Getting Ready for Ramadan 2017

Ramadan is right around the corner. We understand all that has to go into getting you and your family ready for this joyful month and are here to help. As just a token of our support, we would like to share some of the wonderful books that can help to get you into the mood.

Eid and Ramadan Songs
by Fawzia Gilani Williams
A book of lyrics of Eid songs that teach about Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and Ramadan. These songs and poems are easy to learn and fun to sing. Perfect to get your children into the Ramadan spirit.

An Encouraging Word: A Ramadan Inspired Collection of Essays
by Abu Jamiylah Abdul-Malik
This collection of essays, written during the month of Ramadan, reflecting on the many favors of Allah is sure to put you in a reflective mood as well.

Etiquette with the Quran
by Nawawi
This enduring classic on the etiquette a Muslim must or should have toward the handling and reciting of the Qur'an explores such topics as ritual cleanliness, opportune times for recitation, student-teacher etiquette, and a variety of other issues and topics that not only should every Muslim know and talk about but also are designed to bring you closer to the word of God at such an important spiritual time.

Fasting and Dates: a Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story
by Jonny Zucker
This book is part of a series that explores different cultures and their major holidays in a way that all children can understand. The colorful illustrations are enticing to young children while providing necessary information and the back of the book provides a two-page spread of information for adults including methods of conveying the importance and meaning of the holidays to the children in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Fasting From Alif to Yaa: a Day By Day Guide To Making the Most of Ramadhaan
by Umm Mujaahid Khadijah Bint Lacina al-Amreekeeyyah as-Salafiyyah
This guide contains additional daily points of benefit to help readers make the most of the Ramadan season. Containing stories of the Prophets and Messengers including activities for the whole family to enjoy and benefit from for each day of Ramadan, global Muslim recipes and additional support, this is a go-to book for getting the most out of Ramadan this year.

Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant: the Holiest Cities of Islam
written by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, photographed by Ali Kazuyoshi Nomachi

Mecca and Medina are by far the two holiest cities in the Islamic world. This book, photographed by the distinguished Japanese photographer Ali Kazuyoshi Namachi, a convert to the Muslim faith who was given unprecedented access to both cities, including Medina's Mosque of the Prophet and Mecca's sacred center, the Ka'bah, is sure to inspire. Accompanying the photographs and numerous archival illustrations, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr's text forms a valuable guide to the spiritual and historical foundations of the Muslim faith.

Lailah's Lunchbox: a Ramadan Story
by Reem Faruqi
Now that she is ten, Lailah is delighted that she can fast during the month of Ramadan like her family and friends in Abu Dhabi, but finding a way to explain to her teacher and classmates in Atlanta is a challenge until she gets some good advice from the librarian, Mrs. Scrabble. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is a wonderful way to bring both Muslim children and their non-Muslim friends together. Read it for classroom story time or as an evening treat. It is sure to open up the season of Ramadan for everyone.

Welcome Ramadan!
by Lila Assiff-Tarabain
"The Spirit of fasting in Ramadan builds human character by encouraging the person to do good and refrain from doing anything that would harm others. The fasting person learns patience, perseverance, self-discipline, sacrifice, and compassion and sympathy for those that are less fortunate." This book helps teach young children the importance of fasting in Ramadan with brilliant illustrations and wonderful wording. Brought to you by the good people of Goodword Kids.

It's Ramadan, Curious George
written by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young
One of the breakout hits of last year, It's Ramadan, Curious George is sure to please. George is so excited. He is going to celebrate Ramadan with his friend Kareem! Together they sample special treats, make baskets to donate to the needy, and look for the crescent moon. The man in the yellow hat even gets in on the fun with a yellow fez! Come along to celebrate this special time of year with everyone's favorite monkey in the playful book of rhymes.


The Ramadan of Shaikh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya
by Mohammed Ismail Memon Madani, a.k.a. Ismail Memon
The blessed month of Ramadan is a special gift from Allah. It is an opportunity for any Muslim who makes the most of their time in this blessed month to become a beloved close servant of Allah. Join Shaikh al-Hadith Zakariyya for a wonderful Ramadan journey.


Who Hid the Eid Lamb = Man khaba kharuf al-id
by Taghrid Arif Najjar
Grandmother Fatoum tells her grandchildren how as a child she got attached to the Eid lamb. The story is retold in flashback and set in a Palestinian village. This is a wonderful look at Muslim holiday traditions told through the eyes of a family.

In the Shade of the Qur'an 
written by Sayyid Qutb, translated and edited by Adil Salahi

This eighteen volume series is considered one of the most preeminent Qur'anic commentaries of the 20th century. It is an earnest and sincere look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. This commentary spans the entirety of the text of the Qur'an. This work has been universally recognized as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship. As a part of your pre-Ramadan study, you can't go much better than this text taking you to the heart of the Qur'an.

The Islamic Year: Surahs, Stories and Celebrations
written by Noorah Al-Gailani and Chris Smith, illustrated by Helen Williams
Filled with illustrations, calendars, maps, pictures from the Muslim world, the Names of God and information on Islamic holidays, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, this book will feed your need for knowledge of the important events in the Muslim year.



Now that you have the opportunity to find some stellar and outstanding resources to get you in the Ramadan and Eid spirit, it is time to visit our center and check out (or purchase) some books and movies.

Get ready!
                 Get set!
                             Go!