The founders

Two teachers who think teenagers have something to say.

They founded Muzayrah, and they read and judge every story that comes in.

The founders of Muzayrah Publications: M. Haris Rasheed (left) and Yumnaa Raja (right)
Founders · Judges

Yumnaa Raja & M. Haris Rasheed

Yumnaa and Haris are educators who believe that young people have far more to say than the classroom often gives them space for.

Yumnaa, an English educator, editor and lifelong reader, has spent years helping young writers find clarity, confidence and a voice of their own. Haris, an educator and storyteller, sees enormous potential in the ideas, imagination and perspectives of the young people growing up today.

Together, they founded Muzayrah to create a space where young writers can move beyond grades and assignments, have their words genuinely read and valued, and see their ideas recognised, shared and brought to life.

Their hope is to make writing feel less like an assignment and more like what it really is: a way of being heard.

Behind the name

Muzayrah is our family, spelled out.

You will not find Muzayrah in a dictionary. We built it from the five names in our home: our three children, Mustafa, Zayna and Rufayda, and the two of us. A publishing house named after a family, for young writers who deserve to be believed in.

  1. MUMustafa
  2. ZAZayna
  3. YYumnaa
  4. RARufayda
  5. HHaris

“English is not a subject you pass. It is a voice you use.”

Get in touch

Questions? Just ask.

DM us on Instagram at @muzayrah_publications, or find our video lessons on YouTube. Parents and teachers: our FAQ answers the most common questions.

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