"Ramadan, Arabic Ramaḍān, in Islam, is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle. Ramadan lasts from March 22 to April 21 in 2023. (Dates are dependent on the appearance of the crescent moon and may vary across countries.)
Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night—that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guide for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention."
-Britanica
Resources:
● Ramadan Information & Activities for Kids
● National Geographic Article on Celebrating Ramadan
Book recommendations to highlight the holiday:
- Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
- Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard
- Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid
- Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
- Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes
- The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
- Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali
- Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi
- The Best Eid Ever by Rabiah York Lumbard
