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Tried & Tested
A teenage Iman Johnson left home over a decade ago to follow behind a steet loving hustler who promised her the world. When that world became too much for her to endure, mentally and physically, she found herself back in Pittsburgh, PA at her Muslim mother’s doorstep seeking refuge. But will the Muslim family and community that she’d turned her back on years ago be ready to finally accept her or has too much time, emotions, hurt, and secrets built up between them to overcome? Iman will have to find the strength to face her past and relearn the basics if she ever hopes to find the sweetness of faith Allah promises …
- GenresIslam
340 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2017
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 26, 2017
Genre: Urban Muslim Fiction
“A teenage Iman Johnson left home over a decade ago to follow behind a street loving hustler who promised her the world. When that world became too much for her to endure, mentally and physically, she found herself back in Pittsburgh, PA at her Muslim mother’s doorstep seeking refuge. But will the Muslim family and community that she’d turned her back on years ago be ready to finally accept her or has too much time, emotions, hurt, and secrets built up between them to overcome? Iman will have to find the strength to face her past and relearn the basics if she ever hopes to find the sweetness of faith Allah promises …”
TRIED & TESTED by author Umm Juwayriyah, is a harrowing story about a young Black, American Muslim woman, who returns home and back to the family and community she had once so eagerly and foolishly left behind years ago–all under the hallowed pretense of ‘young love.' However, upon her return over a decade later, she finds herself hurled straight back into many of the same tests she’d thought she had escaped. Problems and stresses mount, taunting, and beckoning her back into their toxic and deadly fold.
Throughout the story, this frightened yet brave Muslimah fought to remain steadfast in her beliefs. She wanted to start again, a fresh new start–free from abuse. But as her hopes and prayers collided head-on with the danger she left behind, she soon understood that running away and making the hard choice to stay away was only the first of many steps still needed before becoming safe and whole again.
The main character, Iman, has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], a common mood disorder suffered by many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Unfortunately but equally as common, she uses alcohol to self-medicate. To survive the past and finally move on, she needs to reach out for help, but because of her history of hurts and self-doubt, she doesn’t always know where to turn to or to whom. Not a surprising reaction to have, especially after years of being brutally beaten. She learns that despite the many nightmares and burdens she carries–trust is something she must relearn and reclaim. Fortunately, she comes from a Muslim family and community who adamantly refuse to allow her to give up on herself. When she wavers–they are there to swoop own and protect–even when she fights them back. Together they help Iman to understand that nobody lives a charmed life, free from mistakes and sin. That everyone at one time or another must face their demons or clean up after some painful or embarrassing mistake, but with Allah at the helm and devotion leading the way, they can eventually find solid footing–helping one another to embrace new norms, and learning new ways to navigate through life’s trials and turmoil
This novel also touched on some extremely heavy topics, which I applaud because all too often, racism and bigotry dominate the written narrative; more often than not portraying Islam and Muslims through some myopic and intolerant narrow lens, while refusing to exemplify or include the many vibrant and remarkable communities Muslims in America live, thrive and lead through. Others write stories that ignore the issues, neglecting the real problems Muslims are facing, choosing to rather focus on the ideal instead of the reality. Not this author. She did not permit her character's to shy away from hard and painful topics–like domestic violence, sexual assault, family discord, racism, bigotry, prison, unwanted pregnancies, failed marriages, and drug abuse. I loved the way she presented romance, betrothal, and family commitment. Each one of her complicated characters were beautifully and deliciously flawed–real and so blessedly transparent.
From start to finish, the story unfolded at a strong pace. I truly appreciated how the author demonstrated how well-meaning people could on the one hand very much love Allah with all their heart –––but STILL make poor choices. Her characters highlighted how imperative it is to remember that failure is not the total of who the person struggling is or strives to become–nor is it anyone but Allah’s job to judge a person’s intentions–a powerful and timely reminder.
I honestly couldn’t wait for my copy of this book to arrive, anticipating an enjoyable read, but I can now say without reserve, TRIED & TESTED delivered that and a whole lot more.
