Under the Full and Crescent Moon by Aamir Hussain

In this beautiful book, Hussain has crafted a coming-of-age story about the daughter of a respected jurist, whose fatwas provide clarity on the cultural and social laws of their Muslim city. A work of historical fiction, the setting is a place Hussain has imagined where matriarchy plays an important role. In this envisaged city, the impact of slavery and religious wars has meant that the male population has been decimated and women have filled the gaps by assuming leadership control. Hussain upends the political process in his city by making the Iman a female character who chairs a monthly advisory meeting called the Circle of Mothers. This is an entirely democratic process, whereby community matters are discussed and voted upon by all members of the female-only group. In an interesting aside, the women dress in their finest clothing, and style their hair and make-up in carefully orchestrated demonstrations of sisterhood and belonging. Additionally, each of the women develops her own blend of ingredients to create a personalized perfume, and these fragrant statements clearly represent the importance of female power and individuality.

Hussain upends the political process in his city by making the Iman a female character who chairs a monthly advisory meeting called the Circle of Mothers.

Khadija is the main character, who has been well tutored by her widely respected and widowed father. He is a liberal jurist who understands the teachings of the Quran and Sharia law in the context of openness and practical lived experience. When he suddenly dies, his job is filled by a more conservative mufti who wishes to undermine the liberal community and the influence of its strong female leaders. Khadija is incensed by his approach and begins to challenge his fatwas by re-issuing fatwas written earlier by her father. Doing so draws her into conflict with a powerful man and eventually leads her to compromise personal ethics and morals in order to help preserve the community’s values.

Through Khadija, Hussain interrogates some of the teaching of the Quran, including interfaith marriage, hijabs, contract law, and forms of leadership. He does so with care, openness and respect. In the afterword, Hussain indicates that many such discussions took place historically and resulted in a set of core faith practices. Hussain carefully balances such discussions with the story of Khadija’s maturity and growth. Her entry into the female network of power and support is quite moving and provides insight into the expectations of a community where faith and power are so tightly entwined.

Through Khadija, Hussain interrogates some of the teaching of the Quran, including interfaith marriage, hijabs, contract law, and forms of leadership. He does so with care, openness and respect.

Rich with historical details, fluid writing, romantic tension and an interesting plot, Under the Full and Crescent Moon will draw readers into a world that is not only defined by its strict moral code but also one filled with passions and the awareness of beauty. An engaging tale by a masterful storyteller.

Aamir Hussain was born into a family of strong women in Pakistan, grew up in Saudi Arabia, and moved to Canada when he was fifteen years old. He works in the tech sector in Toronto. Under the Full and Crescent Moon is his debut novel. He lives in Milton, Ontario.

Publisher: Dundurn Press (September 23, 2025)
Paperback 8″ x 6″ | 288 pages
ISBN: 9781459754447

Lucy E. M. Black

Website

Lucy E.M. Black (she/her/hers) is the author of The Marzipan Fruit Basket, Eleanor Courtown, Stella’s Carpet, The Brickworks and Class Lessons: Stories of Vulnerable Youth. A Quilting of Scars will be released October 2025. Her award-winning short stories have been published in Britain, Ireland, USA and Canada. She is a dynamic workshop presenter, experienced interviewer and freelance writer. She lives with her partner in the small lakeside town of Port Perry, Ontario, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, First Nations.