• Threading My Prayer Rug

  • One Woman's Journey from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim
  • By: Sabeeha Rehman
  • Narrated by: Sabeeha Rehman
  • Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (79 ratings)

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Threading My Prayer Rug  By  cover art

Threading My Prayer Rug

By: Sabeeha Rehman
Narrated by: Sabeeha Rehman
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Publisher's summary

This enthralling story of the making of an American is also a timely meditation on being Muslim in America today.

Threading My Prayer Rug is a richly textured reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today. It is also the luminous story of many journeys: from Pakistan to the United States in an arranged marriage that becomes a love match lasting 40 years; from secular Muslim in an Islamic society to devout Muslim in a society ignorant of Islam, and from liberal to conservative to American Muslim; from student to bride and mother; and from an immigrant intending to stay two years to an American citizen, business executive, grandmother, and tireless advocate for interfaith understanding.

Beginning with a sweetly funny, moving account of her arranged marriage, the author undercuts stereotypes and offers the refreshing view of an American life through Muslim eyes. In chapters leavened with humor, hope, and insight, she recounts an immigrant's daily struggles balancing assimilation with preserving heritage, overcoming religious barriers from within and distortions of Islam from without, and confronting issues of raising her children as Muslims - while they lobby for a Christmas tree!

Sabeeha Rehman was doing interfaith work for Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the driving force behind the Muslim community center at Ground Zero, when the backlash began. She discusses what that experience revealed about American society.

©2016 Sabeeha Rehman (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Threading My Prayer Rug

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Wonderful story, ok production for audio

I loved hearing the author read her book, and I learned a lot from her experiences. I’m grateful to have been able to listen to it since it is only by Audible. The audio quality was not the same as other productions by publishers. She cleared her throat at least 3 times (not sure why that wasn’t edited out) and I felt like they needed to adjust something for her voice tone. She sounded like she was in a bubble. But I loved hearing her tell her story so it was worth it. ❤️ This was my first Audible book, so I hope the quality is better for other ones.

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A Vital Step towards Interfaith Bridge Building

Sabeeha's story of becoming an American Muslim engaged in interfaith dialog is a critical stretch of paving on the road to peaceful understanding and coexistence in America. But it's not just Sabeeha's sharing of her journey from Pakistan to New York City that is helpful, it's also the gems of religious reference she weaves into her narrative. Weave? Oh, yes. The prayer rug in the book's title refers not only to a physical tool of the Muslim faith, but also the metaphorical, or perhaps metaphysical, map of her journey. And please note this isn't a solo effort. Sabeeha may be the sole author of this book -- she penned it, and it is a memoir in her voice, of course -- but she also filled it with contributions from her husband, Dr. Khalid Rehman, lessons learned from her two sons, and countless interactions with the people who helped expand her vision and her community.

What else can I say? Well, as an interfaith minister (who practices a non-conventional tradition), I can tell you that we dearly need more voices raised in harmony with hers. Join her. Though the differences between religions might be numerous and important, there remain places within and between them where we can celebrate together. This book will show you some of them. And the sooner we all come to embrace these areas of overlap, the sooner we can become true neighbors as well as citizens, of the US and of the world.

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Great book!

I really enjoyed this book. It gave us a glimpse into Pakistani customs, the culture shock of moving to the USA, and navigating life as a Muslim woman. I thought it was funny in some parts, but sad in other parts. An all around great book!

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Amazing Becoming-American Story

Ms. Rehman tells the story of her life, and in the process, her story of becoming American, as well as her evolution from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim, as well as a part of the story of the growth of Islam in America.

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Wonderfully told story

So insightful and well told. Some parts of the recording could have been edited out (throat clearing and stumbling over words) but absolutely did not detract from the message. I have gained a newfound appreciation for the Muslim faith and Pakistani culture.

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Thoughtful, witty and sweet!

This is a beautifully told personal story that is highly educative, important and enjoyable. Loved the author’s narration on Audible, too!

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LEARNED SO MUCH!

I am not Muslim. but for the 3rd year I chose to observe Ramadan with a friend who is Muslim by fasting one day with her. This year, in addition to the 1 day fast I decided to read (or actually listen) to a book about being Muslim during the month of Ramadan. I began it the first day of Ramadan and I finished it on Eid. It was a wonderful story, beautifully told & well performed by the author who generously shared her life story. She taught me a tremendous amount about Islam being a Muslim and how one could take the teachings of Islam and move them into an American lifestyle. I truly recommend this book anyone seeking information about Islam. I particularly appreciated it being from a woman's viewpoint as well.

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This is a hidden gem

This book gives the reader insights into the American Muslim experience as well as how life in Pakistan changed over the decades. Beautifully read by the author.

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Highly Recommend!

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming memoir. Along the way, I also learned a lot about Islam, what it's like to be a Muslim in the U.S., and Pakistani culture.

I want people I know to listen to this audiobook to dispel the myth that Islam is a violent religion. This audiobook also inspired me to engage in interfaith dialogue.

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Beautiful memoir --exceptuonal read!!

I LOVED everything about this book. The easy, conversational reading by the author felt more like a personal interchange than a rote reading. I feel like if I met Sabeeha, I would want to hug her.
The story of her life. . with detailed, fascinating descriptions of the Muslim traditions and family culture...kept me "glued" to this read. I highly recommend it!!

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