Islam: Exploring Middle Eastern Heritage Through Fiction A Historical Novel’s Journey
Why do so many histories leave out the voices of those who lived them?
The rich and complex history of the Middle East is often reduced to stereotypes or overlooked entirely. Stories of cultural transformation—like the shift from Paganism to Islam—are rarely told from the perspective of those who experienced it firsthand.
Growing up, author Aida Afaf heard stories from her father about the Arab world’s vast contributions to civilization. Yet, she never saw these stories in books, movies, or school. This erasure sparked her mission to change the narrative and give voice to the untold perspectives of history.
In this episode, Aida shares the inspiration behind her award-winning novel, In the Shadow of the Prophet, a historical fiction story exploring the transition to Islam through the eyes of two sisters. Their struggles, fears, and transformations bring history to life in a way that textbooks never could.
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