Author to read, sign ‘Threading My Prayer Rug’

“Threading My Prayer Rug” is described as “a richly textured reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today.”

FALLS VILLAGE — The David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will host author Sabeeha Rehman on March 17 at 1 p.m. for a reading and discussion of her memoir, “Threading My Prayer Rug.”

“Threading My Prayer Rug” is described as “a richly textured reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today.

It is the luminous story of many journeys: from Pakistan to the United States in an arranged marriage that becomes a love match lasting 40 years; from secular Muslim in an Islamic society to devout Muslim in a society ignorant of Islam, and from liberal to conservative to American Muslim; from master’s candidate to bride and mother; and from an immigrant intending to stay two years to an American citizen, business executive, grandmother, and tireless advocate for interfaith understanding,” according to a news release.

“Beginning with a sweetly funny, moving account of her arranged marriage, the author undercuts stereotypes and offers the refreshing view of an American life through Muslim eyes. In chapters leavened with humor, hope and insight, she recounts an immigrant’s daily struggles balancing assimilation with preserving heritage, overcoming religious barriers from within and distortions of Islam from without, and confronting issues of raising her children as Muslims — while they lobby for a Christmas tree,” the release states.

Rehman came to the United States in 1971. When her sons were school age, she earned her master’s in health care administration and began a career as a hospital administrator. After her grandson was diagnosed with autism, in 2008 she cofounded the National Autism Association New York Metro Chapter and served as its president.

She has spent several decades working for interfaith dialogue and was director of interfaith programs at the American Society for Muslim Advancement and COO of the Cordoba Initiative. She lives with her husband in New York City.

This event is free and open to the public.

Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

For information, call the library at 860-824-7424 or visit www.huntlibrary.org. David M. Hunt Library, 63 Main Street, Falls Village.

Sabeeha Rehman / Contributed photo Author Sabeeha Rehman will discuss her book, “Threading My Prayer Rug,” Saturday at the library.