An Author Spotlight Interview with Monique Muhammad

Photo Credit: Monique Muhammad

Reading Time: 10 Minutes

I am grateful to God for the opportunity to discuss with Monique Muhammad the story behind her book Rightful Space, and also to share this author spotlight interview with our bookstore subscribers. Just as with all of my author spotlight interviews, this one is no different in that it leaves me inspired and in deep reflection of God. Monique shared in the interview that with all the chaos, confusion, and discord in the world right now, her book is intended to be a safe space for readers to find positive energy, truth, and peace.  

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself?

Monique Muhammad: My name is Monique Renée Muhammad. I am a faith-based writer, poet, and reflective essayist. As a Black Muslim woman, I approach writing as both sanctuary and service – an offering rooted in healing, truth, and voice. Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I was identified as a gifted writer at a young age.

The first poem I ever wrote, The Gates, came to me in a dream more than twenty years ago. I was jolted awake, reached for pen and paper, and wrote. The experience was both spiritual and exhilarating. It was my first glimpse into God’s calling on my life through writing, not as something I created, but as something sacred I was entrusted with to steward.

I am the author of Rhythmic Reflections (poetry; 2013), and it has been the honor of a lifetime to have my writing published in The Final Call Newspaper.

https://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/sisterspace/article_101496.shtml

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your book, Rightful Space: Rhythmic Reflections on Faith, Healing, and Freedom?

Monique Muhammad: Rightful Space was motivated by a long season of growth between who I was when I wrote Rhythmic Reflections and who I am becoming. Over the years, I have experienced moments of doubt that caused me to question my voice and even step away from writing.

Photo Credit: Monique Muhammad

Through prayer, reflection, and deep work on myself, I came to understand that healing does not require perfection, only honesty. I recognized how often I had been shrinking myself to meet expectations rather than standing fully in the power of who I am. When I decided to stop doing that, my desire to write returned.

This book grew from that awakening. Rightful Space is my response to the call to speak again – offering hope and reassurance to readers who need upliftment, who have been silenced by pain, or who struggle to name the emotions they carry. It is a gentle invitation to pause and reflect, trusting God’s timing to move forward with clarity.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us the details of what your book is about?

Monique Muhammad: Rightful Space explores faith, healing, and freedom through poetic reflections and practical insights, offering readers tools to embrace their voice, faith, and God-given right to take up space fully and truthfully.

●      Part One: Universal Seeds of Light; sparks of self-discovery that are still unveiling themselves to me.

●      Part Two: Tides of Change; poetry about transition, grief, rebirth, and the sacred rhythm of life’s ebb and flow.

●      Part Three: Sun, Moon, and Stars; rooted in the principles of Freedom, Justice, and Equality. We must go to war with the conditions that divide us from God and each other, and fight for the liberation of self, community, and nation.

●      Part Four: Rightful Space; (4) symbolizing foundation and balance; embracing healing and standing taller in our God-given assignment.

●      Space 19: a mini-journal with nineteen affirmations to carry on their journey.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits that readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed?

Monique Muhammad: With all the chaos, confusion, and discord in the world right now, this book is intended to be a safe space for readers to find positive energy, truth, and peace. My prayer is that the book meets hearts where they are and impacts readers with the same healing I received while writing it. 

 Photo Credit: Monique Muhammad

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Thank you so much, Monique, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share the inspiring story behind your book project and for creating a tool that helps bring healing. To our readers, we invite you to comment below with any questions you may have about Monique’s book. Also, pleased don't forget to build your home library with  Rightful Space: Rhythmic Reflections on Faith, Healing & Freedom

Dr. Nadine Muhammad has a doctorate degree in Business Administration, and a  Master of Science in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. She is the owner of an online bookstore, Nation's Products, and NLM Economic Development Services.

For a consultation with business plan writing or developing an economic development strategic plan for your community, send an email to nlmeconomicdevelopmentservices@gmail.com 

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