What is CrescentTales?

CrescentTales is a free Islamic storybook platform for Muslim families. It offers 30 illustrated Ramadan bedtime stories, weekly Friday stories, and Islamic children's books — all designed for kids ages 4-9 to read with a parent.

Is CrescentTales free?

Yes. All stories on CrescentTales are completely free. There are no subscriptions, no ads, and no paywalls. CrescentTales also publishes children's books on Amazon for families who want a physical copy.

What age are CrescentTales stories for?

CrescentTales stories are written for children ages 4-9, designed to be read aloud by a parent or caregiver. Each story covers Islamic values, Prophet stories, and traditions in a warm, age-appropriate way.

What topics do the stories cover?

Stories cover Prophet Muhammad's life, Quran stories, Sahaba adventures, Islamic manners, Ramadan traditions, duas, and good deeds. Every story is reviewed for theological accuracy across Islamic traditions.

What duas do kids learn on CrescentTales?

Kids learn 30 different duas including Bismillah, dua when leaving the house, dua before eating, dua before sleeping, dua for breaking the fast, SubhanAllah, the Tasbih of Fatimah, the Laylatul Qadr dua, and the Eid Takbeer — each with Arabic text, transliteration, and meaning.

The News on the Road

Night 5 of 10 • Courage word: Integrity

Telling people the whole truth, even when it is hard, so they can make a real choice.

The Story

At first, Muslim ibn Aqil sent hopeful news from Kufa.

Many people had welcomed him and promised to help.

So Hussain left Makkah with his family and companions and began the long journey toward Kufa.

Near sunset, two travellers caught up with the caravan.

They had spoken to someone who had just left Kufa.

They carried painful news, and Hussain stopped to listen.

Many who had promised to help Muslim had been frightened away.

Muslim ibn Aqil and his loyal supporter, Hani ibn Urwa, had lost their lives.

Hussain remembered Allah and prayed for mercy upon them.

At the next stop, Hussain shared the news with everyone.

He did not hide what had changed. Much of the support in Kufa was gone, and the road ahead was dangerous.

Then Hussain gave everyone an honest choice.

Anyone who wished to return could leave freely, without blame.

Some who had joined along the road chose to go, and Hussain let them leave.

By morning, a smaller group remained.

They knew the truth and still chose to continue.

That is integrity, telling the truth so others can choose freely.

What would they face on the road ahead? 🌙

Family Discussion

Hussain shared the difficult news so everyone could choose what to do next.

Have you ever needed courage to tell the truth? What helped you?

Sources: Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. XIX (The Caliphate of Yazid ibn Mu'awiyah), trans. Howard, ~p. 89 — the men of Banu Asad bringing news at al-Tha'labiyyah; Hussain's announcement at Zubala of the deaths of Muslim ibn Aqil, Hani ibn Urwa and Abdullah ibn Yaqtur; permission for any who wished to depart, Shaykh al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, trans. Howard — 'The Continuation of the Journey': the Zubala announcement and the guilt-free permission to leave, Abu Mikhnaf, The Event of Taff — 'The Stations on the Way to Kufah': the oral news on the road and the stations between Makkah and Kufa, Dr. Omar Suleiman, 'Husayn ibn Ali: Redefining Victory in Karbala' (Yaqeen) — Sunni presentation: Hussain informed the travellers of the changed circumstances and freed anyone who wished to leave, without blame, Qur'an 2:156 — 'We belong to Allah, and to Him we return' (the istirja' Hussain turned to on hearing the news)