Wael Abdelgawad Story Index
Pieces of a Dream, by Wael Abdelgawad.
Read Wael Abdelgawad’s novels, available for purchase on Amazon.com:
Pieces of a Dream! Compared to the online version, the novel is three times longer. How does Louis’s family react to his transformation? Who is the disturbing figure from his past who carries a grudge against him? How can Louis help his father escape a crushing gambling debt? These questions and more are answered in the novel. Available in paperback and ebook formats.
The Repeaters: A select group of men and women live hidden among us. They are known as repeaters, and they reincarnate again and again, growing stronger with each cycle. Now the repeaters are under threat from an ancient evil, and a 12 year old boy may be their only hope.
Zaid Karim Private Investigator: Zaid Karim’s private investigations business has been going downhill, his wife has kicked him out and won’t let him see his daughter, and his bills are overdue. When he catches a case to find a missing child, he discovers that the client has lied about key facts. Slandered on all sides, accused of theft, and wounded in a knife attack, Zaid vows to do one thing right in his sorry life – to find this child. His vow will take him into mortal danger, facing the threat of torture and death – and there will be no backing out.
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As-salamu alaykum. This is an index of my fiction stories published on this website. They are all part of a single narrative, so they make the most sense when read in the following order. Enjoy! – Wael
1. Pieces of a Dream
Louis is a war veteran and cab driver. One day he gives a ride to a Muslim woman and begins a conversation that will change his life.
2. A Lion is Born
Louis struggles with his attraction to Kadija and Islam. Would becoming Muslim be a betrayal of his country and his brother soldiers?
3. The Deal
Jamilah is a young Palestinian-American bike messenger in San Francisco, until her bike is stolen. Without it she cannot work. Desperate, she makes a “deal” with Allah – but can she keep her end of the deal?
4. Kill the Courier
Hassan is a bike messenger with a mysterious past. One day he makes a delivery to the Lebanese consulate and his past catches up with him with a vengeance. Now he’s fighting for his life and praying for the safety of his friends.
- Hiding in Plain Sight
- An Enemy at the Consulate
- Your Gun is Not Your Life
- The Sharpest Blade Ever Made
- Is it Other Than Allah That You Fear?
5. Dispatch Wizard
Muhammad is a young dispatcher at a courier company, content with his life of work, collecting toys and hanging out with friends. When his estranged and abusive father shows up out of the blue, is it more than he can handle?
6. Hassan’s Tale
Hassan’s story continues, as the truth about his past is revealed. Pursued by the Crow, betrayed by a friend, where can he turn?
- The Mountains are Muslims Too
- Bound for Canaan Land
- Born in East Beirut
- The Dalai Lama Goes Into a Pizza Shop
- Rough Way, Smooth Way
- The National Lottery
- The Teacher Appears
- Tel-Az-Zaytoon
- Caught
- Gaze on Istanbul
- A Tragic Flaw
- It’s Not What You Say
- Zero One One
- Positive Assumptions
- Buried Treasure
- Guns and Hazelnuts
7. Ouroboros
The final story of the series, featuring survival, love and death.
- Trapped
- That’s My Man Out There
- I Belong to Allah
- The Only End to the Road of Life
- The Crow
- The Tumblers Fall
- A Better Way to Live
- The Man Who Might Have Been
- Only God Helps or Harms
- A Western Sky
- The Year of Sorrow
- Lord of the Helpless
- Light After Darkness
- Country of Ghosts
- Find Someone, Lose Someone
- The Kopis War
- A Time to Live (& Epilogue)
Zaid Karim, Private Investigator
Zaid Karim is a an ex-convict and private investigator in Fresno, California. He is broke, separated from his wife and child, and facing a growing pile of unpaid bills. When he’s hired by an elderly Muslim couple to find their missing granddaughter, he quickly learns that the client has lied to him, and that finding the child will mean confronting the ghosts of his past, and risking his very life.
- Temptation
- Private Defective
- $40 in the Hand
- Be Somebody
- The Chair
- The Secret
- How Did My Husband Die?
- Badger
- Stash House
- Finding Tarek
- Zaid, the Son of Islam
- Fever Dreams
- The First Thing is Loyalty
- Panama, a Dream of Love
- Ougadiri Island
- Finding Anna
- A Mountain in My Mind
- A New Light
Death in a Valley Town
(This series is incomplete. I do plan to finish it eventually inshaAllah.)
