Our History
Ta-Ha Publishers was founded in March 1980 by husband and wife team, Afsar Siddiqui and Dr Jamal-un-Nisa Rafai.
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Quranic Inspiration
Ta-Ha Publishers was founded in March 1980 by the exceptional husband and wife team, Afsar Siddiqui and Dr Jamal-un-Nisa Rafai. They were among the pioneering generation of Islamic publishers in the United Kingdom. Despite having successful careers – Afsar as an accomplished artist and advertising director, and Dr. Jamal-un-Nisa as an academic in Microbiology – they felt a profound need to do more. They chose to work together, for the sake of Allah, to further the understanding and love of Islam among English-speaking Muslims worldwide. The idea was born in the late 70s, and they chose the name Ta-Ha, inspired by the humbling story of how ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab turned to Islam after hearing verses from Surah Ta-Ha. They aimed for their books to be a catalyst for truth and enlightenment.
Humble beginnings
Work started in the back room of a printing press in North London, which doubled as an office and a warehouse. The first booklet under the Ta-Ha imprint was published in 1980 and retailed for 40p. Within a year, there was a small catalogue of books, posters, booklets and shiny stickers.
From Handset Type to Global Reach
This dedication quickly turned Ta-Ha into a vital source of Islamic literature. By 1984, the North London premises could no longer the growing inventory and demand for books. The office was moved to Brixton in South London, amid a vibrant Muslim community where it flourished for 23 years. During this time, it not only housed the business, but was a space for start-ups, youth clubs and community gatherings.
More about Afsar Siddiqui
Afsar Siddiqui migrated from the Indian subcontinent to London in 1961, where he studied for a degree at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. He was a successful artist with exhibitions in London, Paris and New York, before moving into advertising in 1974. He was the Managing Director of Ta-Ha until 2022, when he retired. During this time, he mentored a generation of young people and set up the Islamic Publishers Association in 1994 – an umbrella organisation to bring together Islamic publishers, booksellers and authors worldwide.
More About Jamal-in-Nisa
Dr Jamal-un-Nisa Rafai migrated to the UK in 1968 to study for a doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Swansea, Wales. This was followed by a successful academic career, which Dr Jamal-un-Nisa set aside to focus on Ta-Ha Publishers. She compiled a series of quiz books for children (in print for 45 years), compiled the first word-by-word English translation of 6 parts of the Qur’an, all while being the Senior Editor. In 1984, she set up the Al-Furqan Charity Trust, which ran youth clubs, Qur’an study circles, a matrimonial bureau, and published a monthly newsletter distributed globally.
Honouring the Legacy: The Next Generation
The passing of the founders – Dr. Jamal-un-Nisa in 2020 and Afsar Siddiqui in 2024 – marked the end of a remarkable era. However, their mission and spiritual ethos live on. Their daughter, Abia, who joined Ta-Ha in 2003, is now the Managing Director. The dedicated team at Ta-Ha continue the essential work, fulfilling the original aims and remaining absolutely true to the founding ethos, while continually innovating for the needs of the new era.
We are proud to stand on the foundation built almost 50 years ago, committed to nurturing fresh voices and sharing beautiful, beneficial knowledge for the sake of Allah.
Where it all
started…
March 1980
Ta-Ha is registered as a company and has offices in the back of a printing press.
August 1984
Ta-Ha moves into new premises and expands.
April 2007
Ta-Ha moves into larger premises and evolves in the changing technological world.
September 2023
New office team comes together under new management.
Where it all
continues…
Since 1980
Who We Are
One of the First Islamic Publishers in the United Kingdom
Connecting English-speaking Muslims to the heart of their faith with authentic, accessible books.
At a time when there were limited faith-based resources to learn and teach Islam to the Muslim community in English, Afsar & Jamal-un-Nisa Siddiqui founded one of the first Islamic publishing houses in the UK. Leaving behind professional careers, they paved the way for future generations to enjoy a wide range of Islamic literature. Almost fifty years later, we continue to provide the highest quality books worldwide and support literacy charities.
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45+ Years in Business
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