Customer Reviews

Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle

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"Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle" is a Ramadan story that teaches children about the Muslim customs surrounding Ramadan and the hopes of a young girl to grow into celebrating these traditions. At 9, Shirin would like to join her parents and her older brother in the custom of fasting from dawn till dusk for the cycle of Ramadan, eating only in the early or late dark hours. The family are excited to begin Ramadan when the new moon tells them Ramadan commences. Shirin's father is sympathetic to her wish to fast, but he reminds her there is more to Ramadan, and that she can help celebrate the spirit of Ramadan by performing some small good deeds such as quietly helping care for Pishi or weeding in the garden. Of course Shirin joins her family in special Ramadan prayers, using her special beaded scarf for a prayer mat. The family makes changes in their daily routine to observe the fast during daylight hours, and they ask "May Allah feed whoever is hungry," before they begin iftar, or to break their fast. The family does not have as much daytime energy during Ramadan, but they try to focus their energy and prayers on thoughts of kind, selfless offerings and sharings. Shirin's grandmother tells her a story of a boy who decides to offer Allah his best effort which is a part-time fast because that too is a beautiful and precious gift. Shirin decides to make a quilt while she works on her part time fast. Shirin's older brother Ali is fasting, but it is hard for him. Shirin sees him break his fast during daylight hours. Should she tell? it is a long wait for the new moon, when Ramadan will be over, and it will be Eid, with presents for Ali and Shirin. Shirin decides the kind thing to do is to help Ali by quietly concealing his daytime snacks. Ali is suspicious, but grateful. Finally the moon watchers sight the new moon and Eid ul-Fitr, the time of festivity is come, the end of Ramadan. Shirin's mother decorates her hands with henna, making beautiful swirling patterns with a matchstick on her hands. Treats are prepared and gifts are wrapped and brought out of hiding. Shirin's Ramadan miracle is that Ali, her teasing big brother, has decided to give her a special gift all by himself. "Moon Watchers" is a beautifully illustrated story of one of the most sacred customs of Muslims, Ramadan.

We borrowed this book from the library and just had to buy it.

Beautifully illustrated, clear story-line, from the perspective of an Iranian family. But it could be the story of any family observing Ramadan.

(That the family is Shite is only alluded to in the pictures where they are shown praying, and the wooden/stone is on the rug. Otherwise it could easily be a Sunni household as well).

Don't let that deter anyone from buying this classic Muslim children's story.

A story about family, and a story for unnderstanding Ramadan. Great book to read to children, so they can undrstand that all families are similar, whether they are Christian or Muslim. .