Day of the Dogs
- Tiny Ripples of Hope
- Spiniflex Rubirosa
- The Attack
- You Are the Miracle
- Sorceress of the Forest
- The Curious Sensation of Pity
- The Underground Dream
- Rich and Poor
- All We Have to Do
- The Girl With the Golden Gun
- Reunion
- Love and Affection
- Never Be Your King
- If One Day I Am Shipwrecked
- DNA Doesn’t Lie
- The Weapon of the Believer
- Battle on the Bridge
- The Quality of Kindness
- Ximena’s Tale
- The Soul of a King
- The Eternal Life
- The Conch
All That Is In The Heavens
For twelve years, Captain Yasin “Cutter” Rahman has been a soldier in the war against a violent alien race that is determined to wipe out humanity. His body and mind are augmented, his reflexes inhumanly fast. But he is tired of fighting, and dreams of retiring to his home planet of NewMalaysia, to sit among the banana and mango plantations, and forget everything. Now, however, his commanders have dispatched him to a distant, mysterious moon from which no one has ever returned, and which could hold the key to winning the war. But Yasin Rahman is beginning to have doubts about everything: the mission, the war, and the history of humanity itself.
- Outnumbered, But Not Outgunned
- Because You Exist
- Battle on the Queenship
- Death of a Queen
- A Besar or a Kecil?
- The Priness and the Dreamcat
- Autodoc
- E for Empath
- Alive Not Because of a Pledge
- Danger Level Nine
- If A Tree Prays in the Forest
- Hero Is Just A Word
- By Faith Alone
- Bionic Basim
- Enjoy It While You Can
- The Imam’s Tale
- On His Own Terms
- Abuzaid’s Tale
- Bawah Dunia
- Attack In The Slipstream
- Nothing to Lose
(About 35 to 45 chapters anticipated)
Uber Tales (Real-life stories as an Uber and Lyft driver)
- A Driver’s Journal
- Hajjis, The Power Of Dua, And The Indigo Night
- Religious Debate, Alone With A Baby, Reacting To Racism
- Accidental Relationships, Passive Aggressive, and Supernumerary Angels
- Hospitals, Party-Goers And A Gun In My Face
- Colombia Edition: Life Is A Blessing, Altitude Sickness, The Old Man
- Drug Dealers, Hunters and Having Mercy
- The Ramadan in Colombia Edition
Short Stories and Plays:
- Gravedigger
- No, My Son (Author’s note: this is one of my personal all-time favorites)
- River Delta: A Love Story
- Searching for Signs of Spring
- Trump and the Holy Gobble
- No Strings on Me: A Hassan’s Tale Story
- Asha and the Washerwoman’s Baby
- My Best Ramadan: Four Stories of Ramadans Past
- Breakfast with the Khans, Act 1 – A Play
- Breakfast With the Khans, Act 2 – A Play
- Looking to Allah to Save Me: A Ramadan Poem
- The Covenent (A lengthened excerpt from The Deal)
- What is True, and What Matters
- Trust Fund and a Yellow Lamborghini
- The Bird
- A Wish and a Cosmic Bird: A Play
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 1
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 2
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 3
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 4
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 5
- NEW 2024: The Things He Would Say, Part 6
[Podcast] How To Free A Jinn & Other Questions | Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
Study Classical Texts the Traditional Way | Session 3
Processing Spiritual Abuse In Islam: A Comprehensive Guide For Individuals, Communities, And Organizations
Family Troubles Of The Prophets: A MuslimMatters Series – [Part I] Sibling Rivalries Gone Wild
Dear Resilient Soul… – A Message To Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Trauma
MuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff
Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
Keeping Our Children Safe From Predators: A Guide For Parents
From The Chaplain’s Desk – Reap The Rewards Of Being Mindful Of Allah
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 1] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
IOK Ramadan: The Importance of Spiritual Purification | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep30]
IOK Ramadan: The Power of Prayer | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep29]
aaron
March 7, 2014 at 6:52 AM
Read kill the courier – Really cool- Cant wait for the next bit!
Wael Abdelgawad
March 15, 2014 at 9:51 PM
Thanks Aaron. There’s more on the way!
