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

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

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

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.

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.

Fantastic book! Both informative & inspirational.

To hear the words spoken by the author made the content even more meaningful! I highly recommend this book!

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.

I laughed. I cried. I listened. I heard

This is an important, well written story about Islam in America today told from the vantage point of a woman who has lived - and effected - the changes and reforms that are bringing Islam into modernity. Her personal stories will resonate with anyone living as a minority especially but not only mothers and women.

Leadership with Graceful Power

After hearing Sabeeha and her husband speak at Chautauqua I was fascinated with their method of interfaith work so I bought her book on Audible. My expectations were low thinking it would be more of the same. But NO! Her personal story details intrigued me every step of the way. Her commitment to living her faith as her heart and mind interpret Islam is most admirable. If a few of us Christians would study and contemplate the issues as she has done we could all stand stronger in our faith and values.
Then there is the passion in her voice that carries the listener on and on. No, it is not a professionally trained or even a high quality recording. But Sabeeha’s powerful commitment to live life fully and carry others with her comes through so beautifully that if a professional reader was used it would not be nearly as impactful.
And all this done as she Americanized herself and her family determined to be American Muslims living fully with in the American culture, tolerating flaws while working hard to enlighten all to the one God of us all. This is powerful leadership with grace!
Thanks, Sabeeha, for guiding me through life and making me feel a part of your family.

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!

What a delightful and honest book!

As a South African Muslim abroad I could almost Relate to it all. Well worth the time spent.
Well done! I will recommend this ...

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.

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!