Tag Archives: zakat

Mar10

My First Book about Charity: teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

Posted on March 10, 2025 by islamicschoollibrarian

The newest board book in the My First Book series is a gentle and wonderful introduction to charity, both sadaqah and zakat. Sourced with ayats from the Quran, there is also backmatter that has Facts about Charity and Questions and Answers. I’m always amazed at how much information the series consistently contains in the 26 pages for our littlest Muslims. With soft illustrations and smiling joyful faces, each page radiates warmth, information and simplicity in a way that grows with toddlers, to preschoolers, to early elementary aged readers, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with affirming that Allah has given us more blessings than we can count, and some of us have more than others. To help those that have less, Allah wants us to give charity. The book briefly explains that Zakat is one of the pillars that is required, and sadaqah is an extra reward that is not just money.

It talks about the sunnah of giving charity, and numerous ways that kindness can be carried out. It shows respect and helping and concludes with Allah’s names of All-Knowing and All-Hearing before the final supplemental spread.

I don’t know how many books are planned for the series, but I love looking at them all lined up. I share them with my own children and now that there are accompanying puzzles and a boxed set, I’m positive I’ll continue gifting them, not just to new parents as I’ve done in the past, but to toddler and preschoolers as well.

Mar1

Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Posted on March 1, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

Standard

Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

We definitely lack Islam centered leveled readers, so how exciting to see one this year focused on Eid, that contains more about Zakat al Fitr than presents no less. The book starts on the last day of Ramadan, so there are details about both Ramadan and Eid shown, not dictated, as it stays on a Step 2 reading level. As with most books meant to be read with help, for preschool to 1st grade, the story is a bit abrupt at times, and by not showing the Eid salat it definitely leaves some confusion as to whether Zakat was actually paid before the prayer started as required (I’m not a scholar, so please look into this), or not. InshaAllah, if adults are reading this with their children, some basics about Zakat al Fitr would be something wonderful to discuss when you finish. The book is joyful, the little girl wants to fast and is encouraged to do a half day, the illustrations are adorable as well, alhumdulillah. Oh and for those keeping track, this might be the first Ramadan book I’ve read in a long time that does not mention the moon, not even once.

The book starts with Mom waking Maryam up for suhoor on the last day of Ramadan and Rabia wanting to fast as well. Her sister tells her she is too young, but she joins the family for cereal in the kitchen, and Dad encourages her to try a half day. The family then prays fajr together and the day is going great.

About lunch time Maryam is getting ready to break her fast. The family praises her on as she settles in with a cheese and tomato sandwich. Later the rest of the family breaks their fast, and Rabia joins in with starting with a date and making duas. Then it is time for henna and getting their clothes ready.

At Eid prayer everyone is dressed up, and Dad gives Rabia some money to put in the box labeled Fitr, for the poor. Rabia wonders if everyone has to give money, and mom responds that everyone except the poor do. The book concludes with the family smiling knowing everyone is having a happy Eid.

The book is great for Muslim and non Muslim kids, because of the size though, it isn’t a great choice for story time in big groups, but the price point makes it an awesome addition to gifts, classrooms, and to share with others in general. I purchased my copy here.

Mar5

The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

Posted on March 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

Standard

The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

This third book in the Adam and Zahra series, also available with a workbook, focuses on zakat and can be read alone. Aimed at toddlers to early preschoolers, this rhyming story can also work at story time with slightly older kids as a reminder of zakat and giving to those in needs. The book has very minimal text and as a result if you overthink it, it could be slightly problematic: there is magic, they are taking and giving something that doesn’t belong to them, Zakat is a portion of your wealth not sharing something you found-even if a note says otherwise. I think the book is sweet though, and the discussions to have with little ones outweigh the adult concerns I’ve mentioned. It touches on giving to others, on people in need, of people in need living very close to you, that everything being a gift from Allah (swt), it shows siblings working together, sharing, generosity, a lemonade stand for Yemen, giving of food and money, and befriending others. I think if you liked the other books in the series regarding a “magic” pray rug and a fasting shield, both mentioned in this, you will like the presentation of sharing and the term zakat presented in a similar fantasy laced manner; if those books felt uncomfortable for you and your family, this one probably will as well.

Adam and Anisa start the story in Ramadan, a week before Eid, digging in the sand at the beach. Adam finds a treasure box and a message in a bottle. The treasure box is locked and the message says that “My name is Zakat and I’m for someone in need…” Once the kids get the box home and the lock off, a beam of light shines a path for them to follow.

They follow the light out the door and through the field, and past the mosque and their friends, along the way they purchase a pie from the bakery for when they break their fast and keep following the light to the field as the sun starts to set. They find a house in the forest with a mom, a baby, and a little boy, to whom they give the money and the pie. They learn that they had moved to this country and were all alone, but Allah swt provided for them, and He is never far. They all break their fast together and learn that “Whenever you give, Allah will give you more.”

The backmatter of the book contains Context to the Story, Developing Character Strengths, Learning through Practice and a map of their adventure. I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store here and if you use my initials (Islamic School Librarian) ISL at checkout you will save 10%.

Apr30

Mr. Men Little Miss Happy Eid by Roger Hargreaves

Posted on April 30, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

Standard

Mr. Men Little Miss Happy Eid by Roger Hargreaves

The nostalgic cast has reassembled recently, and now have an Eid title available. Whether you grew up with Mr. Men and Little Miss or have never heard of them before, this book covers the basics of an Eid day celebration with (familiar) characters such as: Mr Greedy, Mr Bump, Miss Splendid, Mr Funny, Little Miss Scatterbrain and more. The characters’ friend Aleena is fasting for Ramadan, the colorful crew help her to plan, and finally they all join in for the celebration. The 32 pages are silly and random at best, but with a little discussion to help bridge the British to American English (if needed) ages three and up will enjoy the funny characters, seeing Aleena in hijab, and relating to the activities mentioned. I love that generosity and forgiveness are included in the messaging, but was really irritated that a musical band is how they celebrate Eid night, and that Eid is compared to Christmas with gift giving. The book is not written by a Muslim, so perhaps I should be forgiving about the Christian holiday comparison, but why write a book about Muslim joy, if you won’t let the Islamic holiday be enough on its own? Thank you to Shifa @Muslimmommyblog for gifting me this after making fun of me for being old!

Mr Greedy’s friend Aleena is fasting, and Mr Greedy breaks his fast nearly every hour so he is helping her. Little Miss Inventor is out with her telescope and sees the moon, it is time for Eid.

The days before Eid had been spent cleaning and decorating with the help of Mr Rush and Mr Bump. They weren’t very helpful.

Ramadan is also a time of generosity. The football club receives donation, but what will they do with Mr Silly’s grandfather clock donation.

Aleena puts mehndi on and is smart enough to not let Little Miss Naughty help, Little Miss Scatterbrain was not so wise.

They all get dressed up, they give each other gifts, and share a meal. They then all settle arguments and forgive each other.

Finally, they head to an Eid fair in town and eat treats while they watch a music show. The book concludes with some factual information about Ramadan, Eid, and Zakat.

Title is available on Amazon.