From Research to Your Mailbox: The Journey of the Minaret Letters

If you’ve ever wondered where to findeducational Islamic history letters in the U.S. — something both beautiful and meaningful for your family — you’re not alone. Parents, teachers, and lifelong learners often search for Islamic historical stories that bring the past to life. The Minaret Letters were created to do exactly that: to deliver authentic stories of our history and heritage, straight to your mailbox each month.

Each envelope carries more than just a story — it’s a small journey through time, art, and discovery. But how do these letters come to life? Let’s take you behind the scenes.

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Choosing Each Month’s Story

Every letter begins with a single question: What piece of history deserves to be explored this month?

Some months explore great centers of knowledge like Baghdad, Timbuktu, or Al-Andalus. Others uncover the stories of forgotten inventors, explorers, and libraries that helped shape the world. Each topic is chosen to spark curiosity, connection, and pride — reminding readers that Islamic history is full of adventure, creativity, and wonder. Every letter connects to the next, following Aali, our curious traveler, as he journeys from one place to another — each destination inspiring the next, weaving all the stories into one continuous voyage through time.

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Where Inspiration Comes From

Sometimes inspiration begins with a children’s book and then deepens through a scholar’s translation of a 9th-century text. Other times, it’s sparked by current world events, or the intricate design of a forgotten coin. The research behind each letter is both deep and wide — starting with online searches for books, scholarly discussions, translatable texts, and often leading to hours spent reading, comparing notes, studying old maps and historical archives that bring each story to life.

Each month is a journey of its own — blending our character into the present day and then transition to historical accuracy with storytelling that feels alive, personal, and full of heart. 

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The Writing Process

Some stories begin in notebooks as quick notes to what our character may be seeing or feeling, and then take shape directly on the computer. The process is both historical and creative — a careful balance between research and readability. Every detail is considered: which moments bring the world of the story to life, and which might distract from its essence? The goal is always to make the past feel real — not distant or abstract, but tangible and human.

Each letter goes through several stages of writing and revision. The aim is to keep every story within 800–1000 words — enough to capture its depth without losing its heartbeat. It’s a challenge, since each tale holds so much history, but that limitation forces every word to count.

Illustration & Design

Each Minaret Letter is paired with a hand-illustrated artwork that breathes life into the story — capturing not just what happened, but how it might have felt to be there. These illustrations go beyond visuals; they serve as windows into another time, helping readers sense the texture of ancient walls, the hues of forgotten landscapes, and the emotions etched into history. Through digital art, we aim to make each scene a bridge between imagination and knowledge — where learning becomes something you can see, feel, and remember.

We would love to hear your thoughts on it. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to share your experience with us.