The Farthest Lote Tree Bookstore

Discover a world of stories where the inner meaning of Ashura is brought to life. Our philosophy inspires us to produce rich stories that are not only engaging but also educational, where readers can learn the deeper wisdom and lofty values of Islam — Islamic philosophy and mysticism.

We aim to bring to life Shi’a Islamic thought and wisdom through imaginative educational materials that contribute to deeper understandings of Islamic ways of life. We hope to complement and enrich the lived traditions of Muslims living in a multi-cultural world and help introduce the philosophy of Islamic civilization in an accessible and enjoyable manner for people of all faiths and backgrounds interested in opening the door to an advanced and rich world of thought, imagination, and spirituality.

Our stories invoke a unique mode of storytelling that transports audiences to imaginary realms in fields ranging from fantasy and science fiction to spiritual realism as well as religious and historical narratives. From lay audiences and all members of the family to Sunday schools and educational centers wishing to incorporate engaging and rich reading materials, these short stories will be valuable for readers seeking to advance their personal understanding of Islam in a captivating and creative format.

The life of Imam Hussain is generally narrated — if at all — on the last few months of his life, culminating in his martyrdom on the plains of Karbala.

However, Imam Hussain was over 50 years old when he was martyred. He was born while the Prophet Muhammad, his grandfather, was still alive, and he was raised in his shadow.

He witnessed the turbulent leadership battles following his grandfather's death, the political opposition and sharp protest speeches of his mother, Sayyida Fatima, the short-lived caliphate of his father, Imam Ali, and the brief rule and subsequent virtual house arrest of his brother, Imam Hasan.

Through this platform, we bring to life Hussain's story through a historically rigorous and engaging literary narrative that focuses on the longer arc of the Imam’s life: his character, his values, and how he expressed those in the historical context of his time.

His message is as relevant for humanity today as it was during his own historical period. Hussain’s voice was not lost in the year 680 C.E. when he was martyred — it remains an Ark of Salvation and Lamp of Guidance for all those who strain to hear it.

Burning Every Day

A philosophically rich short story imbued with Islamic thought and mystical values, Burning Every Day tells the story of the Sun as she seeks to understand the truth of Ashura and the meaning of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala. Follow the Sun’s journey as she finds a unique guide and mystical companions who teach her about the meaning of life and help her understand how the sacrifice of Imam Hussain serves as an eternal light and moral lesson for people throughout time.  The spiritually engaging content of the short story together with the simple prose and captivating narration – brought to life through beautiful hand-drawn illustrations – makes Burning Every Day an endearing and educational work of literature suitable for people of all ages who seek the deeper meaning of their faith.

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When All the Horses Cried

What is the philosophy of Ashura? How does Imam Hussain teach us how to pray? Follow the story of two young horses, Foad and Noor, as they discover the meaning of Muharram through the wise words of their grandfather, Zuljanah. Travel on the life journey of the noble horse of Imam Hussain as Zuljanah takes you through his experience of accompanying the Imam throughout his life, including his journey from Mecca to Karbala – always being at the Imam’s side. This beautifully written short story focuses on the spiritual  awakening of the heart. It is a resonating work of literature that conveys the depth of Islamic philosophy and the principled values of the Imam to broad audiences interested in acquiring meaningful insights on the path of life.

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Crimson Earth

Travel across the ages with Lady Zaynab as she meets with various divine prophets and noble angels in a quest to explain the meaning of Ashura and her timeless statement on Imam Hussein’s sacrifice: “I only saw Beauty!” Witness a young bird struggle to take flight after she gets lost in the forest, encountering dangers and finding new friends who can help her on her journey home–revealing their companionship to the Imam. Crimson Earth, a collection of seven short stories, deals with the theme of Ashura and the mourning for Imam Hussain written by diverse authors. These stories range from narratives about love, loss, and tragedy aimed for adult and older audiences, to stories written through the eyes of children contemplating youth involvement on Ashura.

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The Spiral Clouds

The Spiral Clouds series is a five-part science fiction story following the story of this rebellion and its inheritance from the legacy of Imam Hussein and Ashura. It centers on spirituality and the larger purpose behind those who seek to thwart injustice. Enter the world of Nardeban and open the doors of your heart’s imagination to take part in a tale inspired by the sacrifice of Hussein and his message which defies time and space, racing far into the future and far across the stars.

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