The Minaret Letters Blog

Traveling with Intention: 700 Years Since Ibn Battuta’s First Voyage
June 2025 marked the 700th anniversary of Ibn Battuta's first voyage from Tangier, Morocco in 1325. At just 21 years old, he left home intending to perform Hajj and did not return for nearly three decades. What began as an act of worship became one of the greatest journeys in human history — across Morocco, Cairo, Damascus, Makkah, Persia, East Africa, India, the Maldives, and China. He covered more ground than Marco Polo and Zheng He combined. And he did it without GPS, without a return ticket, and without knowing... Read more...
From Research to Your Mailbox: The Journey of the Minaret Letters
If you’ve ever wondered where to find educational 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... Read more...
A Month to Soften the Heart: Reflections Before Ramadan
As we find ourselves just finishing the blessed month of Rajab and moving into Sha‘ban, our hearts naturally begin to turn toward Ramadan. Rajab has always felt like an invitation — a quiet knock on the soul — reminding us that something sacred is approaching, and that preparation itself is an act of worship. Sha‘ban offers us more time and grace: time to increase salawat, to forgive others, and to make up missed fasts and prayers.   These are the months when istighfar softens the heart. They remind us to... Read more...