The Jinn in the Clock

Author: Juwairiah Simpson

Grade Level: 5-7

Subject: Story

Rating: 3 stars

   “The Jinn In The Clock” by Juwairiah J. L. Simpson is a morally excellent story. It is about a storyteller named Duwairig who is a kind and helpful Muslim and a young boy named Zaid.  Duwairig lives with Zaid’s family in the Town of the Red Mosque. Zaid’s family respects Duwairig and they are impressed with the positive influence of his stories on their children.  Through his stories, he helps the children understand what it means to be a good Muslim. 

    Duwairig earns a living as a water carrier. Several weeks after staying in the Town of the Red Mosque, an old widow named Sayyida Ruqayya requested Duwairig to undertake a very important mission for her. The woman was very old and unable to undertake the journey she needed to. As she stood in her doorway with tears in her eyes and sadness in her heart, she said to Duwairig, “I need someone to make a journey of some two to three days’ distance south. My elder brother has died, you see. –Oh dear! And I have inherited his treasure and must attend to it.”

    Duwairig offers to help the old woman. He felt sorry to see her crying and in so much sadness. On his way home to Zaid’s family, a wonderful idea came to him.  He asks Abu Zaid if he would allow Zaid to go with him on his journey. Duwairig explains that he thinks it would be a great learning experience for Zaid.   Happily, Zaid’s parents agreed to let him accompany Duwairig. 

    Zaid and Duwairig set off on their journey to find the treasure. Their journey is filled with a lot of excitement and most important with valuable lessons for young Zaid.

    The book was well written and wonderfully illustrated by Ma’moun Sakkal, a world class artist. I think this book is appropriate for children ages eleven and older. I liked the emphasis on the importance of inculcating correct Islamic teaching in children. 

    However, as much as I enjoyed it, the story didn’t flow smoothly for me. In trying to include all the exciting events that occurred on their journey to the treasure and all the story telling the reader may find him or herself having to remember where the story is leading.  Overall, I think it a beneficial book to add to any collection.

Reviewed by Sr. Anna