by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Comprehensive eye-opening insider’s view of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is a time of fasting and celebration for Muslims around the world. Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting gives comprehensive coverage to many aspects of this important holiday. While many non-Muslim children might be familiar with the concept of Ramadan, most would not be familiar with the details, and it’s the details and meaning behind Ramadan’s activities that are important. With all the negative publicity about Muslims and Islam, it’s fascinating to find such insight into one of their most religious activities. Not only do devout Muslims fast during Islam, they give extra to charity, share time with friends and family, have purposeful outreach to others within and outside of their community, and go out of their way to be kinder and more forgiving.
Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting covers some of the basic tenets of Islam to help understand the holiday, covers the details of the month of Ramadan, and then covers the variations of the celebration in several countries. It is unfortunate that the press and society often paint Muslims with a broad brush based on a few bad elements. Just as every Christian, which is a related religion mentioned in the book, is not an intolerant hater, not every Muslim is a terrorist. I say that to point out that we often have preconceived prejudices against religions where a negative, non-representative element is disproportionately publicized. Unfortunately it’s true; the fringe radicals of each religion are louder and covered more intensely by the press, which leaves an overall negative impression of the entire religion. But tolerance means accepting that other religions have strong positive messages, instructions to be better people and help others, and to be an influence for good and justice in the world.
I say all this because Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting demystifies Islam in many ways, and lets us see that most Muslims align more closely with ideals that all of society agrees are important: be kind, give to others, empathize with others and aid them, be humble, love others, etc. The book covers why Muslims participate in certain activities during Ramadan: because Mohammed emphasized these things as major concepts of Islam.
The stories about other children enjoyed (and what they found difficult – who hasn’t fallen asleep during a long talk when they were tired?), the examples of important activities, and the explanation of the basics about Islam and the details of the month of Ramadan will help children from elementary school through high school have a better understanding of not only Ramadan, but Muslims.
Readers will learn that Islam at its roots is not about judging others as non-Muslims, but has many positive precepts. They will learn that Ramadan is not just a time for fasting and feasting, but a time to give to and care for others, whether it’s friends and family or members of the local community. There is much that can be learned by studying this Islamic tradition, not the least of which is that we can all identify with what Muslims hold as important: family, friends, and a love for others that means reaching out and helping others through charity, works, giving, and sharing time and festivities. You can tell much about a culture through its holidays, and Ramadan is no exception.
There are details from what clothing the children would wear, what they would eat and recipes for some foods, to the activities they would attend. Overall, just a really great overview of Ramadan and Islam. Very highly recommended.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
The month of Ramadan offers the opportunity to improve one’s personal and spiritual behavior. By focusing on positive thoughts and actions, Muslims build a closer connection with God and come away from the month feeling spiritually renewed. Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting explores the richness and diversity of the Islamic tradition by focusing on an event of great spiritual significance and beauty in the lives of Muslims. Rich with personal stories and stunning photographs, Ramadan demystifies the traditions and emphasizes the importance of diversity in a world where Islamophobia is on the rise.