Ramadan Central

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: 

I do not remember how young I was, but I remember wanting to fast like all the adults in the family. This is a story of my first day of fasting as a child. Many other Muslim children have this same story. I recall my shiny new pretty dress, and the aromas of delicious food.

With all of its inherent beauty, the month of Ramadan does not need improvement or embellishment. And yet, when we celebrate the month with enthusiasm and special effort, we create a positive emotional connection that helps our families greet the month with anticipation year after year.

When I first saw Ramadan Around the World by Ndaa Hassan, what stood out to me was not the smiling moon, nor the hanging lanterns, nor the ethnic diversity of the children. What caught my eye most was the Muslim boy sitting front and center, and happy in his wheelchair.

Although Muslims around the world are abstaining from food and water for almost the entire day for the month of Ramadan, many of us tend to gain weight during the month.

In 1999, Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) produced a music tape of Islamic songs and rap for Muslim Youth. The internationally renowned Muslim rap group Native Deen was one of the artists on this particular tape.