Asiyah
April 14, 2014 at 5:05 PM
Do you publish each story every two weeks?
Wael Abdelgawad
April 14, 2014 at 7:15 PM
Weekly. Every Wednesday morning, Insha’Allah.
illhaam
March 25, 2015 at 5:21 PM
Salaams, was wondering if this story is discontinued? ? It’s been soooo long since the expected publication date…
Wael Abdelgawad
March 25, 2015 at 8:31 PM
illhaam, not discontinued, but not complete. I’ve been working on it, but slowly. I wrote about a page today. I’ve had a number of projects to deal with lately. I used to teach one martial arts class per week, but now I’m teaching three to five. My daughter is in 3rd grade now and she gets more homework, so I devote a portion of my time every evening to helping her. And I’ve been working intensively on my poetry lately. I don’t know why – I’ve been inspired in that direction. I can’t give a publication date right for the story right now. There’s still a lot to go, Insha’Allah.
Lastly, I feel some pressure to “get it right” with this story. This is the conclusion to the entire series, and I know the readers have high expectations. I’ve been reviewing the previous stories, making notes, perfecting the timeline, and generally trying not to mess it up, lol.
Ayesha
March 19, 2014 at 5:45 AM
When will Dispatch Wizard be published ? Eagerly waiting.
umme Ibrahim
March 19, 2014 at 9:19 AM
eagerly waiting for Hassan’s tale…. and Ouroboros… oh n yes Dispatch Wizard too, as I was really missing all the other characters from ‘The Deal’ and ‘A Lion is Born’……. plz plz lets see them soon!!
wael77
March 19, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Dispatch Wizard should begin today, Insha’Allah. Let me check with the staff, Insha’Allah.
Rabya
March 19, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Salam aleikoum brother Wael! So thats it? The story of Hassan is put on for now? Now I will have to go back and reread part 5 to get some closure.
Asiyah
March 21, 2014 at 5:29 PM
do you publish these stories every 2 weeks?
Wael Abdelgawad
March 21, 2014 at 5:54 PM
Every week. Currently every Wednesday.
Safa
March 24, 2014 at 8:17 PM
Jazaka Allahu khayran for the series, especially Hassan’s riveting character development and plot buildup.
Really good writing mashallah. Seems like a fiction from NYs best seller list; especially like the Islamic take on it and smooth insertions
Now Im hooked! can’t wait for every weeks piece
Wael Abdelgawad
March 24, 2014 at 11:49 PM
Safa, I appreciate your comment very much, especially since I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by life lately. Your words are encouraging.
The Salafi Feminist
March 25, 2014 at 10:33 AM
Please, please, please make all your stories available in proper pen-and-ink book format! I’d gladly pay for my own copy, because I just can’t do long-term reading on a screen :(
Wael Abdelgawad
March 25, 2014 at 1:17 PM
I will do so eventually, Insha’Allah. I was thinking that I’d go the e-book route first, then seek a print publisher.
The Salafi Feminist
March 26, 2014 at 6:31 AM
I’d recommend checking out a few mainstream Islamic publishers who already publish fiction – TaHa Publishers, IIPH (just starting out with fiction), GoodWords Press, Kube Publishers. I truly think that they would be glad to publish your work, and quickly! Especially if you can show them how well received your stories have already been online, mashaAllah.
Wael Abdelgawad
March 27, 2014 at 12:31 AM
TSF, thank you, that’s very helpful! Jazak Allah khayr.
Amel
March 27, 2014 at 4:44 AM
On my website, I maintain a list of Muslim publishers and links to writer guidelines that may be helpful:
http://muslimstories.net/author-guidelines/muslim-publishers/
I would also recommend Muslim Writers Publishing, which I have personally worked with in the past (although not under the current ownership). This company was started with the specific goal of publishing and promoting Islamic fiction.
Rema Nasaredden
March 28, 2014 at 1:52 AM
Started reading the deal a few days ago and now I’m caught up with all the stories! Can’t wait for more! Jazakallahkhair! Keep it up brother!
Ali White
April 1, 2014 at 6:28 PM
Al-hamdulillah, brother Wael. Almighty Allah has given you a mighty gift. Your stories have helped me to become a better Muslim. May Allah SWT bless you and your family always. Amiin.
