Learning about other cultures and religions is an important part of our family. After moving to Collin County a few years ago, we met several new families from my kids’ school that celebrated different holidays from us, such as the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. As we got to know each other, we had some great talks about religion and the values we shared which brought a feeling of connection that strengthened our friendship. With the celebration of Ramadan this month, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn a little bit more about why this holiday is so special to so many people around the world.
Ramadan is the most important holiday in the religion of Islam and is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (which follows a lunar calendar). The month of Ramadan begins and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon. In fact, the moon is a very symbolic and important part of Islam.
Like many religious holidays, Ramadan centers around family, food, and worship. Ramadan is a month of fasting where Muslims focus on self reflection, growing closer to God, having compassion and empathy for the poor, and giving charity to those in need. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset every day of this month, refraining from consuming food and drink throughout the day. There is also an added emphasis on refraining from negative thoughts and actions such as gossiping, swearing, and lying. At the end of Ramadan, there is a big celebration called Eid-al-Fitr. This celebration includes a big feast as well as gifts.
Children aren’t required to fast but may choose to try it for part of the day, or for a few days as they get older. Some families decorate their homes (Days of Eid sells Ramadan- and Eid-themed decor) and incorporate countdown calendars and other activities to make Ramadan more fun for the kids. Families eat a pre-dawn mean called Suhoor before morning prayer, which can be as early as 4am!
The day of fasting is concluded with evening prayers and the fast is broken by eating dates. This is followed by a large evening meal called Iftar where many traditional foods are served, which vary locally, but might include food like samosas, lentils, and rice dishes.
In non-pandemic times, family and/or community potlucks are held in the evenings to celebrate breaking the fast together. Local mosques pack food boxes to donate to families as well as wrap and donate gifts for children. Even if you aren’t Muslim, you can participate in fast-a-thons and donate iftar boxes to local families.
5 Kids’ Books About Ramadan
Our friends lent us some books to learn more about Ramadan and we have enjoyed reading them together as a family. They explain Ramadan in ways that are easy to understand, and fun, too!
It’s Ramadan, Curious George
This board book is great for younger readers! It incorporates the traditions of Ramadan into your typical fun Curious George storytelling. George learns about fasting from his friend Kareem and they make gift baskets for the needy together. George participates in Eid festivities, too!
Ramadan Around The World
This book is fun if your child enjoys learning about different countries. You visit with different families all around the world and the various ways they celebrate Ramadan. Many different nationalities and family demographics are shown throughout the book. This was my son’s favorite because he loves learning about the countries of the world!
Night of the Moon
The illustrations in this book are breathtaking! They help show the beauty of the holiday in a special way and explains the symbolism of the moon. The story follows a young girl as she celebrates Ramadan and highlights both ancient and modern traditions.
Ilyas & Duck: Ramadan Joy!
The Ilyas & Duck series are children’s books that feature Muslim characters and stories. This book follows the characters throughout Ramadan as they learn about empathy and good deeds along the way.
Ilyas & Duck and the Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr
Another Ilyas & Duck book rounds out this collection of Ramadan books by focusing on Eid-al-Fitr. You learn all about the fun of Eid celebrations!
Learning more about what’s important to our friends and neighbors shows that we care. When we really take the time to do this, we can create a community of love and respect that helps all our children thrive.
Ramadan Mubarak!
