The Gift of Ramadan Review: A Story About the Meaning of Fasting

 

"'And did you know?' continue grandma, "There are other ways to celebrate Ramadan?'" 

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard is a warm picture book about a young girl experiencing Ramadan in a very relatable way. 

The story follows Sophia, who decides that she wants to fast during Ramadan just like her parents and grandmother. She wakes up early for suhoor and begins her first fasting day full of excitement and determination. But as the day goes on, Sophia quickly realizes that fasting is much harder than she expected. 

When her little brother appears with a delicious cookie, her resolve finally breaks. Sophia worries that she has ruined everything and failed her first fast. 

But her grandmother gently helps her understand something important: Ramadan is about more than just fasting. 

One of the things I appreciated in this book is the message about kindness and helping others. When Sophia’s grandmother becomes too tired to prepare iftar, Sophia steps in to help. In that moment, she feels the same “sparkling” feeling she had hoped to experience through fasting. It beautifully represents the real “gift” of Ramadan by caring for others and doing good deeds. 

The illustrations are charming and welcoming, portraying a loving Muslim family and everyday moments during Ramadan. The story itself is simple, engaging, and easy for young children to understand. 

Overall, The Gift of Ramadan is an excellent introduction to what fasting during Ramadan can feel like for children. It reminds readers that fasting isn’t only about avoiding food and drink from sunrise to sunset, it’s also about compassion, generosity, and intention. 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted Ramadan story, especially for children who are just beginning to learn about fasting.