Wael Abdelgawad
April 2, 2014 at 11:44 AM
Jazak Allah khayr for your kind comment, Ali. I’m glad you have enjoyed the stories.
mushmis
April 15, 2014 at 5:43 PM
I have a question for the author: what inspires the characters and events that occur in your stories. Also what advise would you give to young inexperienced writers?
wael77
April 15, 2014 at 5:51 PM
mushmis, the characters and events in my story are generally based on people I’ve known and things I’ve experienced, though imagination comes into play as well. Imagination, dreams, fantasies, things I’ve read, stories I’ve heard…
Giving advice to young writers could take up an entire post or series of posts – in fact there are plenty of books on the subject, and college courses as well. But if I had to choose just one point, it would be this: write. Write every day. Don’t wait for “inspiration”. Even if you’re just writing in a journal, or jotting down your dreams, or freewriting, write every day. Practice is key.
Roshanara
April 20, 2014 at 6:15 AM
Assalaamu’alaikum
Your last comment has struck a chord, i normally wait for the inspiration or the ‘moment’ hence i write very infrequently. Let me try your approach and see how that works for me inshaAllah
Great pieces of work mashaAllah. I would have thought they were extracts from published books. May Allah bless you further. Ameen
Fatma Salim
April 26, 2014 at 3:29 AM
I also love the fact that there is a dearth of clean islamic stories. Simply amazing.
Jazak Allah alf kheir and really looking forward to reading the rest
SZH
May 20, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Dear MuslimMatters.Org admins! Can you make the “mistake” of posting “The National Lottery” some hours before Wednesday? I am very much desperate.
:-D
mushmis
May 27, 2014 at 7:21 PM
Asalaama alaykum br Wael. Someone I know told me recently that they wished to write a science fiction novel. The problem is he has a concept but no story. I must admit what he’s come up with so far is pretty compelling. He has put a lot of focus into the main character of the story and developed him in detail. But is having difficulties coming up with a plot. My question is how do you develop a concept into a full blown story. Well actually I think it has the potential to become a series. Your expertise would be much appreciated.
Wael Abdelgawad
May 27, 2014 at 7:49 PM
mushmis, wa alaykum as-salam. You need conflict. That’s what creates tension and keep the reader reading. The conflict can come in the form of man against man, man against nature, or man against himself. If you have the character well developed, then you have a good start. Ask yourself, what does this character want? What is dear to him? What is his dream? And then take it away from him. Make his life difficult and painful. Give him a path to resolve his problem, and then when he’s almost here, knock him down again. And go from there.
Second bit of advice: read, and do so critically. See how famous authors do it. How do they create conflict? How do they create tension?
Lastly, study writing. Read writer’s magazines and “how-to” books. Develop your craft, step by step.
Umme khadeejah
May 28, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Is there goin to be a post today. Eagerly awaiting.
Wael Abdelgawad
May 28, 2014 at 10:16 AM
Umme khadeejah, it’s up.
Mudas
December 20, 2014 at 2:55 PM
Waiting eagerly for the last part..I keep checking every week just in case MM decided to surprise the readers with the next part!!! May Allah put barakah in your work, Br. Wael. I love the clean story line that I can recommend to my 13yo nephew. Plus, the struggles within each of us to connect with our Lord is so beautifully put in words and solutions offered that are quite simple, really. JZK
Meimuna
January 5, 2015 at 7:57 AM
Its already January Brother. When can we expect the next part. Am soo eager.
Wael Abdelgawad
January 5, 2015 at 3:38 PM
Meimuna, unfortunately it’s not ready yet. I was very busy during the holiday season with other things, plus my daughter was home every day and it was hard to devote time to writing. Insha’Allah I’ll be able to have something ready before the month is out.
Meimuna
January 15, 2015 at 3:47 AM
I was really looking forward to today. I have read the entire series and have recruited three other people and they are all looking forward to it. We will be patient as fans. Shukran
Umar
March 8, 2015 at 2:55 PM
Assalam Ualaikum brother Wael,
Take your time! I can imagine it isn’t easy being an author. Especially when you have family as well. You are also working on other things, I suppose. Just relax and take your time.
Jannah
April 4, 2015 at 12:30 PM
May Allah ease the affairs of brother Wael, bless him with good health & grant him multiple rewards for his da’wah projects.
