Written by Nasreen Aktar
Illustrated by Enebor Attard
Mantra Publishers (Copyright page missing)
ISBN # 185269 122 0
“Samira’s Eid” is the story of an Islamic family’s celebration of the Festival of Eid, which occurs at the first sighting of the new moon following Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. During the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and are reminded of how difficult it is for those who have only enough food to eat one meal a day. The Festival of Eid is celebrated by donning new (or best) clothing, Zakat al-fitr (offerings for the poor), ceremonial prayers, exchanging cards and presents, and culminates by sharing a feast with extended family and friends. The book is geared for Grades 2-5 and is written in English and Arabic. The illustrations are well done and the book is perfect for a read aloud introducing a unit of study on various holidays celebrated by religions of the world. (Note to teacher – may contain unfamiliar vocabulary: new moon, Ramadan, Eid, fasting, samosa, zakat, Eid Mubarak, shalwar-kameez, mosque, Imam. English influence - Mum, favourite)
I really enjoyed the book as well. It reminded me of my childhood (not that I celebrated Eid but most of my classmates did). I remember having shortened school days for Ramadan so that my fasting classmates wouldnt be too tired. We also had to go to a covered place at school and eat where no one could see us to be polite to other students who were fasting.
ReplyDeleteI think this book offers excellent discussion points for a classroom setting. It is a fun way for students to learn about the Muslim faith and their values (such as giving to the poor and understanding what they go through).