“A teenage Iman Johnson left home over a decade ago to follow behind a street loving hustler who promised her the world. When that world became too much for her to endure, mentally and physically, she found herself back in Pittsburgh, PA at her Muslim mother’s doorstep seeking refuge. But will the Muslim family and community that she’d turned her back on years ago be ready to finally accept her or has too much time, emotions, hurt, and secrets built up between them to overcome? Iman will have to find the strength to face her past and relearn the basics if she ever hopes to find the sweetness of faith Allah promises …”
TRIED & TESTED by author Umm Juwayriyah, is a harrowing story about a young Black, American Muslim woman, who returns home and back to the family and community she had once so eagerly and foolishly left behind years ago–all under the hallowed pretense of ‘young love.' However, upon her return over a decade later, she finds herself hurled straight back into many of the same tests she’d thought she had escaped. Problems and stresses mount, taunting, and beckoning her back into their toxic and deadly fold.
Throughout the story, this frightened yet brave Muslimah fought to remain steadfast in her beliefs. She wanted to start again, a fresh new start–free from abuse. But as her hopes and prayers collided head-on with the danger she left behind, she soon understood that running away and making the hard choice to stay away was only the first of many steps still needed before becoming safe and whole again.
The main character, Iman, has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], a common mood disorder suffered by many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Unfortunately but equally as common, she uses alcohol to self-medicate. To survive the past and finally move on, she needs to reach out for help, but because of her history of hurts and self-doubt, she doesn’t always know where to turn to or to whom. Not a surprising reaction to have, especially after years of being brutally beaten. She learns that despite the many nightmares and burdens she carries–trust is something she must relearn and reclaim. Fortunately, she comes from a Muslim family and community who adamantly refuse to allow her to give up on herself. When she wavers–they are there to swoop own and protect–even when she fights them back. Together they help Iman to understand that nobody lives a charmed life, free from mistakes and sin. That everyone at one time or another must face their demons or clean up after some painful or embarrassing mistake, but with Allah at the helm and devotion leading the way, they can eventually find solid footing–helping one another to embrace new norms, and learning new ways to navigate through life’s trials and turmoil
This novel also touched on some extremely heavy topics, which I applaud because all too often, racism and bigotry dominate the written narrative; more often than not portraying Islam and Muslims through some myopic and intolerant narrow lens, while refusing to exemplify or include the many vibrant and remarkable communities Muslims in America live, thrive and lead through. Others write stories that ignore the issues, neglecting the real problems Muslims are facing, choosing to rather focus on the ideal instead of the reality. Not this author. She did not permit her character's to shy away from hard and painful topics–like domestic violence, sexual assault, family discord, racism, bigotry, prison, unwanted pregnancies, failed marriages, and drug abuse. I loved the way she presented romance, betrothal, and family commitment. Each one of her complicated characters were beautifully and deliciously flawed–real and so blessedly transparent.
From start to finish, the story unfolded at a strong pace. I truly appreciated how the author demonstrated how well-meaning people could on the one hand very much love Allah with all their heart –––but STILL make poor choices. Her characters highlighted how imperative it is to remember that failure is not the total of who the person struggling is or strives to become–nor is it anyone but Allah’s job to judge a person’s intentions–a powerful and timely reminder.
I honestly couldn’t wait for my copy of this book to arrive, anticipating an enjoyable read, but I can now say without reserve, TRIED & TESTED delivered that and a whole lot more.
March 28, 2017
Great Read!
January 15, 2021
In 337 pages I fell in love with the Johnson family and all their drama and hardships, while marveling at their resiliency, love of family, and determination to own their mistakes, right them, and move forward. I don’t know that this Urban Islamic Fiction book is classified as YA (the author didn’t respond when I reached out), but I think high school juniors and up will appreciate either/both seeing themselves in it or/and reading an engaging story about indigenous American Muslims.
SYNOPSIS:
A naïve teen, Iman Johnson, ran away from home and her Islamic life to be with a boy offering her the world. After twelve years of being away from home, she sees a window to escape the oppression and abuse of her husband and return to her family who she has had no contact with in Pittsburg, PA. The story is linear as it follows Iman as she deals with the stresses she currently faces while dealing with the consequences of her actions and mistakes of her past. She must reconcile her family, deal with the passing of her father, the failing health of her mother, the tumultuous relationship her younger sister is in, the incarceration of her older brother, and the impending arrival of her little brother’s first child. Ultimately she must also face her husband to get a divorce, keep safe from his mafia like family of drugs and violence and control, find a job, get her alcohol addiction in check, and forge ahead. She also must reconnect with Allah swt, her community and find herself.
