Ramadan 2025 Begins Tonight

Pick up your copy of Hannah and the Ramadan Gift, join a book reading, and learn about your neighbors

Tonight at sunset local time marks the beginning of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. For 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide—including millions here in the United States—Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and giving. It’s a month where we fast from dawn to sunset, not just as an act of devotion but to cultivate gratitude, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need. Ramadan is also about coming together—with family, neighbors, and friends of all faiths—to share meals, deepen our spirituality, and uplift one another through acts of charity.

During Ramadan I’ll publish pieces on the history of Ramadan in the United States, first observed by enslaved African Muslims. Or the contributions of American Muslims to the arts, sports, and politics. Indeed, the American Muslim community is the most diverse faith community of any group in the country, spanning dozens of nationalities, cultures, and even sects. I hope you use this month of Ramadan as an opportunity to learn about your neighbors in a new light. Let’s Address This.

From a 201 interview: https://www.romper.com/entertainment/hannah-the-ramadan-gift-qasim-rashid-interview

Why I Wrote Hannah and the Ramadan Gift

A few years ago, I wrote Hannah and the Ramadan Gift because I wanted to give young readers a story that not only teaches about Ramadan but also captures its spirit of kindness, family, and generosity. The book follows Hannah, a young girl who wants to fast—but realizes that she’s too young. How does she properly observe Ramadan if she can’t fast? “By saving the world,” her grandfather reminds her. It’s a story about learning, growing, and discovering the power of service to humanity—a lesson that transcends faith and culture.

More than ever, stories like these matter. They help children see themselves in books. They foster empathy and understanding. And in a time when books about diversity are being pulled from shelves, simply reading and sharing these stories becomes an act of resistance.

Join Me for a Book Reading!

As a special way to celebrate Ramadan, I’l be doing a book reading right here on Substack Live during this Ramadan. Be sure to subscribe to get the notification ahead of time. Likewise, I am offering 5 free book readings this month for elementary schools. If you’re a teacher, librarian, or parent and would like me to come read Hannah and the Ramadan Gift to your students, even via zoom, just reach out, and we’ll make it happen. I’d love to share the joy of this month with as many kids as possible.

To book a reading, contact me at qasim.rashid@gmail.com and let’s chat!

This Ramadan, let’s celebrate stories that bring us together. Let’s champion books that reflect all of us. And let’s ensure that the next generation grows up in a world where diversity is not feared—but proudly recognized and celebrated.

Wishing you all a Ramadan Mubarak—a blessed and joyful Ramadan!