We all look forward to your story brother. :)
Maya
April 4, 2015 at 12:48 PM
Ma shaa Allah; I love this story! I am an avid devourer of books, but I can’t really express how wonderful it feels to read a book with Muslims, who I can relate to. May Allah give you barakah and tawfeeq in your work, and in shaa Allah I look forward to a new generation of muslim writers taking the written world by storm.
Fatimah
May 6, 2015 at 12:56 PM
Asalamualaikum!
Thank you so much for this story.
zaa
May 15, 2015 at 11:19 AM
I have an insatiable curiosity & have devoured scores of books over the years so waiting for the last chapter of this series has me on edge. That said, it will be a bittersweet conclusion because this is one story that I just don’t want to end. I hope that your fans can look forward to more of your brilliant work?
Abubakar Sadiq
June 17, 2015 at 12:04 PM
Acctually it has taken a life time reading this book. I hope to finish this book before i graduate from the University.Br. Wael i sugest you write down one on campus life MSA or what we call here in Nigeria MSS.
You are extremely good in youth write ups. i will be glad to help with possible book outline. sorry i mean suggeted outline.
ummsabi
July 4, 2015 at 12:13 PM
Brother, the story was fantastic until Hassan let his friends leave his apartment. He tells them all these secrets and just lets them go without any security – makes absolutely no sense. He is fully aware of the dangers lurking out there. He keeps mentioning they are safe as long as they remain in his apartment then what justifies him just sending them off like that. I think you will have to change the last story titled “kidnapped” and make it fit the rest of the story. Thanks for a good read.
Wael Abdelgawad
July 7, 2015 at 2:51 PM
ummsabi, you’re right. I’ve been thinking this over for two days since you left your comment. I will do so, Insha’Allah. This will mean also making extensive changes to Ouroboros, which I’ve been working on, but the story has to make sense and flow naturally.
Umar
July 10, 2015 at 2:30 AM
Assalam ualaikum Brother Wael, will you be posting the entire purports at once or just one part. Just an eager reader wondering….
Wael Abdelgawad
July 10, 2015 at 3:03 AM
One part at a time, Insha’Allah. But it’s still a ways away.
Mummyjaan
August 13, 2015 at 3:58 AM
Wael, finish the story before people start forgetting about it.
Uzma
August 12, 2015 at 10:31 PM
Aslaamu alaikum
Pls pls finish the ourobouros story . I keep checking to see when it will be published here. I’m really looking forward to it. MashaAllah what amazing series of stories . I love them and will recommend them to others. JazakAllah khair
SZH
August 24, 2015 at 1:51 AM
Alhamdulillah! Checked the site after a long time and I am happy to see that you are finally working on Ouroboros. I was thinking to write an alternative ending episode to show my rage….
Thank you again, hope you are doing fine in your life.
Wassalaam.
Wael Abdelgawad
August 24, 2015 at 2:11 AM
Working hard on it. I’ve made tremendous progress since July, Alhamdulillah, and I think it’s safe to predict that you will see the first chapter of Ouroboros in late September / early October Insha’Allah.
I mentioned previously that I’ve been working on other projects. Another reason for the delay is that this is not just another story. It is the culmination of an odyssey, and I wanted to get it right. It was important to me to work out all of the plot details in advance, run it past my editor, and make sure that it said what I needed it to say.
SZH
August 27, 2015 at 1:29 AM
Yes brother, I remember that you told about the reasons. I am just reminding you that still there are people waiting anxiously for your master-piece! :-)
Just take your time and make really make it a master-piece.
sum
August 27, 2015 at 7:02 PM
Jazakallakhair for your efforts, so lovely to read such a riveting story with morals and deep thoughts ma shaa’ Allah. May Allah bless you, ease all your troubles and grant you Jannah
SZH
September 21, 2015 at 3:13 AM
Just to remind all of us…. “9 days of September remaining”. :-)
There’s no hurry, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. (This thing should better be classic like Rome).
B-)
AbdulRasheed
September 24, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Finally, hope for more the finish. I was worried that the series had ended. Always wanted to recommend to people but it seemed like it stalled and I didn’t want to disappoint them
Umar
September 29, 2015 at 10:38 PM
Will you be posting on Wednesday? Eagerly waiting!, can’t tell you how many times I’ve reread the entire series and just checked the website in general. So happy your going to post soon!! Keep up the good work and May Allah bless you for what you have done.