WHY I LIKE IT:
It has been over a week since I finished the book, and I can’t decide if the author failed to be consistent with a certain character, or if she made him fallible intentionally to show that there are no saviors and we all have our own weaknesses and humanity, or if I’m just really irate with a fictional character and his poor choices, ahem Jibril. That being said the characters really stay with you, and I feel like I could chat about them as if they are real and I am ready to go start a gofund me campaign to help them out.
The characters at every single step are Muslim and the book feels like a labor of love from the author. I don’t think this is a book that could be researched or written from outside, I’m guessing the author has loved this community and been loved by them in return. For all the Islam in it, I think a non Muslim could read it and enjoy the story, but if you are Muslim you are in for a treat. From the Eid morning bathroom schedule, to the annoyance of having a brother in law staying over and thus forcing you to cover when you run to the kitchen for a snack. Yes, at times, there might be too much information, like how many times does it say she relieved her self and made wudu, but the consistency makes it all so worth it.
I’m being vague about some of the details and not telling too much about the characters, because you really have to immerse yourself in it, and thankfully the author does a great job in keeping it clear who all the characters are, how they are related and what life experiences they bring to the table. Every single character has issues, no one is perfect, yet somehow the story is never sad or hopeless. No one is looking to be saved or playing the victim card, they are all fighting the fight, and taking it one day at a time. It is really impressive.
Sure, most of it is predictable and I wanted more of a showdown between Iman and her ex, Mateo, but yet somehow I was sad when the book ended and I had to leave the characters and their world. I absolutely love how the brothers take turns guarding Iman as if they do this all the time for their sisters. Sure it may not be realistic that they can find someone free at all times, and whatnot, but I really want this to be true. That people still look out for one another, and not perfect people who don’t have their own issues, but real people, family, just people who have made it a priority to care.
FLAGS:
There is lying, deceipt, affairs, drugs, drinking, violence, abuse, smoking. But, nothing is glorified or detailed, it is mentioned to make a point and then the story moves on. The book is about succeeding despite all the negative and finding your way to hold on to your deen, no matter what.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think this would be a great book club for like young college girls. There is a tint of romance, a whole lot of pulling yourself up and moving forward, and conversation about what tempts us, and how to persevere. I hope if you read it you’ll shoot me a message, I’d love to hear how much of it rings true for you, and what characters you cheer on and are most annoyed with as well.
SYNOPSIS:
A naïve teen, Iman Johnson, ran away from home and her Islamic life to be with a boy offering her the world. After twelve years of being away from home, she sees a window to escape the oppression and abuse of her husband and return to her family who she has had no contact with in Pittsburg, PA. The story is linear as it follows Iman as she deals with the stresses she currently faces while dealing with the consequences of her actions and mistakes of her past. She must reconcile her family, deal with the passing of her father, the failing health of her mother, the tumultuous relationship her younger sister is in, the incarceration of her older brother, and the impending arrival of her little brother’s first child. Ultimately she must also face her husband to get a divorce, keep safe from his mafia like family of drugs and violence and control, find a job, get her alcohol addiction in check, and forge ahead. She also must reconnect with Allah swt, her community and find herself.
WHY I LIKE IT:
It has been over a week since I finished the book, and I can’t decide if the author failed to be consistent with a certain character, or if she made him fallible intentionally to show that there are no saviors and we all have our own weaknesses and humanity, or if I’m just really irate with a fictional character and his poor choices, ahem Jibril. That being said the characters really stay with you, and I feel like I could chat about them as if they are real and I am ready to go start a gofund me campaign to help them out.
The characters at every single step are Muslim and the book feels like a labor of love from the author. I don’t think this is a book that could be researched or written from outside, I’m guessing the author has loved this community and been loved by them in return. For all the Islam in it, I think a non Muslim could read it and enjoy the story, but if you are Muslim you are in for a treat. From the Eid morning bathroom schedule, to the annoyance of having a brother in law staying over and thus forcing you to cover when you run to the kitchen for a snack. Yes, at times, there might be too much information, like how many times does it say she relieved her self and made wudu, but the consistency makes it all so worth it.
I’m being vague about some of the details and not telling too much about the characters, because you really have to immerse yourself in it, and thankfully the author does a great job in keeping it clear who all the characters are, how they are related and what life experiences they bring to the table. Every single character has issues, no one is perfect, yet somehow the story is never sad or hopeless. No one is looking to be saved or playing the victim card, they are all fighting the fight, and taking it one day at a time. It is really impressive.
