Meet Lil’Atfaal. An Islamic kids Magazine and brand that aims at bringing Islamic teachings and inspiration to children owned by Sheikh Jameel Ali and Sayeeda Ali. “Our magazines target children ages 3 to 11 and through the combined expertise of teachers and an Islamic scholar , we work to provide magazines filled with fun, interactive ,educational content that inspires learning for Islam.”

The name Lil’Atfaal has roots in the Arabic Language . ‘Atfaal’ means Children when translated and ‘Lil’ means ‘For’ . When placed together it forms the Arabic term , Lil’Atfaal, meaning ‘For Children’. “However, we added a play on words and added in the apostrophe after the first word as an indication for the trini slang ‘lil’ – meaning little, so the name can have 2 meanings… the arabic version or the inclusion of the trini slang, making it Lil’ Children.”

As for whether this is full time for the Lil’Atfaal, Sayeeda’s answer is yes and no. “It’s more or less a full time job . Being full time teachers and parents , it does require alot from us ; juggling work , kids and everything around .but our motivation comes from the love of what we do and the satisfaction knowing we’re doing something others will love ; all in enjoying it every step of the way . Time management is an issue with anything you do, but with proper planning, enthusiasm and support from loved ones anything becomes possible!”

So what inspired that start of this brand? “The story starts with a long striving dream, the enthusiasm of a husband and wife teacher duo and the love we both share for our religion. Being a lover of anything “words related” having studied English and Literature at University level, I’ve always dreamt of writing . Words are my comfort place, and ever since growing up I’ve kindled my love for writing and reading. Life carried on, and my husband also had these dreams, having studied abroad for 10 years and mastering Arabic language and specialising in Islamic jurisprudence, we both always thought of one day pubishing books in our own capacity. With children of our own, the idea sparked to share and create a magazine that we’d love for our children to use, and love even more for other kids to enjoy, hence Lil’Atfaal Magazine. We finally decided on go forth with it and with the help of a close friend who’s an amazing graphic artist, and motivation from loved ones , our dreams became a reality.”

When it comes to milestones Sayeeda admits that one of the biggest achieved to date is actually making the dream a reality. “Actually publishing the magazine and seeing it tangible is a big achievement for us.Another will have to be creating more than one edition. When we started we had no clue where or how far we would’ve gotten, and considering the constantly changing society we’re now exposed to, we’re very happy we’re able to go forth, though not without its hurdles. Expanding our availability will also be another milestone, as we’re in the process of exploring other ways of making the magazines available, online, regionally and internationally. Can’t let all the secrets out yet.”

Apart from milestones, there have been many lessons learned along the way as well. “We’ve learnt a lot in the few months of launching Lil’Atfaal and being entrepreneurs, and one lesson will have to be the ups and downs that comes with it. It is rewarding in its own sense, knowing that it’s all yours, but it requires avlot of time, patience and commitment. It needs nurturing and TLC in order to become everything you’ve dreamt of. In terms of Lil’Atfaal, it also requires hours of research, creating, writing and compiling to get a perfect finished product. Ensuring that every detail is worded, created, written and detailed to perfection. Being an entrepreneur requires patience and a lot of sacrifices and realizing that you have to give to be able to gain in your business, is also a lesson we’ve learnt.”

So with the brand well on its journey, what advice does Sayeeda have for those out there who may want to begin their journey as an entrepreneur? “You may be disheartened in the beginning but don’t give up. Strive towards achieving your goals and carry on. We haven’t reached there yet but we’re still striving onwards and keeping the faith.And this continuous drive wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement for a few loved ones closest to our hearts.”

Lil’Atfaal is unique for many reasons. “We would like to say the fact that we stand out as possibly the only Islamic Kids Magazine in Trinidad and Tobago and the region. This we tend to build on and make readily available for a wider auidence through various platforms. The fact that we lean on our religous expertise and background of Islam to be the forefront and aim of our magazine. Another would be the vibrancy and and colorful palette that is a reflection of our brand. We wanted to show the kaleidoscope of creativity that is Lil’Atfaal.”