Wael Abdelgawad
September 29, 2015 at 11:16 PM
Yes, every Wednesday Insha’Allah.
Abdul lah Tahleem
October 10, 2015 at 6:04 AM
As salam Alaykum. I am a skilled writer who has only a strong desire to promote Islam. Truthfully I have no urge to write about anything else. My knowledge of the religion has brought many to the faith and I, Insha lah, will do great in explaining Islam in a clear way. So I was hoping, Insha lah, that I could do work through my writings while still having the time to further my knowledge Of Al’Lah (s.w.t) Are you in a position to offer any work at this time? It would truly be appreciated. Peace be with you in your desire to further the cause of Al’Lah.
Wael Abdelgawad
October 10, 2015 at 4:51 PM
Wa alaykum as-salam. I personally am not in a position to offer anyone work. May Allah aid you and increase you in your abilities and opportunities.
Abu j
October 19, 2015 at 11:03 AM
Alhamdhulillah. I think this fiction is well written. It could be a Hollywood blockbuster! But since, it is targetted at a Muslim audience specifically, why are the characters free mixing??? They seem to be portrayed as pious people, such as…Hasan, Khadijah and now Layth and Jameela…yet all i see is they are free mixing without any islamic ettiquets, shame and bashfulness…Couldnt you have kept the male characters separate from the females and telling their stories in different ways. If these stories are written, then atleast the author should have th eintention to give and bring the people to the deen and not just entertain people as an alternative to nonMuslim books. While neglecting seeking of ilm, learning, reading the Quran, Hadeeths, book of the scholars. As many for sure love to read these fictions yet are not bothered to read the Quran. JazakAllah khair. Keep it halal.
Wael Abdelgawad
November 11, 2015 at 9:38 PM
Jazak Allah khayr for your comments. I do not feel that there is any contact between the characters that crosses the Islamic boundaries of what is allowable.
My intention is to tell a good story about observant Muslim characters, and in so doing to share some of the experiences and lessons I’ve learned in life in a manner that keeps people interested. I’ve had readers tell me that the stories have renewed their Islamic spirit or given them a new outlook on certain Quranic ayaat.
However, if I were to write with the specific intent to call people to Islam, the quality of the story would suffer, and readers would lose interest. This is what happened to Tolstoy when he experienced a religious awakening late in life. The focus of his literature shifted to religion, and critics agree that his later works never reached the narrative power of his earlier books like War and Peace.
Fiction cannot serve as a da’wah book, at least not deliberately. The focus must be on character development and a suspenseful narrative. I think a great example of this is the Autobiography of Malcolm X. The author focused on telling a compelling story, and the result is a book that has brought many people to Islam.
There is also the question of whether fiction has any purpose in and of itself, outside of da’wah. In my first college literature class, decades ago, the instructor said that the purpose of literature is to broaden the range of human experience. Franz Kafka wrote that a novel must be an axe for the frozen sea inside us.
I think these viewpoints have validity. Good fiction is more than just entertainment. It can take us inside someone else’s heart and mind, letting us see their joys and heartbreaks, hopes and dreams. In this way we learn to see beyond the confines of our own selfish existence, and realize the universality of human suffering and aspiration.
Mummyjaan
November 11, 2015 at 10:32 PM
Eloquent answer.
Mummyjaan
October 19, 2015 at 7:25 PM
Ahahahhhaaaahahahahahahahahahaha
*pauses for breath
Hahahahahahahaha
I really enjoyed reading that comment. My laugh for the day.
Waiting to see the author’s reply :).
MJ
November 11, 2015 at 3:58 PM
Hey, isn’t the author going to address Abu J’s query on why the characters are inter mixing freely ?
It’s been weeks since the poor man commented.
abdelrahman
October 22, 2015 at 10:39 AM
now it showed up with no 404
thanks for the great story
and if you have time could it be every three days instead of every week?
Komal
October 28, 2015 at 12:21 PM
M feeling weak and dizzy… Because my weekly doze of the next episode isnt here ???
Bint Kaleem
November 11, 2015 at 1:23 PM
I’m so mad at the person who mentioned The Crow’s identity! I wish people held back and let everyone enjoy a good story without spoilers ahead of time.. Very disappointed!
