An update and apology from Noor Kids

As Salaam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah,

Since the very beginning, we’ve introduced you to intimate areas of our lives, such as when Mohammed graduated and when I got married. Over the last year, we’ve also shared our family’s battle with cancer.

In this update, I wish to update you on our experiences, apologize for our shortcomings, and set expectations for the weeks to come.

The last year has been a rollercoaster.

March 6, 2013. On that day, I gained admission at Berkeley, Noor Kids Discover Patience was printed, and our family discovered that mom had cancer. Dr. Kubiak said we had a few short months.

Our world was rocked.

We pushed on the brakes in our professional lives, and instead focused on family. Mohammed and I moved home with mom and dad. We began to recite the Qu’ran with contemplation. We participated in nightly heartfelt conversations with God. Mohammed and I completed half of our deen through marriage. We went on religious pilgrimage.  And, most importantly, we began to reflect on life.

I will share these lessons in due time, but first, we owe an apology.

We have a lot to apologize for.

We made a commitment to our subscribers that we would provide four books per year. Over the last year, we have unfortunately fallen behind. Additionally, we’ve been more distant with you via Facebook and our emails. And lastly, while we pride ourselves in responding to emails within 24 hours, in some cases, it has taken up to a week for us to respond!

We sincerely, from the bottom of our hearts, apologize for this. We have taken this as an opportunity to learn. As we plan for the forthcoming year, we hope to rectify the situation. Here is what you should expect:

+ Books: Over the next year, we developed a roadmap to publish five books instead of four. In doing so, we will be able to catch up on some lost time. The quality of our new books will be better than ever, as we’ve recently partnered with additional children’s writers to help the good cause along.

+ Subscribers: For each subscription you own, rest assured that you will receive a total of four books. However, it may take longer than 12 months to receive all of your books. If you wish to instead cancel your subscription, send us a note at maaser@noorkids.com and we will process without any hesitation.

+ Engagement: We will begin publishing a quarterly email newsletter along with bi-weekly Facebook updates to provide you with the inside scoop on our organization, progress, and plans.

We’re getting started right away, but we need your help.

Mohammed and I are committed to starting on our goals right away. Over the next month, we’ll be showcasing sketches from our next publication, Noor Kids Take a Stand, a book focused on bullying. Further, we’ll be sharing a reflection on the lessons we’ve learned while battling cancer over the last year. And lastly, we’ll begin an effort to gain more formal feedback from you on how to improve.

However, we need your help. Specifically, for mom. Mom is in the battle of her life and is in need of prayers. If you and your family, can keep our mom – Shaheen Pyarali – in your duas, it would mean the world. Honestly.

Jazakallah Khair,
Amin G. Aaser
612.290.1071