Frequently Asked Questions

About Maktabah

What is Maktabah Bookshop?

Maktabah Bookshop is a Muslim-owned independent bookstore specializing in Islamic children's books, diverse Muslim-authored literature, and educational resources for Muslim families. We are based in Richardson, Texas, and ship across the United States. The name maktabah is the Arabic word for library — a space where knowledge lives.

Who curates the books at Maktabah?

Every title in our catalog has been personally reviewed and selected by our team. We carry books because they are worth carrying — not because publishers paid for placement. Maktabah is advertising-free and curator-driven.

Is Maktabah Muslim-owned?

Yes. Maktabah Bookshop is founded and operated by a Muslim family in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Supporting Maktabah means supporting Muslim-owned small business and the Muslim authors, illustrators, and publishers behind the books we carry.

Does Maktabah do school book fairs?

Yes. We bring curated Islamic book fairs to Islamic schools, weekend madrasas, and community organizations across the United States. Every book fair is stocked with titles that have been selected with intention — not just whatever is available. To inquire about hosting a fair, visit our contact page.

Our Books

What age ranges does Maktabah carry books for?

We carry books for every stage, from board books for babies (ages 0 to 2) through early readers (ages 6 to 8), middle grade (ages 9 to 12), young adult (ages 13 and up), and adult readers. We also carry parenting books, Islamic scholarship, and nonfiction for adults.

Do you carry books in Arabic?

Yes. We carry Arabic-language children's books and bilingual Arabic-English titles. Browse our Arabic Children's Literature collection for board books, early readers, and illustrated stories in Arabic.

Do you carry books about Ramadan and Eid?

Yes — this is one of our largest collections. We carry picture books, chapter books, activity books, and adult titles centered on Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Our Ramadan and Eid collection is especially popular for book fairs and classroom gifting during the season.

Do you carry books about the prophets?

Yes. We carry illustrated Seerah books, prophets' stories collections, and chapter books that bring the lives of the prophets to life for children of all ages. Browse our Hadith and Sunnah collection and our Children Prophets Stories titles.

Do you carry books about Palestine?

Yes. Our Palestine collection includes picture books for young children, graphic novels for middle schoolers, and adult nonfiction. We believe these books matter and we keep this collection well-stocked year-round.

What makes Maktabah different from buying Islamic books on Amazon?

Every book at Maktabah has been reviewed by someone who cares about Muslim children's literature. We stock titles that never make it onto Amazon's recommended lists. We support independent Muslim publishers, Muslim-authored books from major publishing houses, and emerging Muslim voices. When you buy from Maktabah, your money goes to a Muslim-owned business rather than a multinational corporation, and it helps us keep curating.

Orders and Shipping

Where does Maktabah ship?

We ship across the United States. Most orders are processed within 2 to 3 business days.

Do you offer local pickup?

Visit our contact page to ask about local pickup options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

What is your return policy?

If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we will make it right. Visit our contact page for return questions.

Gifting

What are the best Islamic books for a newborn or baby gift?

Our board books collection is the best place to start. Titles like Allah Knows All About Me, The ABC of Allah Loves Me, and My Touch and Feel Alif Baa Taa are all beautiful gifts for new babies and toddlers.

What are the best Islamic books for a 5 to 8 year old?

Browse our Early Reader (6 to 8 Years) collection. Strong picks include the Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian, Eliyas Explains by Zanib Mian, the Ruqaya's Bookshelf picture books, and titles from Learning Roots.

What are the best Islamic books for a Muslim child who doesn't think they like reading?

The Planet Omar series and the Eliyas Explains series are the two we recommend most often for reluctant readers. Both are funny, fast-paced, and written by Zanib Mian, one of the best writers working in Muslim children's literature today. Graphic novels like When Stars Are Scattered are also a strong entry point.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Visit our contact page and we will do our best to accommodate gift packaging requests for special orders.