Mummyjaan
November 18, 2015 at 4:18 PM
@ Bint Kaleem ,
Awww, pity I ruined the story for you. Too bad I can’t go back in time and Undo the damage. On the bright side, do you know what? I have matured so much in a year!
By the way, Brother Wael sure took his sweet time to delete my comment, which added to the misfortune. If the guess was correct, the comment should’ve been deleted immediately.
At the end of the day, sis, don’t grind your teeth too much over it. Maybe wudu and 2 rakat nafil will help, if the madness is getting a bit too much to handle ;)
Or try chocolate – always works for me!
————
@ Brother Wael, I’m hooked onto the story again.
It’s interesting enough to make our wednesday morning routines commence 10 minutes later than other days ;).
One request – Please don’t kill the Crow. And try to keep most of the important characters alive. It makes it more Bollywood-style, but really, keep it happy in the end. After all, who needs a sad story?
Wael Abdelgawad
November 11, 2015 at 1:30 PM
Sorry about that. I did go through later and delete all the comments that mentioned the identity of the Crow, so that it will not be spoiled for future readers Insha’Allah.
Bint Kaleem
November 18, 2015 at 3:07 AM
You don’t have to be sorry brother, it wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry if it came across that way.
It was a major plot twist. I wish people let everyone enjoy a good story without speculations/spoilers.
Abdullah
December 8, 2015 at 9:24 PM
Assalam ualaikum Brother Wael, I was wondering if there is an actual move like ghosting or something similar. If so, what is it called?
Wael Abdelgawad
December 9, 2015 at 1:14 AM
To tell you the truth Abdullah, I invented it based on an old film called Remo Williams, and the Matrix :-) There are a few elements in these stories that are not totally realistic, and this is one. Though, now that I think about it, a lesser version of ghosting might be possible. It’s well known that most shooters miss in conflict situations. It might be possible to move in a way that greatly reduces the odds of being hit.
SZH
December 9, 2015 at 5:18 AM
I am not being impatient, just want to remind you of a sea of readers waiting for the 12th part. :-)
Wael Abdelgawad
December 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM
As-salamu alaykum everyone,
I’m inviting your ideas for a new story about Layth.
I want to write a story about Layth that takes place after A Lion is Born and before all the action that starts in Kill the Courier. There’s a two month period there where Layth has converted to Islam, he is newly married, and has become friends with Hassan, Jamilah and Muhammad. I would like to set the story in that time frame.
Do you have an idea for a good story? Please write your idea here.
Amel
January 6, 2016 at 1:39 PM
As-salamu Alaykum,
Some ideas that come to mind:
1. Sometimes converts are so worried about doing everything right as new Muslims that they continuously choose the hardest path. Layth might go through a period like this before he learns the value of moderation.
2. You might have people in the masjid treat Layth with suspicion or spread rumors that he might be an informant.
3. If including things about Layth’s family, maybe there could be disagreements over holidays or whether it is okay to visit when alcohol is served.
Asiya
January 6, 2016 at 10:23 PM
^^^ great ideas Mashaa Allaah!
Wael Abdelgawad
January 6, 2016 at 11:48 PM
Amel, I have a storyline in mind now, but I will probably incorporate a few of the elements that you mentioned. What you said about alcohol got me thinking. Thanks.
Asiya
December 15, 2015 at 10:00 PM
Wa alaykum Salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa baraakaatuh
I think going deeper into his relationship as a new convert with his non Muslim family would be a good story. You could address the issues converts deal with in this regard.
Wael Abdelgawad
December 15, 2015 at 11:56 PM
Thanks for the suggestion, Asiya. Coming from a Muslim family myself, it’s hard for me to get the “inside track” on the family problems converts face. Perhaps I could do some research.
Asiya
December 16, 2015 at 7:18 AM
I understand. But that is honestly the first and only thing that comes to my mind about him in that particular time period. I know from my parents (1970s converts) as well as many convert friends that dealing with family is a huge issue that many new (and old) converts struggle with on a daily basis. I think I remember in an earlier chapter there was some allusion to things having become strained between him and his mom…or am I imagining that? Anyhow, I assume you have to do research for your certain parts of your writing anyway, right? Your choice, but I just really think if you went deep into his inner jihad (emotions), and perhaps even outer jihad (society, discrimination) as a new muslim and show us how he overcame it all to ultimately reach the ending of shaheed inshaa Allaah, that would really solidify the hero image for us readers. It would make him that much more inspirational. Inshaa Allaah.
