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A Bolton-based neonatal nurse, Aiysha Kousar, 29, is making headlines with the launch of her unique colouring book, "The Self-Care Muslimah Era," designed to help Muslim women find relaxation and deeper connection with their faith.
Inspired by a friend's love for colouring and her own struggles to find personal time amidst a demanding career at Royal Bolton Hospital, Aiysha, who hails from Bury, conceived the idea of an Islamic-themed colouring book. "As women, we often neglect ourselves with work and family life taking priority," Aiysha explains. "When my friend said that she loved colouring, I had the idea of creating an Islamic colouring book – there doesn’t seem to be anything else like this out there."
The 35-page book is a thoughtful blend of self-care and spiritual reflection. It features uplifting quotes from the Quran alongside illustrations depicting Muslim women engaging in everyday activities, such as sharing coffee or exercising on a treadmill, all while wearing hijabs. Aiysha hopes these relatable images will resonate with women of all ages, helping them to integrate their faith seamlessly into their modern lives.
"It can be hard trying to integrate in the Western world while learning about our religion," Aiysha notes. "With this book, we can pause, reflect and reconnect. It provides an outlet for us to do that in a therapeutic way."
Beyond its primary audience, Aiysha also envisions the book as a fun and accessible way for non-Muslim friends to learn more about Islamic culture. Conscious of religious guidelines, she has meticulously ensured that the illustrations subtly avoid imitating the creation of Allah by not depicting faces.
"I’m just a normal woman who had an idea and I think it’s a beautiful concept," she shares, expressing her delight at the positive reception. Aiysha personally oversaw the printing process, ensuring the book's high quality and aesthetic appeal.
