Cinderella

Many children will be familiar with the classic version of Cinderella although it should be noted that it appears as a global phenomenon existing in diverse cultures (see: Gross, I.L. (2001) Cinderella tales from around the world, New York: Learning through an Expanded Arts Program). Perhaps at the heart of its appeal are the triumph of good over evil and its strong sense of justice.

The author retains certain traditional features characteristic of fairy tales. Zahra is presented as beautiful as the crescent. She keenly reads the Qur’an and daily prayers with her parents. Unfortunately, calamity upon calamity befalls this ideal Muslimah err Cinderella.

Mistreatments are meted out to her by her stepmother and two stepsisters after her parents’ death, thus, showing the ugly side of human behaviour. In these predicaments, Zahra finds comfort through spiritual endeavours. Consequently, living as a maid with her conniving step family, Zahra finds hope and faith outside the fold of dreams and wishes. Amazingly, the more her difficulties increase the stronger her iman grows.

An invitation card arrives for the [id party and the story continues along expected lines although Zahra responds to taunts following the teachings of Islam. Then there is a dramatic twist. Until this point, Zahra believed her grandmother had died whilst on tiajj. However, one night she sees her in a dream.