Maftuna
December 16, 2015 at 8:16 AM
AA brother Wael,
Maybe you can read Umm Zakiyya’s books/essays online. Her books cover the issues coverts face.
Mohammed Fawzi A. Amadu
February 21, 2016 at 2:24 AM
Brother Wael,
Thanks so much for the wonderful story. I am wondering what the title of the work would be should you publish it.
I am in Ghana, and I enjoyed your book so much I want to share it would students in one of the schools I am acquainted with. I would want to have a title for it when I engage them about your book.
The reason I want to do that is that the story is captivating but more importantly it is infused with Islamic ethos.
May ALLAH bless you for your effort.
Ma’a Salaam
Wael Abdelgawad
February 21, 2016 at 4:41 AM
Jazak Allah khayr, brother. The work as a whole does not have a single name, as it is a series of stories, some of which are book length on their own.
As far as publication, at the moment I’m starting with Pieces of a Dream, adding some plot lines to it and expanding it to book length.
Abdullah Ahmad
October 7, 2016 at 7:37 PM
Assalamu Alaikum Brother Wael, what is the status of your pieces of a Dream story? Is it done yet? Almost done? Please update soon. Can’t wait any longer… ☺️☺️
Wael Abdelgawad
October 8, 2016 at 2:02 AM
Wa alaykum as-salam. I owe you an apology, because I was 95% done with the novel-length version of Pieces of a Dream – I literally had only one scene left to write – when I had an idea for a science fiction novel. I became obsessed with the sci-fi novel and have been working on it nonstop since June. It’s almost done now. I’ll finish it up Insha’Allah, put it out there, and then finish Pieces of a Dream.
Abdullah Ahmad
October 21, 2016 at 7:40 AM
Don’t worry about it. These things happen. Do you have a set date for the publishing of the Pieces of a Dream story?
Wael Abdelgawad
October 21, 2016 at 10:23 AM
No, but I estimate 3 to 4 months, Insha’Allah.
Abdullah Ahmad
December 1, 2016 at 2:14 PM
Assalamu Alaikum brother,
I have been reading this series over and over again for the past year, and I just noticed something. why was Hassan not questioned about why records stated that he died in the earthquake in San Francisco. At the airport, he is stopped by FBI agents that question him about what happened on Mission Street that night. If they know he is linked to the shooting, shouldn’t they also know that he is “Dead.”
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Sajeetha
September 11, 2019 at 12:36 AM
As Salam Brother Wael,
I was just wondering if there is a Part 2 to ‘To Kill a Muslim”?
Fatma Abdullah
April 13, 2020 at 8:39 AM
Assalamu alaikum Uncle Wael. Finally l have been able to write to you(l have had long since wanted so).
To emphasise, l absolutely love your writing: your novels. I do not find the kind of approach, content, background and characters l look for except in your fiction.
Just one request: *Please keep up with your novels. Your work means a lot to me.* There isn’t much – or should l say if there is any at all except a very little -of its kind out there.
You definitely should write more fiction. Your writings are simply all-inclusive. Ma sha’ Allah. May Allah keep you blessed always, and put barakah in your work. Ameen.
Wael Abdelgawad
April 14, 2020 at 12:04 PM
Fatma, wa alaykum as-salam. Thanks so much for your comment. I have three short stories in the queue here at MM, so stay tuned.
Fatma Abdullah
April 18, 2020 at 11:58 PM
Definitely.
I saw one, and l’m gonna read it. :)
Vendula
March 26, 2021 at 6:05 PM
Asalaamu alaykum,
I’m waiting for the next book after The Repeaters…any chance it’s coming soon?
Asiya
July 2, 2021 at 5:34 AM
As salaam alaykum brother Wael, Long time fans here (my kids and I). It’s been a long time since checking in here so it’s quite a nice surprise to see all this new material you have up. Congratulations on completing so much writing! And thanks too, because this is right on time for us for summer reading. One question though…what happened to the story about the muslim family that were moving into a new neighborhood? I can’t seem to find it. Have you taken it down?