Muslim Literature: Third Look

Ramadan
by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi

Ghazi, Suhaib Hamid. Ramadan. 1st Edition. New York: Holiday House, 1996.

Hakeem is a young Muslim boy who is taking part in his first fast for the Islam month of Ramadan. Throughout the book, readers follow Hakeem’s daily life during the month of Ramadan—waking up early for Suhur, the early meal before dawn that will give him enough energy to fast throughout the day, playing with other Muslim friends at school during lunch (but not too hard) to keep his mind off of eating, and waiting for the sun to set and breaking the fast for the day with Iftar, the evening meal.

The fictional character Hakeem represents many Muslim children in the world who are part of the millions of people that observe Ramadan all over the world, and this book offers Muslim and non-Muslim readers alike a look into what exactly this observance entails. It is not simply a story of a young boy; it is an enjoyable yet educational look into the Islam faith and traditions. Ghazi includes a glossary at the end of the book, defining terms commonly used by Muslims and throughout the story. Readers will learn to appreciate the Islamic traditions such as Ramadan and fasting as they observe Hakeem and his family throughout the celebrated month.

This book can be included in the diverse children's literature category because it tells the story of a child who is normally underrepresented in literature. There are not a lot of books for children written about Islam or Muslims, and this one is a book that is both well-written and well-illustrated.