A Fork in the Road: A Guide to Writing Muslim Fiction is an exploration of faith-driven storytelling, designed to empower writers, filmmakers, and content creators to craft compelling narratives inspired by Islamic values. This guidebook presents a step-by-step journey of personal and spiritual growth, outlining archetypes and stages that resonate deeply with the Muslim experience.
In an era where the portrayal of Muslims in media often skews negative, this book offers a refreshing alternative: stories where characters do good not just despite their faith but because of it. From the initial call to truth to the ultimate transformation of selflessness, the guide emphasizes authenticity, morality, and the nuanced complexities of a faith-centered life.
Packed with practical tips, reflections, and examples, A Fork in the Road serves as a unique resource for those seeking to counter Islamophobic narratives and represent the Muslim experience with integrity and creativity. Whether you’re writing novels, screenplays, or short stories, this book will help you build characters who inspire, uplift, and stay true to Islamic principles.
“O Creator of the Universe! Show me the reality of all things as they really are”
an Islamic Prayer
Explore the 8 Stages and Archetypes
- 1- The Radical | The Witness
- 2- The Honest | The Earnest
- 3- The Strong | The Steadfast
- 4- The Herald | The Builder
- 5- The Warrior | The Just
- 6- The Guardian | The Gentle
- 7- The Caring | The Universal
- 7B- A Fork in the Road
- 8- The Selfless | The Enlightened
Authors
M. Zakaullah Khan
A seasoned creative with over 20 years of experience in advertising, Zakaullah has dedicated his life to the art of storytelling. With an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, he has worked as a copywriter and creative director, crafting narratives that captivate and inspire. Beyond his professional pursuits, Zaka has spent seven years teaching courses on advertising and creativity, sharing his expertise with the next generation of innovators.
An avid lover of narratives in all forms — books, films, games — Zaka’s passion for storytelling drives his exploration of faith-centered character development and moral integrity in media. With A Fork in the Road: A Framework for Muslim Narratives, he combines his professional insights and personal convictions to offer a unique resource for storytellers who aspire to create meaningful and authentic stories.
Salman Abedin
Salman is a seasoned communications strategist, teacher, and digital marketer with over three decades of experience spanning teaching, consulting, and creativity. As a former head of graduate programs in media sciences, he has guided countless students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Holding three advanced degrees — an MBA from IBA Karachi, a Master’s in Media Studies from SZABIST University, and an M.Des in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD U in Toronto — Sal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work. Now based in the Greater Toronto Area, Sal delves into the study of systems and knowledge ontologies, bridging modern and indigenous perspectives.
