A’isha bint Abi Bakr is the daughter of a rich merchant from Mecca in the harsh, exotic world of seventh-century Arabia at the time of the foundation of Islam. When she is married to the Prophet Muhammad at the age of nine, she must rely on her wits, her courage, and even her sword in a struggle to control her own destiny and carve out a place for herself in the community, fighting religious persecution, jealous sister-wives, political rivals, and her own temptations. As she grows to love her kind, generous husband, her ingenuity and devotion make her an indispensable advisor to Muhammad. Ultimately, she becomes one of the most important women in Islam, and a fierce protector of her husband’s words and legacy.

Extensively researched and elegantly crafted, The Jewel of Medina evokes the beauty and harsh realities of life in an age long past, during a time of war, enlightenment, and upheaval. At once a love story, a history lesson, and a coming-of-age tale, The Jewel of Medina introduces readers to the turmoil that surrounded the birth of the Islamic faith through the eyes of a truly unforgettable heroine.

Current Endorsements

"Sherry Jones does an extraordinary service to Islam in popularizing -- and humanizing -- a Muslim heroine. It's the kind of history that I never learned in my mosque or madressa. As a faithful, feminist Muslim, I say 'mashallah' for this riveting novel."
 -- Irshad Manji, Director, Moral Courage Project, New York University

"Enthralling from its first sand-swept pages, The Jewel of Medina is a story at once modern in its telling and ancient in its wisdom. A'isha's blossoming into a woman of passion and fortitude in the midst of the birth of Islam captures the imagination as well as the heart."
– Marsha Mehran, author of Rosewater and Soda Bread

“A wonderfully entertaining and informative novel, The Jewel of Medina is a revelation.  The politics of the time, the treatment of women, the sand in the desert, all the aspects of living in seventh century Arabia are vividly brought to life by Sherry Jones. A remarkable debut.”
– Amulya Malladi, author of The Sound of Language

"The Jewel of Medina is historical fiction. . . The Red Tent wasn't an affront to the Hebrew Bible; in fact, its fictionalized interpretation actually interested people in reading the Bible again. If given a chance, maybe Jones' book would do the same for the Quran.”
– Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Senior rabbi at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis

Words of Support for Publication

“The best response to free speech is simply more speech in return. Anyone should have the right to publish whatever they want about Islam or Muslims - even if their views are offensive - without fear of censorship or retribution. Muslims, however, shouldn't be expected to be passive consumers of these views. An offended Muslim has the right - indeed, the responsibility - to vigorously critique anything written about them or their religion, provided they do not cross the line into intimidation and coercion. In an ideal world, both parties would open their minds enough to understand the other point of view.”
– Shahed Amanullah, Editor in Chief, altmuslim.com [in reaction to the controversy]

“This is censorship by fear and it sets a very bad precedent indeed.”
– Salman Rushdie [in reaction to the original cancelation]


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