Ramadan

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, but not what I was looking for
Review: As other reviewers mentioned, this is a beautifully illustrated book. Common, day-to-day words used by Muslims (Imam, Suhur, Zakah) are explained in an understandable way, so I could see this being a reasonable way to introduce the concepts to non-Muslim children (or even adults). Overall, however, I was disappointed. The interesting, personable little details about Hakeem were heavily weighed down by the "adult talking to child" background information about every last little aspect of Ramadan. I would guess that a quick brush past two dozen new vocabulary words, painstakingly defined, will not actually teach those concepts to non-Muslim children. Meanwhile, I fear that the Muslim children for whom I intended this book as a gift will not find enough story among the definitions and explanations to hold their attention. We have so many stories set at Christmas-time that do not attempt to explain the entire Christian religion and all of the symbolism and rituals of Christmas... I haven't been able to find such stories to purchase for my young Muslim friends. Must every book about them be a child-sized textbook on Muslim faith and practices?

Rating:
Summary: Young readers are introduced to the holy month of Ramadan
Review: Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar and I think most Americans know at least that much if they had no clue as to what the holiday celebrates or what Muslim families do during that time. In this book Suhaib Hamid Ghazi answers all the questions young readers would have about Ramadan. The information is provided in terms of a story about how Hakeem and his family observe Ramadan while living in the United States. Young Readers will learn about how Ramadan was the month is which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the prophet Muhammed. This will learn how Muslims do not eat or drink anything during the day, rising before dawn to share "suhur," a special meal, and breaking their fast after sundown by eating a date and then having a big family meal called "Iftar." They will also learn about the other ways in which Muslims celebrate their faith during the holy month. The back of the book contains a Glossary that explains various words and greetings (such as "Ramadan Mubarak" meaning "Have a happy and blessed Ramadan") that are used throughout the book.

The illustrations for this book are by Omar Rayyan, who includes borders and panels in a more traditional Islamic style to represent not only the rich and exotic history of Islam but to create a visual contrast with Muslims living in contemporary America. Of course the lives of such Americans are of more curiosity today than they were when this book was written in 1996 and telling the story of Ramadan from the perspective of young Hakeem should prove quite effective in giving young readers a book of reference. The important point of this book is captured in an illustration when Rayyan has modeled on Norman Rockwell's famous painting of a family at Thanksgiving, better known as "Freedom From Want." I do not know if younger readers will appreciate the importance of that symbolism, but I sure do.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible book
Review: We are Christians, but I want my children to grow up knowing about religious diversity and learning about the beliefs of other religions. It's hard to respect what you don't know.

I'm very much impressed with this book. The text is very clear and gives an abundance of information on both Islam and Ramadan. The illustrations are excellent and fit the text beautifully.

Whatever your faith (or age), this book will provide a beautiful introduction to the religion of Islam and to their holiest holiday.