From Paganism to Islam: Exploring Middle Eastern Heritage Through Fiction A Historical Novel’s Journey

Why do so many histories leave out the voices of those who lived them?

The rich and complex history of the Middle East is often reduced to stereotypes or overlooked entirely. Stories of cultural transformation—like the shift from Paganism to Islam—are rarely told from the perspective of those who experienced it firsthand.

Growing up, author Ida Eff heard stories from her father about the Arab world’s vast contributions to civilization. Yet, she never saw these stories in books, movies, or school. This erasure sparked her mission to change the narrative and give voice to the untold perspectives of history.

In this episode, Aida shares the inspiration behind her award-winning novel, In the Shadow of the Prophet, a historical fiction story exploring the transition to Islam through the eyes of two sisters. Their struggles, fears, and transformations bring history to life in a way that textbooks never could.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now!

Topics Covered:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Exploring Middle Eastern Heritage Through Storytelling 

10:00 - Storytelling as Resistance: Reclaiming Middle Eastern Narratives & Global Awakening

20:00 - From Social Media to Storytelling: Building a Platform for Global Change

29:00 - Conclusion

Connect with A. Afaf:

• FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Afaf/61550728840770/ 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/intheshadowoftheprophet/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intheshadowoftheprophet?_t=8fKzxFu7WjT&_r=1 
• Website: https://www.shadowoftheprophet.com/ 

Connect with Edina Mauvana

• Website: www.edinamauvana.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edinamauvana 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edinamauvana/ 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edinamauvana 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/edinaboh 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntotheLightwithEdina