Rahman’s Ramadan

“Ramadan Mubarak [BlessedRamadan],Rahman,” a soft voice uttered in the dark.

“Ramadan Kareem [a bountiful Ramadan to you], Mommy,” Rahman replied. “What time is it?”

“It’s 4:30 in the morning,” said his mom.

“Oh no! I was going to wake up at 4 o’clock. Ah!”

“Rahman dear, it’s OK. Your father and I decided to let you sleep a little longer while we made breakfast.”

“So, I’m not too late?” Rahman asked.

“No dear. You are just fine,” said his mom.

“Woo!” said Rahman. “For a minute I thought I missed Sahur, our early meal. I had better hurry and make wudu [a cleansing ritual],” he said.

“Good,” said his mom. “Remember, you must wash your hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, neck and feet three times. This is very important. And I’m so proud that you’ve decided to fast the entire 30 days. You are setting such a good example for your little sister.”

“Thanks, Mom,” said Rahman, beaming as he went running for the bathroom. He was running so fast, he almost bumped into his dad.

“Ramadan Mubarak, Dad.”

“Ramadan Kareem, son. Your mom just told me you are fasting the entire 30 days. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise, Dad,” Ramadan replied.

“Well, son, I am proud of you. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a big sacrifice. It’s when you take time to give up the things you like the most.”

“Like playing video games and Pokemon?” asked Rahman.

“Yes, son. It also means giving up food, water, and not saying mean things to others and acting in anger. You know, we don’t fast for ourselves, but for the Most High.”

“Ramadan is very spiritual, isn’t it Dad?”

“Yes, son, it is. That’s why I’m so proud of you.”

“Too bad Raheemah is too young to fast. She’s really missing out,” added Rahman.

“Well, she’s not big like you yet, but she will fast too when it’s her time.”

“Umm. Something sure smells good,” said Rahman, getting suddenly distracted. “Mommy, can we eat now?”

“Yes Rahman, we can eat for Sahur,” answered Mom.

“After breakfast I was going to have fun with my PlayStation, but I think I’d rather read the Koran with you.”

“Yes, son. That’s fine,” said his mom, approvingly. “But afterward you need to rest a little while before going to school.”

“Oh, no!” remembered Rahman. Today is the after-school party for the holidays. I am fasting. What am I going to do?”

* Thursday: Will Rahman go to the school party?

* Author and educator Katrina Hasan Hamilton would like to wish everyone happy holidays and extend the greeting of “Ramadan Mubarak” to Muslim children all over the world.

* This story will be on The Times’ Web site at https://www.latimes.com/kids.

The story so far: Rahman has found the Hilal (new moon), and it is now Ramadan. But does he wake up in time to fast?