Date Palm Tree, a digital publishing house established in 2023 by Mostofa Alam and Kamrun Nahar, seeks to foster creative writing among young Muslim authors in Western Sydney. Within just two years, this initiative has transformed into a vital resource that enriches the lives of young Australian Muslims and provides them a platform to express their identities through literature.
Inspiring a New Generation of Writers
The founders recognized a significant gap in suitable reading material for Muslim children in their community. “Forty percent of Australia’s Muslim population were born and raised here, and that figure will continue increasing every year,” Mr. Alam stated. This awareness prompted them to create a platform that would amplify voices from diverse communities and nurture young talent.
In collaboration with Story Factory, the couple launched writing workshops in 2022 for children in the Rooty Hill Muslim community, including their own children and friends. The positive response from parents and local schools led to the publication of “Inside Our Thoughts,” a collection of stories written by thirteen young Muslim girls from Rooty Hill. The success of the book and a generous launch event hosted by the Australian Islamic College of Sydney (AICS) motivated Alam and Nahar to continue their mission.
In 2023, they established the Date Palm Tree platform, expanding their reach to young Muslim authors across Australia. During Ramadan 2023, they organized a story-writing competition themed “My Mother,” which attracted participation from 300 children across 30 schools. This initiative culminated in the publication of their second book, showcasing heartfelt tributes from young writers about their mothers.
Building Community and Literary Skills
Date Palm Tree’s efforts extend beyond mere publication. The platform aims to support emerging writers through workshops, mentorship programs, and writing prompts. It also features interviews with established authors, book recommendations, and literary reflections designed to inspire and connect readers. The name Date Palm Tree is derived from a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (s), highlighting growth, resilience, and the ability to benefit others.
Looking ahead, Alam announced plans for further collaboration in 2024 with the United Muslims of Canberra. They will run the story-writing competition “In His Footsteps,” focusing on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (s). The compilation of these stories is expected to be published as an eBook shortly.
The website also includes an engaging “Quiz Corner,” offering a variety of quizzes related to Islamic literature and culture. This interactive section aims to provide educational entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Alam’s commitment to nurturing young talent transcends publishing. He envisions establishing a network of researchers, authors, and editors to provide feedback and conduct online workshops. By collaborating with Islamic schools and engaging with educators, he hopes to broaden the platform’s audience and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
A notable example of early talent is Nahyan Shazil, a ten-year-old poet from the Sydney Muslim community. Nahyan began writing poetry at age seven and has since published his first book, impressively before turning nine. His achievements exemplify the potential of young writers nurtured by initiatives like Date Palm Tree.
Date Palm Tree serves as a vital resource for young writers, allowing them to flourish and share their creativity. Parents and aspiring young authors are encouraged to explore the inspiring stories and voices showcased on their website, www.datepalmtree.com.au. This initiative not only fosters writing skills but also celebrates the rich cultural narratives of Muslim youth in Australia and beyond.
