Praise be to Allah! The crescent has been sighted and the Holy Month of Ramadan has arrived. Muslims around the world unite in worshiping Allah by refraining from food, drink, and worldly desires while increasing their acts of worship. This transformative spiritual time allows us many opportunities to center ourselves and remember our true purpose, worshiping Allah. During this spiritual month of personal reflection and growth, our children notice a difference, not just in our eating routines and habits but also in other ways. While they are not required to fast due to their young age, children can pick up on the energy of Ramadan allowing us an opportunity to teach them that Ramadan is not only about abstinence, it is also a month of gratitude and generosity.
In the book, The Blessed Pomegranates by A. Helwa and illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi siblings Adam and Aliyah are enjoying their time in the yard. The trees and sky seem to be welcoming Ramadan. Grandma Essi asks them to pick the ruby pomegranates off her magnificent tree. In all their excitement they pick way more than they can use so Grandma Essi suggests they share their treasures with family, friends, and neighbors. With their wagon filled with ripe pomegranates they set off under the Ramadan sun to deliver the blessings and bring everyone with Ramadan greetings! The recipients of the fruits are excited to see the family and receive the large plump gifts! Everyone knows exactly what they will do with the pomegranates.
On their way back to Grandma’s, Aliyah and Adam sadly notice that they have given away every last one and there is none left for them to enjoy. Grandma reassures them that “in the spirit of Ramadan Allah always rewards kindness with more abundance.” They arrive home just in time to hear the call to maghrib prayer and the breaking of the fast. The children are surprised to see the table filled with delicious foods and pomegranates! From their uncle's specialty syrup, pomegranate stew from their neighbor, and juice from Adam’s friends. Everyone had used their gift to make something to share!
The Blessed Pomegrantes is a lovely book with a heartfelt message about how generosity is rewarded by Allah ten folds. The author does a fantastic job creating a setting that depicts how even the trees, sun, moon, and sky all welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, the holy season of giving. Adam and Aliyah learn valuable lessons while sharing their blessings. The excitement that is also shared throughout the story radiates through the pages. Grandma Essi is wise and loving and teaches them how to relate this back to Allah. The illustrations are beautiful and filled with detail and colors that give a sense of warmth. This is definitely a book you would want in your home library. Consider gifting one to your local school or public library.
May Allah shower us with blessings from where we least expect them. Ameen.
Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats! She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.
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