Taking kids to be fasting can be very challenging. While it is no easy task to tell them the fundamental nature of fasting, it will be even more taxing when they demand earlier break-fast (iftar) several times before due time. It is not a surprise though as to them fasting means abstaining only from hunger and thirst unlike adults who go deeper in essence. Their initial phase of fasting will likely be determined by what to eat as soon as iftar is allowed.
Are there any effective ways to teach
children to fast for the first time knowing that fasting is not yet an obligation
for them? How do we make them understand the importance of fasting as early as
they can? One of the best ways is perhaps by reading a book that recounts a fun
activity while fasting. It is what I learn from I’m Fasting This Ramadan,
a book by Zeneefa Zaneer that captures Sakeena’s
first day of fasting in Ramadan.
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Authentic and captivating
Written by a Sri Lankan author whose passion
for love and family relationship are reflected in her books, I’m Fasting
This Ramadan is interesting in some ways. The characters in the book appear
very natural especially Sakeena who demonstrates astuteness and spontaneity. Narrated
from the girl’s point of view, the book unequivocally follows her little
adventure, including the temptation to break her fasting on the very first day
she started. Sakeena responded to her experience very authentically, a typical reaction
any kids would show.
The colorful illustrations in the entire book
make it easier for young readers to understand why fasting during Ramadhan really
matters. The scratch and the color chosen by a 12-year-old Afra Anas cast the pictures
vividly alive, as if imprinting how Sakeena felt as well as the magnitude of support
her family gave her to fast. Young readers and kids alike will enjoy turning
every page of the book in order to not only discover the candid images but also
find out how the story evolves.
Spit the greed
In addition to teaching children to start
fasting with fun, the book furtively instills the spirit of sharing into their
minds to do good and generous to the needy and those less unfortunate. While Ramadan
is the month when believers genuinely thank God by fasting, it is also the
right moment to refrain from greed. Sakeena once argued over her mom’s decision
to share gift by saying, “Why?” I was not happy. I was hungry. The sentence
clearly portrays voracity of kids and even of adults who are about to break
their fast out of greed to exclude everyone else in their own excitement.
Priceless investment
Fueled by love and compassion, the book is
relatively rich in Sri Lankan cultures as shown by the flaky tuna samosa and
the energizing Faluda syrup. Apart from praying in the mosque, the aroma of kanji
has seemed to draw near and will tickle readers’ appetite to distinguish the menu
or snacks during Ramadan in their homeland.
The book is a gripping read and comes with
luxury paper that will make a precious collection for any families. Parents and
children may be engaged in valuable time when reading this book together. While
bonding can be established, parents will have the opportunity to introduce good
values to their children to fortify love and benevolence. For nonnative English
speaking countries, the book may be used to help learn English in an amusing
way. The glossary at the end of the book provides important vocabularies
in terms of Ramadan and those related to local culture.
As two boys of mine have benefited from reading
this book, I’m certain your kids will too. Grab the book at your earliest convenience
on Amazon or by contacting the author.
About the book
Title:
I’m Fasting This
Ramadan
Author:
Zeneefa Zaneer – Afra Anas
Publisher:
Think Publishers
Editor:
LaYinka Sanni
ISBN:
978-955-99710-4-7
