Dedicated to Sarah Young.

Once upon a time in a far off village a lion cub was born. His name was Baaslm.

Several years later Baaslm grew up, he was a happy smiling lion cub who had never left his village. But he was always curious about the outside world.

Baaslm called his father to the living room to try to convince him to let him explore the world.

"Dad i know you probably don't want to hear this but I really want to go on an adventure," Baaslm timidly said.

In his deep voice his father responded, "I agree with you, it is time you learn about your history and the reasons why we worship Allah."

Baaslm was surprised, but happy that his dad wanted to help. His father continued, " I think I was about your age when I went on my pilgrimage to Mecca."

So young Baaslm set out with his fur blowing in the wind, excited to learn about Islam and himself.

"Where are you going Baaslm?"

" I am on a journey to Mecca to learn about my religion, Islam."

"Oh I am also Muslim!" exclaimed Eadan . "I've been on a pilgrimage with my family!"

"Did you go to Mecca? Or one of our other holy cities like Jerusalem. Because I have to go on a pilgrimage also, since it's one of the Five Pillars."

"I went to Mecca to worship at the Ka'bah Baaslm. You need to go there soon."

"I know, Muhammad would be disappointed. I'm still learning about the religion and don't know much yet" Baaslm sadly said.

"How about I can come with you and help you on your journey?! " Eadan proposed.

After a few days of traveling Baaslm came across an elephant.

"Asalaam Alaykum," Baaslm greeted.

"Alaykum Asalaam." the elephant responded, "My names Eadan!"

"Hi Eaden! My name is Baaslm!"

Baaslm excitedly agreed with Eadan and so they went on their pilgrimage to Mecca. They were on their way to show their acceptance to god. During their journey, Eadan taught Baaslm about the religion of Islam.

"Well, from what Eadan has informed me of during our journey, I know that the religion originates from the time that Allah spoke to Muhammad, and told him he was the last prophet through an angel named Gabriel. Over time, Muslim believers made new kingdoms and spread the influence of the religion. Also, Abraham is considered the father of the religion, and Moses brought Muhammad's laws with the 10 commandments to the people, and these laws are most practiced by the followers of Islam." Baaslm explained.

"Well that sounds interesting, mind if I join?" Ali asked.

"Sure! Come along for the journey!" Baaslm exclaimed.

"Wait, I heard you say Allah, what's that mean?" Ali asked.

"Allah is the name of our God!" Eadan cheerfully replied.

"Yeah! Our most important belief about Allah is Tawhid!" Baaslm eagerly joined in.

"What's that?"

"Well," Eadan paused, "Tawhid means oneness. Tawhid is pretty simple, there is only one Allah who knows all and can do all. Allah is the one god of all time and he created everything."

While walking the pair came along an alligator

"Hello there, my name is Ali. Where are you guys going?" said the alligator.

"Hi there! We are on our way to Mecca. I am on a journey to learn more about my religion, Islam." Baaslm answered.

"I'm not very familiar with the religion, where did it originate?" Ali questioned.

"Woah, imagine being that cool." Ali said.

"Yeah Allah's very cool. In fact Allah is so great we have the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah to describe him."

"So where does this Allah live?" Ali asked.

"Well this is sort of hard to understand at first," Eadan took a breath, "The Quaran tells us that Allah is present everywhere. In fact the Quaran tells us God is closer to a man than his veins!"

"Allah sure is impressive," Ali said in an awestruck voice.

While on their journey Baaslm, Eadan and Allie ran into a toucan named Sahab.

"Hello, who are you guys? Where are you headed?" Sahab asked.

"We are Allie, Eadan and I'm Baaslm. We are on a pilgrimage to Mecca!"

"Really? My family and I are also Muslims!"

"Wow, interesting, maybe you could tell us about Islam's belief about life after death?"