Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting

Orca Origins Series

by Ausma Zehanat Khan

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 an event of great spiritual significance and beauty in the lives of Muslims.

Genres: Nonfiction

88 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Ausma Zehanat Khan is a British-born Canadian living in the United States, whose own parents are heirs to a complex story of migration to and from three different continents. A former adjunct professor at American and Canadian universities, she holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law, with the 1995 Srebrenica massacre as the main subject of her dissertation. Previously the Editor in Chief of Muslim Girl Magazine, Ausma Zehanat Khan has moved frequently, traveled extensively, and written compulsively. Her new crime series debuted with 'Blackwater Falls' in November 2022. She is also the author of 5 books and 1 novella in the Esa Khattak/Rachel Getty mystery series, including the award-winning 'The Unquiet Dead'. And she is the author of The Khorasan Archives fantasy series, beginning with 'The Bloodprint'. She has also written a middle grade non-fiction book called 'Ramadan'.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to review Ramadan The Holy Month of Fasting by Ausma Zehanat Khan. I’m so pleased to see such a highly-accessible book about Ramadan for older readers (9--12 years). The book is printed in full color with lots of pictures. After the typical sections on what Ramadan is about, Khan has included sections on community engagement and the culture of Ramadan around the world.

The first two chapters cover the basics of Ramadan, including an introduction to Islam, an explanation of fasting and the special role of the Quran in Ramadan, and Eid. The third chapter talks about different ways Muslims are engaging with their communities in Ramadan, including the Give 30 initiative to fight hunger in Canada and the Camp Ramadan initiative, which serves as a retreat for Muslim children. The fourth chapter talks about Ramadan traditions from around the world---I learned that Nigerians break their fast with fruit and that minarets in Turkey are especially decorated with lights to welcome Ramadan.

Interspersed throughout the book are also personal stories from the author and other adults, reflections from kids on what Ramadan means to them, and recipes. The book also includes a glossary, index, and list of resources.

I highly recommend it for every school, library, and Muslim and non-Muslim home.

When reviewing a book, I often gauge my love of it by asking myself if I want to buy a copy to it to keep in my house forever. And yes, this is a book that I need to have. One reason is that our sizable collection of Ramadan books is nearly entirely a picture-book collection, and I am ecstatic to finally be able to add a book for older readers. Another reason is that unlike other books in this category, there is so much for Muslim children to gain from this book. Usually, I think of books like this one as library books that are primarily intended to educate non-Muslim readers about Islam and our holidays. But this book does something different. Chapter Three has examples of Muslims acting on their faith--examples that I want to share with my children. And Chapter Four shows how Muslims all over the world experience Ramadan. This is important to me because my children have Arab heritage, and I don’t want them to fall into the trap of conflating Arab culture with Muslim culture. Islam and Ramadan belong to us all. The diversity of the ummah makes us better and stronger.

Ramadan is a part of the Orca Origin series, which is not meant to be "the definitive word on any culture or belief; instead they will lead readers toward a place where differences are acknowledged and knowledge facilitates understanding” (from the publisher, Sarah Harvey).

I blog about other books of interest to Muslim readers here.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ramadan, by Ausma Zehanat Khan, is part of the Orca Origins series for middle readers. As the title suggests, this book looks at the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Chapter One is titled 'What is Ramadan’, but may better be titled 'Introduction to Islam’, as it serves as a brief overview of the religion and it's followers. Chapter Two looks at the specifics of the holy month, while Chapter Three focuses on the spirit behind Ramadan. Chapter Four looks at Ramadan traditions from around the world. The beginning opens with a sweet tale of the author's first Ramadan fast, at age 9. Unprepared for the full reality of a day long fast, she snuck two glasses of water eight hours in.

This book introduces young readers to the proper practise of Islam, as a religion of peace and compassion, just like its counterparts of Judaism, and Christianity. It gives children a different view than what news, or paranoid family might present. Threaded throughout the chapters are little boxes where the author asked kids and teens what Ramadan meant to them. These were so heart-warming. I'm a big proponent of studying and accepting other cultures, and foster this respect in my cubs. This book certainly prompted questions, and made them eager to learn more. Recipes are included, and we plan on trying them out!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many books about religion for children fall into one of two camps: written for followers of a particular belief system, or apparently so afraid of appearing to push a specific religion that they are encyclopedic in their presentation of that religion. And, since they are often written by people who don't subscribe to the belief system they are describing, they make errors that those from the religion find problematic. (I've felt that way about many books about Christianity, and Muslim friends have shared the same when I've asked their opinions on books about Islam for kids.)

Hence I am very excited about Khan's book about Ramadan. She combines her personal experiences both as a child and an adult, and she draws on descriptions from many other Muslims to show the wide cultural variations in how Muslims celebrate this central tenant of their faith.
She rightly is positive about what she believes, without suggesting others should change their beliefs. Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
Review based on an ARC received through Netgalley.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this book work so well is it was written by someone who practices Islam and has experienced Ramadan herself as opposed to someone who has no firsthand experience. It is very informative and gives a great deal of detail as to the various practices which comprise the observance of the month of fasting. Also included are differences in other countries which are influenced by those cultures. There is a table of contents, glossary, list of resources, index and also recipes for some of the foods mentioned in the text. Many holidays are all about the food as well as the actual religious observance. Stories of individual children as well as quotes from many people are included throughout the the book, separate from the actual text. Those who practice Islam and want more of an understanding of their own faith practices as well as those who are curious about Ramadan will find this book satisfying.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Ausma's adorable honesty regarding her first attempt at fasting to the divine recipes to featuring Ibtihaj Muhammad's experience of maintaining both her religious practice and her fencing, this was a delight!

[Wunderdrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is nominated for the 2021 Hackmatack Award in the English Non-fiction category. I actually purchased this book for our library last year, but haven't had a chance to give it a full read through until now. Growing up in a predominantly Christian part of the world, I didn't have a lot of opportunity to meet people who practiced other faiths. Until I took a class in western religions at university, I really didn't know anything about other traditions. This is the book that I wish I'd had growing up! It starts off with an overview of what Islam is and who is a Muslim, explaining things like the Islamic Calendar and the five pillars of Islam. It breaks the month of Ramadan down into stages (mercy, forgiveness, salvation) and what they entail. Similar to the 'spirit of Christmas' for Christians, many Muslims make a special effort during Ramadan to contribute to their communities through volunteering and learning about their heritage. The last chapter of the book discusses Ramadan traditions around the world, and we learn a little bit about different ways of celebrating in countries from Indonesia to Egypt and lots of places in between.
I really like how each chapter ends with a brief personal story from kids around the world, and there are speech bubbles throughout the book with quotes from kids saying what Ramadan means to them. The design of the book was excellent, the photos were great and I always love a recipe. The glossary and resources pages will be especially useful for people for whom the topic of Islam is all new. I would definitely recommend this book to curious kids ages nine and up, or really anyone who would like a basic introduction to the ideas of Islam and how Ramadan is celebrated.

[Sheelie Kittee]

Very interesting and helped me to learn / understand overall this religious faith! As I currently work with many students and colleagues of Islamic background, I feel I can understand them better as well.
Some really nice exerpts shared by kids, teens, of various ages:

Ramadan... is a humbling experience that allows us to empathize with others and reminds us to be thankful for the life we live, and go on living with an open mind, with love in our hearts and peace emanating from within.

Have they acted in good faith? Have they been honest, reliable, thoughtful, generous and kind? Have they been courteous to others? Have they atoned for - lies, deceit, small trickeries or other forms of dishonesty? Have they asked for forgiveness - committing acts that are forbidden, such as stealing or harming others?

When a person is ready to change their bad habits, these 10 days are full of God's mercy.

For those who are ill or grieving or suffering any kind of burden or hardship, the Night of Destiny offers comfort and hope.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great introduction to Ramadan and its place in Islamic cultures all over the world! I very much appreciated how the author wove in pieces of her own story and quotes from Muslim kids to give the reader more of a personal feel, while also including solid information. Perhaps my favorite things, though, are 1) how this book doesn’t center Islam or Muslims in any one area of the world, even while paying respect to its birthplace - it shares and celebrates the experiences & practices of Muslims from so many places, which is SO refreshing; and 2) how much FUN it is, with the gorgeous color photos of all the people and celebrations. That really captures the spirit of Ramadan to me — all the deprivation is in service of something greater, and it’s really often a time of connection and deep joy.

Highly recommended. Geared towards older kids, but teens and adults might enjoy it too - I certainly did!

[Vinnie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eid-al-Fitr (must call it Eid) is a huge deal for Muslims as it marks the end of Ramadan. Some countries even make it a two day holiday.
Bosnia had a genocide in the 90s where over 8,000 men were killed by Yugoslavia because they were Muslim. 24 million Muslims in China with two 500 year old mosques. Egypt is considered the cultural center of the Arab world. India has 176 million Muslims. Indonesia has 209 million Muslims. 91 million Muslims in Nigeria. Palestine is mostly Muslim and Jerusalem has the rock where Muhammad visited heaven on a winged beast. Saudi Arabia has most of the historical sites relating to Muhammad (Mecca, Medina, and such).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it is written by one of my favorite authors. I appreciated all of the detail on the meaning behind Ramadan, the elements involved in the month of fasting, and the variety of traditions practiced by Muslims around the world. If I had kids, this is definitely a book I would encourage them to read to expand their knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and religions.

[Brooklyn || The Wild Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read & evaluated this book for the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable (VCLR) 2019 Information Book Award.
The Orca origins series is pretty good- With Ramadan in particular, the information goes really in depth. The book is text-heavy but designed well and would be a great educational resource. The language wasn't othering and didn't assume the reader's race or cultural background which was nice to see!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was phenomenal. With Ramadan coming up, I wanted to read more about the history, culture, traditions, and importance of Ramadan and the Muslim faith in general. This book more than fulfilled that wish and included lots of personal stories and beautiful pictures. I highly recommend this book!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young readers book about the month of Ramadan, when muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Eid is the day when Ramadan ends and people celebrate with feasts. This is a colorful book with many pictures and true stories of Ramadan in the lives of young muslims.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides basic information for young people

[Andréa]

Note: I received a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter 2018.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's. So. Beautiful.

The epub.

I am so used to getting epubs that aren't final versions or are final versions and just suck, with weird margins and fonts, and low-res images I can't make head nor tails of. Ramadan by Ausma Zehanat Khan is just so beautiful and colourful and laid out in such a way that what I'm focusing on is the fact that someone, somewhere (I guess, to be specific, someone(s) at Orca Publishing) knows how to make beautiful epubs.

So beautiful.

Content: A good introduction to Ramadan for kids, probably up to early high school. There are recipes (lassi, yay!) and information, but it's so beautiful it could have just been lorem ipsum text in parts because the pictures and layout, be still my graphic-design beating heart. It would be good for a classroom discussion, maybe taking the pressure off any Muslims to feel like they have to be ambassadors/educators to everyone else (I remember a classmate fasting for Ramadan for the first time growing weary of having to explain again and again and again).

But the beauty. It's so beautiful the book. It's worth it for the beauty alone.

Ramadan by Ausma Zehanat Khan went on sale March 27, 2018.

I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Ramadan” has some beautiful pictures! I learned a lot from the information in this book and I enjoyed the personal stories.