Ramadan Kareem to our Muslim neighbors!
The holy month of Ramadan began earlier this week, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar and most sacred month of the year for Muslims.
Ramadan is divided into three stages (Ashras), each, a ten day period with a specific focus.
The first 10 days reflect Rahmat, or the “Mercy of Allah”, the following ten days represent Maghfirat, the “Forgiveness of Allah”, and the last ten days represent, Nijaat, “Salvation”.
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
During this time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship, people fast every day from dawn to sunset. (Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam along with the testimony of faith, prayer, charitable giving, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.)
Once the sun sets, families meet for big meals that begin with iftar, a meal which usually starts with dates and water or milk.
Ramadan is a time of celebration and joy, to be spent with loved ones and we wish Ramadan Mubarak to all celebrating.
Ramadan "Story-Time" Read-Aloud Series
In celebration of Ramadan, the New Castle Council on Race and Equity is partnering with the Chappaqua Library on a "story-time" read-aloud series featuring books that center the Ramandan holiday and traditions. We are extremely thankful to Zoya Nabeel, a 7th grader at Seven Bridges and library volunteer, for her initiative and bringing us together for this!!
Each week during the month of Ramadan (April 12 - May 12), we'll be sharing recorded readings, read by New Castle community members.
Be sure to check back each Friday when a new book will be shared both here and on the Chappaqua Library Children's Room page.
Our first book in the series is Lailah's Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi, read by Zoya!
"Lailah's Lunchbox is written by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Lea Lyon. It is read with permission from Tilbury House Publishers."
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