Sure, most of it is predictable and I wanted more of a showdown between Iman and her ex, Mateo, but yet somehow I was sad when the book ended and I had to leave the characters and their world. I absolutely love how the brothers take turns guarding Iman as if they do this all the time for their sisters. Sure it may not be realistic that they can find someone free at all times, and whatnot, but I really want this to be true. That people still look out for one another, and not perfect people who don’t have their own issues, but real people, family, just people who have made it a priority to care.
FLAGS:
There is lying, deceipt, affairs, drugs, drinking, violence, abuse, smoking. But, nothing is glorified or detailed, it is mentioned to make a point and then the story moves on. The book is about succeeding despite all the negative and finding your way to hold on to your deen, no matter what.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think this would be a great book club for like young college girls. There is a tint of romance, a whole lot of pulling yourself up and moving forward, and conversation about what tempts us, and how to persevere. I hope if you read it you’ll shoot me a message, I’d love to hear how much of it rings true for you, and what characters you cheer on and are most annoyed with as well.
August 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have to admit that it's mostly because I LOVE reading about characters with whom I can relate. The story - line is simple, I guessed the ending and major plot events near the beginning of the book. However, it was still a pleasure to get to know the characters better and experience their love, faith, and dedication up close.
June 13, 2019
A decent Muslim fiction book. Had some praiseworthy parts, had some unfortunate errors. Could've done with another round of proofreading and editing, but overall the story was well enough. I'll have a proper review on my blog notepadnomad.wordpress.com soon, In Shaa Allah.
November 7, 2018
This was a great work of Muslim urban fiction. Umm Juwayriyah created a cast of characters that show the many ways love and family drive us crazy and ground our lives.
November 6, 2025
This was a nice little ready. I enjoyed every minute of it. The writing style was something to get used to and there were some typos but nonetheless it was entertaining and very fast paced🙃
May 24, 2023
This one of the most best book that I've read in a while. It's at the top of my list for page turners. This book is full of excitement, mystery, suspense, joy and sadness. This touches all the right spots in life. The writer made a very clear descriptive picture of life. I would recommend this book.
January 5, 2025
4.5
Absolutely loved it. You will too so go and read it🤍
Absolutely loved it. You will too so go and read it🤍
January 24, 2019
Iman means faith. The faith of a Muslim is ever changing. Of course it's something that we all know but faith is so complex that sometimes you don't even notice it's gradual fluctuations.
The main character Iman, fits her name so perfectly and Tried and Tested is certainly a testament of her ups and downs. This book took me through a roller coaster of emotions both good and bad. So many aspects and tidbits of Iman’s story is so relatable to black Muslims living in “urban” areas which is why this book hits so hard. Iman is 30 years old, escaping from an abusive marriage, and returning home to her family after being away for 12 years. The void that her absence has left on her family is gaping and we follow her highs and lows as she tries her best to mend the pieces of her family together. She comes into her family aiming to be the sister, daughter, and aunt that she hasn't been in years and while that change is hard for her, she hasn't realized that her family has their own struggles to fix.
The author, Umm Juwayriyah did an amazing job at hitting readers who are from similar communities with nostalgia in little ways, such as describing how Muslim men knock on the door in the masjid and ask for their wives. You even get hit with authentic Ramadan and Eid feels. Plus, I'm pretty sure that her mother does some of the same things that a good amount of black Muslim mothers that I know do, including my own. Tried and Tested touches on many real life experiences in our communities such as abuse, mental health, and incarceration.
One of my absolute favorite things reading Iman's story was the feeling that I got. Coming from a huge family and reading about Iman's huge family just gave me happy chills. I loved reading about the dynamic of a black Muslim family who through their ups and downs had everyone in one house. Yes, it was an undertone of chaos but the happy feeling that I get when my family is all in one place is exactly the feeling I got reading about the Johnsons. I absolutely loved her brothers, Shareef and Mas'ud because I love book brothers who always want to protect their sisters. Once they warmed up to her again, they were right there trying to make sure everything was on the up and up. We didn't learn much about the overall personalities of her brothers but for some reason Shareef was a moooood 😂. And not gonna lie, Mas'ud was the type of husband Muslim girls dream about 🤷🏾♀️.
