FAQ

• Is this story available in print?

  No, this story is not yet available in any format.  Having thoroughly researched the industry, I believe that the best approach is to publish it digitally first. This approach has many advantages; the final product hits the market far more quickly; distribution is much broader; and the e-book or app is available at a lower cost, and it never goes “out of print.” I also retain all copyrights and can still bring it out in print, especially if the app is very successful (not as easy the other way around).

  Last updated: Thursday Aug 2, 5:34pm EDT
• How do I pledge?

  Pledging is very simple and it only takes a few minutes.  To pledge to a project, just click the green “Back This Project” button on any project page. You will be asked to enter your pledge amount and select a reward. From there, you will go through the Amazon checkout process. Note that you must finish the Amazon checkout process for your pledge to be recorded. 

  Last updated: Thursday Aug 2, 3:31pm EDT
• Once completed as an app, where will the lullaby be heard? Do I have to listen to the lullaby?

  No, you can elect to not "play" the lullaby (which only comes at the end of the app, AFTER the story ends).  Once this is an app, the opening screen will ask you how you want to view the book.  It will look something like this:

  1. Read to myself 2. Read to me (you turn the pages) 3. Auto play (automatically turns the pages) 4. Jump to the LullabyHence the Lullaby comes at the end of the story and you can elect not to play it.  The story itself will not have any music.  It will be narrated by a professional voice actor.  Or you can read it by yourself with out the "audio" option. 

  Last updated: Thursday Aug 2, 5:34pm EDT
• Is it permissible to depict the Prophet?

  Yes, many scholars say that it is.  In today's world children in general are denied access to the sacred in so much of what they see. Images are powerful and there is a reason why young children need "picture" books.  I knew from the beginning I wanted to depict the Prophet, in order to reach the very young and instill in their hearts and minds a solid love for him and the message he conveyed.  We were very careful to follow Islamic proscriptions regarding these things.  What you see on the Prophet is not his skin, but an artistic veil. Regarding the Angels, we only show their wings.  With Buraq, even though many classical Islamic miniatures depict him as a flying horse or donkey (following descriptions of him in Hadith literature), my illustrator mindfully emphasized him as a being of light.  

  Last updated: Sunday Aug 5, 9:49pm EDT
• Would you please explain the title, especially the first half "Meow, Meow, Maulana"?

  Yes, I would be happy to explain this title as it seems to have confused some individuals.  "Meow, Meow, Maulana" is a quote from the end of the book.  You see I crafted this tale as a story within a story.  The outer tale is about a mother cat and her kittens at bedtime.  The mother cat "Muizza," named in honor of one of the Prophet's cats (may peace be upon the Prophet), is reading a book to her kittens.  The book is about the life and Prophetic mission of our beloved Prophet (SAWS).  At the end of the story, when the seerah concludes, the mother cat puts her kittens to bed and kisses them goodnight.  Then she leaves the room.  The story concludes in the following manner:

  As soon as she left with a tip and a toe, 

  Came kittenlicious cries, a "please don't go!"

  “Meow, meow, Maulana! Please, momma, please!"

  So momma returned with love and with ease,

  Back to her kittens, just one more time,
  Muizza retold this blessed rhyme. 

  So you see, the kittens are calling out the honorary title "Maulana" in loving reference to the Prophet.  In the context of the story it is cat speak for, "Mommy, read us the story about the Prophet once more."  For if animals told stories they would definitely include the stories of the Prophets :)

  According to some traditions the Prophet Muhammad had a great love for cats, especially his Muizza.  According to one legend, the Prophet once reached for his robe to wear for prayer and discovered Muizza sleeping inside.  Instead of disturbing his favorite cat, he cut off the sleeve so the cat could remain soundly asleep and prayed in the torn robe.  Isn't that a precious image?

  Last updated: Tuesday Aug 7, 10:02pm EDT
• Is there a reason the final ebook / app isn't one of the rewards?

  Yes, there is a reason why I haven't offered the bookapp/ebook itself (or a credit) as a reward. It is true that one sees others offering this on kickstarter. However, many project managers fall behind on their promised rewards, and I have a feeling this one of the more common failings.

  I have done a great deal of research regarding the best app developers. The developer with whom I have already begun a relationship, works on a shared cost/revenue structure. In entering into a business relationship with them, I cannot ask them beforehand to give out free or discounted copies. This book, should the funds be secured, isn't entirely a self-published endeavor. It will be published under the name of the developer.

  So the long and the short of it is that I do not want to offer anything that I do not know for a fact that I can deliver. Especially as regards something pertaining to our beloved Prophet (SAWS), since when it comes with my relationship with the donors I am no better than my word.

  Last updated: Saturday Aug 11, 11:30pm EDT