Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion and will soon be the world’s largest; 1.2 billion Muslims make up approximately one-quarter of the world’s population.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. Ramadan began this week on March 10th and lasts through April 9th.
During the holy month of Ramadan, some Muslims observe the religious traditions of fasting from sunup to sundown, praying throughout the day, and performing charitable deeds. Check out these picture books to learn more about Islam, Ramadan, and Muslim girl power!
Moon’s Ramadan, written and illustrated by Natasha Khan Kazi, is a beautiful depiction of Muslim families and traditions from all over the world as told from the perspective of the Moon, who unites global Muslims during Ramadan.
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift, by Qasim Rashid and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, tells the story of a young Muslim girl who is too young to fast, and so observes Ramadan “by saving the world” through acts of charity. It isn’t as easy as she thinks it will be, but she learns that, through resiliency and love, she can still make the world a better place.
Dear Muslim Child is a new book by Rahma Rodaah and illustrated by Aya Ghanameh. It is a love letter to Muslim children everywhere, reminding them that, “Your life matters. Your faith matters. Your story matters.”
Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter, by Mark Gonzales and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini, speaks in “Spanish, Arabic, and dreams,” is a gorgeously illustrated meditation on “what it means to be human,” from a father to his daughter.
Muslim Girls Rise: International Champions of Our Time, by Saira Mir and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, begins…
“People may tell you that you can’t do something because of the way you look, dress, or pray. Your name may sound different. Never forget that you are extraordinary. You are powerful, brave, and clever. Great things come from people like you. Long ago, Muslim women rode into battle to defend their dreams. They opened doors to the world’s oldest library. They ruled their people, started movements, and spread knowledge. Today, Muslim women continue to make history. Once upon a time, they were children with dreams, just like you.” Each page tells the story and impact of one extraordinary contemporary Muslim woman, from Khamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, to Hibah Rahmani, a NASA engineer, and encourages readers to believe in themselves just like these admirable women.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family is written by Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first Muslim American woman in hijab (head scarf) to medal at the Olympic Games, and illustrated by Hatem Aly. It is the first day of school and the first day that Asiya begins wearing hijab every day. She picks out a blue hijab, that her sister, Faizah, is enamored with. As other kids question Asiya’s hijab, Faizah strengthens her admiration of her big sister and looks forward to the day when she starts wearing hijab every day. She decides that her first hijab will also be blue, the color of pride.
“I am Malala. I’ve always wished I could make the world a more peaceful place…and every day I work to make my wish come true.” Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and illustrated by Kerascoët tells how a young Malala wishes for a magic pencil that can change the world. Her imagination colors the world in lovely gold illustrations, and in the end, she learns that she doesn’t need a magic pencil because all it takes is “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”
Ramadan Kareem! A generous Ramadan to all!