However, as much as I loved Tried and Tested, there were some annoyances that I could not get over. I personally dislike Islamic fiction that seems like it's trying to explain things to non Muslim readers. I feel like it disrupts the reading flow for readers who are immersed within the book. So there are moments where things were over explanatory or stated multiple times. I kind of got the feel that the author wasn't sure if she wanted to explain certain things or not explain certain things.
In the case of characters, I feel like Iman's character adjusted back to an Islamic lifestyle too quickly after not practicing for 12 years. Not that it's a bad thing but it just seemed unrealistic that someone who hasn't practiced for over a decade is suddenly making every one of their salat on time and fasting with no problem. She was also judgmental at times about things that had me wishing she would shush up and stop trying to act like her word is law, when she just came back into the picture. Even though her judgmental tone at times is a reflection of character traits that I don't like, it's not a negative reflection of the book because characters with flaws are the best.
There were also great reflective quotes in Tried and Tested that does make a person think. At the end of this book I felt both entertained and a bit spiritually refreshed which is exactly what I personally look for when reading Islamic Fiction.
If you're looking for an entertaining way to wind down during Ramadan or simply because you want some reminders that don't sound like an Islamic Studies class, give Tried and Tested a thorough read!
The main character Iman, fits her name so perfectly and Tried and Tested is certainly a testament of her ups and downs. This book took me through a roller coaster of emotions both good and bad. So many aspects and tidbits of Iman’s story is so relatable to black Muslims living in “urban” areas which is why this book hits so hard. Iman is 30 years old, escaping from an abusive marriage, and returning home to her family after being away for 12 years. The void that her absence has left on her family is gaping and we follow her highs and lows as she tries her best to mend the pieces of her family together. She comes into her family aiming to be the sister, daughter, and aunt that she hasn't been in years and while that change is hard for her, she hasn't realized that her family has their own struggles to fix.
The author, Umm Juwayriyah did an amazing job at hitting readers who are from similar communities with nostalgia in little ways, such as describing how Muslim men knock on the door in the masjid and ask for their wives. You even get hit with authentic Ramadan and Eid feels. Plus, I'm pretty sure that her mother does some of the same things that a good amount of black Muslim mothers that I know do, including my own. Tried and Tested touches on many real life experiences in our communities such as abuse, mental health, and incarceration.
One of my absolute favorite things reading Iman's story was the feeling that I got. Coming from a huge family and reading about Iman's huge family just gave me happy chills. I loved reading about the dynamic of a black Muslim family who through their ups and downs had everyone in one house. Yes, it was an undertone of chaos but the happy feeling that I get when my family is all in one place is exactly the feeling I got reading about the Johnsons. I absolutely loved her brothers, Shareef and Mas'ud because I love book brothers who always want to protect their sisters. Once they warmed up to her again, they were right there trying to make sure everything was on the up and up. We didn't learn much about the overall personalities of her brothers but for some reason Shareef was a moooood 😂. And not gonna lie, Mas'ud was the type of husband Muslim girls dream about 🤷🏾♀️.
However, as much as I loved Tried and Tested, there were some annoyances that I could not get over. I personally dislike Islamic fiction that seems like it's trying to explain things to non Muslim readers. I feel like it disrupts the reading flow for readers who are immersed within the book. So there are moments where things were over explanatory or stated multiple times. I kind of got the feel that the author wasn't sure if she wanted to explain certain things or not explain certain things.
In the case of characters, I feel like Iman's character adjusted back to an Islamic lifestyle too quickly after not practicing for 12 years. Not that it's a bad thing but it just seemed unrealistic that someone who hasn't practiced for over a decade is suddenly making every one of their salat on time and fasting with no problem. She was also judgmental at times about things that had me wishing she would shush up and stop trying to act like her word is law, when she just came back into the picture. Even though her judgmental tone at times is a reflection of character traits that I don't like, it's not a negative reflection of the book because characters with flaws are the best.
There were also great reflective quotes in Tried and Tested that does make a person think. At the end of this book I felt both entertained and a bit spiritually refreshed which is exactly what I personally look for when reading Islamic Fiction.
If you're looking for an entertaining way to wind down during Ramadan or simply because you want some reminders that don't sound like an Islamic Studies class, give Tried and Tested a thorough read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews