A recent survey showed that 75% of non-Muslim Brits are not familiar with Ramadan and 37% didn’t even know it involved fasting.
But, I was pleased to read, the research, by Deliveroo, also showed an appetite for learning - 50% want to know more about the practice of Ramadan and how they could support people observing the period.
During Ramadan, Deliveroo are distributing hundreds of copies of my book, The Most Exciting Eid alongside deliveries.
It was important to me to get my book put in the hands of the masses. Information at a young age is imperative in developing equality, compassion, and tolerance. Introducing children to a range of religious practices in their early years breeds acceptance and understanding, which is the key to informing generations to come.
Ramadan ends upon the sighting of the new moon and a celebration we call Eid-ul-Fitr. Because we follow the lunar calendar this could mean Eid-ul-Fitr will either be on April 21st or 22nd this year. My book tells the story of a little girl, Safa, who is so excited for Eid-al-Fitr. As her mum takes her on an adventure to gift delicious Eid treats to all their neighbours, Safa learns an important lesson in the book about what makes Eid exciting: sharing special moments with the people we love.
The important Islamic traditions of sharing and caring can also be seen within these additional books focused on Ramadan and Eid, that will help people across the UK better support their communities, families, colleagues and friends during the period with more understanding, arming them with information in a colourful and enchanting way.
10 Books To Teach Your Children About Ramadan And Eid
The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
Little Leena Learns About Ramadan by Zainab Fadlallah
Little Men and Little Miss Happy Eid by Adam Hargreaves
Ramadan in Space by Dr Wendy Booth and Hana Hanifah Ishwari
Zahra’s Blessing, A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi
All About Eid by Sarah Shaffi
Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B. Robert
The Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Chaand Raat
Ramadan Around the World by Ndaa Hassan
For more information on Zeba’s book and the campaign with Deliveroo, please visit: https://riders.deliveroo.co.uk/en/ramadan.