Book Club Kit Questions
The Garden of My Imaan
By Farhana Zia
1. Near the end of the book, Aliya’s grandmother tells her the story of “the garden of my imaan?” What is the significance of this garden? Why do you think the author chose this title?
2. Recall the instances of racism and prejudice that Aliya and her Muslim-American friends experience in the story. Have you personally encountered these things? Why do others treat Aliya and Muslims this way? How does it make Aliya feel, and how does she respond?
3. Early in the school year, Marwa, a Muslim girl from Morocco, begins attending Aliya’s school. How are Marwa and Aliya similar? How are they different?
4. Both Aliya and Marwa are victims of bullying at school. Why are they bullied and how do they each respond?
5. The school principal selects Aliya to help Marwa settle in at school and expects her to make her feel welcome. How does Aliya behave towards Marwa initially and why? How does Aliya’s behavior change as the story progresses?
6. During Sunday worship at the Islamic Center early in the book, Aliya prays, “O Merciful Allah. Help me be less of a fraidy cat, please.” Why does Aliya see herself as a “fraidy cat”? Do you think she becomes brave? If so, how?
7. Aliya’shome life includes her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Describe each of these women. How do they influence Aliya?
8. Considering Marwa’s campaign speech and posters, how didMarwa’s campaign for classroom representative differ from Aliya’s and Julianna’s student council campaigns? Do you thinkMarwa’s campaign philosophy determined the outcome of her classroom election?
9. Why did Marwa suggest that Aliya focus on Islam for her class project on celebrating differences?
10. What did you know about Muslims before reading this book? Did your understanding of Muslims change after reading this story? If so, in what way?