INTERVIEW Rahla Khan interviews British Muslim author and publisher Nai'ma B. Robert ‘A story about Ramadan, reputation, rebellion and redemption. A story of a twin brother and sister, 16, and the first Ramadan during which they are trying to be better Muslims and how their past lives are determined to claim them back.' Sounds interesting? Of course it does… especially when the story in question is the plot of a new book by internationally-renowned writer Na'ima B. Robert. Nai'ma's publishing venture (Sisters magazine) and earlier books (‘From My Sister's Lips', which has been translated into Arabic by Obeikan publishers and ‘From Somalia with Love') have received glowing reviews, setting the bar high for her latest ‘Boys vs. Girls.' released on July 15. In a recent online interview, Na'ima speaks about what makes her tick as a writer, how books can break barriers, why reading is important for Muslim youngsters and when being a ‘Superwoman' is a hard balance to achieve. Excerpts: Q: How do you feel about popular fiction like Twilight hijacking as it were the Muslim teen consciousness? Na'ima B. Robert: How about them hijacking the teen consciousness, full stop! It is a very complex question. On the one hand, our youth have their families' expectations, if they are in the Arab/Muslim world, they also have societal expectations to contend with. And there is the Deen and the rules they must follow at a time in their lives when they are struggling with confidence issues, identity issues, relationship issues… a festival of the Nafs (self), if you like. And on the other hand, they've got all this ‘really cool stuff' being sold to them, be it through the movies or music or books. This is stuff that is appealing because it is fun and cool and easy (on the surface). So, essentially, a lot of our youth are not much different from the young people going crazy over Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and books like Twilight. Their situation is just more complex because they can't really ‘get into' that stuff 100% due to a variety of factors, depending on their character: their own Islamic moral compass, or peers or ‘gatekeepers' like parents, relatives, teachers, community leaders etc telling them that this stuff is actually no good for them. Q: That's true… so what's a young Muslim to do? Na'ima B. Robert: I always say that every person has to ‘accept' Islam for themselves – they have to CHOOSE to submit, off their own back, not because they come from a Muslim family or any other reason, but for themselves. And get a sense of perspective about their time, how they are using it, where they would like to be in a few months or years' time and work in constant self-improvement and preparation for the rest of their lives. It's up to us adults to provide them with better alternatives so that those who want something different can have it and those who are borderline can be persuaded. What I tell my teen reader friends is, if you're looking for good read that isn't all about boys and vampires, go classic, go historical, go global, go serious. Almost all the teen girly books are obsessed with boys, boys, boys… You need to read more mature books to get away from that content, ironically enough, but don't read trash! Read quality, well-recommended literature, not nonsense that sells millions and stay away from stuff you know is going to be a Fitnah (trial) for you or for your Islam, for e.g. bodice-ripper romances, magic etc. Q: What would you tell people who think fiction – all of it – is a waste of time? Na'ima B. Robert: Too much fiction is a waste of time! Too much sport is a waste of time… too much eating... well, we know about that! Steering clear of the religious discussion, I'd like to say that I think ‘good fiction' is a learning process. Learning about yourself, about others' lives, about other times or cultures, for some, learning new ways of expression, language etc. A book should leave you edified, inspired, a little wiser about life… that is how the best books leave me. And reading critically is an intellectual exercise – you just have to keep your Islamic wits about you. Don't over indulge – balance it with your own Islamic study and get used to reading non-fiction as I believe that being able to appreciate and understand works of non-fiction makes you more knowledgeable, more interested and more interesting: a great person to have over for dinner! Q: I notice you have book recommendations for youngsters on a website (muslimteenauthor.blogspot.com). What are the kind of books you'd recommend? Na'ima B. Robert: A great book for teens is Sean Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Every Muslim teen should read it! What I wish for our youth is engagement. Nowadays many of our kids have no interest in anything other than what pop culture feeds them. This is wrong – there is way more to the world than Mtv and books open up those doors, doors that would otherwise remain closed. But of course, you have to be selective. Read the World is an attempt at opening young readers' minds to the world out there, to learn about and engage with other cultures, to cultivate an understanding of other people. I cannot count the number of times I have met someone (from China, Senegal, New Zealand) and been able to connect with them because I read a book about their country. It's powerful and we as Muslims should be able to occupy that space too. All my books, all my work is about that: introducing Muslims and Islam so that, when you meet a covered Muslim woman, when you meet a Somali, when you meet an Asian Muslim youth, there is a kinship there, an understanding. That is why I write in the mainstream: to reflect who we are and, hopefully, build those bridges of understanding. Q: Do you think translation helps? Na'ima B. Robert: Translation is king! If this generation does not or cannot read in its mother tongue, that language – be it Urdu or Somali or Arabic – is on its way to extinction. Of course, fluency in English is important in today's world but not at the cost of our native languages. We have to get over this infatuation with English as the mark of all things great and good. Q: What do you feel about the youth aspiring to everything from the West including values, while trashing their own? Na'ima B. Robert: This is because they believe in the dream that is being sold via satellite, but the reality is much different. You'll learn more about the US by reading Malcolm X's autobiography than you will by listening to 50 Cent, I'll tell you that. Q: Now that the youth have this impatience with books (generally) and would rather watch movies or play computer games do you see Muslim authors breaking ground in the future? Na'ima B. Robert: I believe that books will survive, be they on Kindle or as e-books or audio books and I think parents will always prefer their kids to read books than play computer games so, Insha Allah, we can count on their support. The written word is powerful in so many different forms. To be able to express yourself fluently and persuasively is a skill that will stand you in good stead in any chosen career. Whether it's Da'wah, journalism, creative writing, report writing, research and academia or just plain keeping a record of things, or keeping in touch. Good writing will elevate your work to a higher level. There are a whole host of career choices related to writing and, to be honest, some are easier or more Shari'ah-compliant than others. You just have to research your options but I think the potential is massive. Q: One last question: How do you balance your work and family life? Na'ima B. Robert: With great difficulty! Alhamdulillah, whatever I get done is by the grace of Allah. Secondly, I have an extremely supportive and patient husband. Having said that, I find it virtually impossible to write during the day. So I am a total night owl. I grew up believing that I could be Superwoman and have it all but I'm not sure I believe that anymore. Something's got to give I'm afraid, so you just have to make your choices and set your priorities straight. Alhamdulillah, the Deen is good for that.