Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift

It was a warm Sunday afternoon in April. Sadiq, Zaza, and Manny
were about to leave Dugsi. “Does everyone remember when Ramadan starts this week?” asked
their teacher, Mr. Kassim. “Not until the new moon,” said
Sadiq. “Baba says we have to wait to see it in the sky. He says it is just
a sliver when we first see it.”

“Yes, Sadiq. That is correct,” replied Mr. Kassim, smiling.
“Why do we wait until the moon comes out?”
“Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon,” said Manny.
“My baba calls it a lunar calendar, Zaza said.
“You’re all correct, boys,” said
Mr. Kassim. “I also want to talk about sadagah.”
“What does that mean, Ma’alin?” asked Manny.
“The meaning of sadaqah is charity. We try to help people in need,” said Mr. Kassim. “This year our masjid will raise money for a Dugsi. The kids at Al-Iqra school in Somalia need one.”

“Where do they study now?” asked Zaza.
“They have a classroom. It’s just very old and needs repairs,” replied
Mr. Kassim. “It would be nice to help raise money. The money would
help them fix it.”
“How can we do that?” asked Manny.
“You know, sometimes people host iftars to raise money. Iftars are meals where Muslims break their fast,” said Mr. Kassim.
“My hooyo hosted an iftar last year,” said Sadiq. “All our neighbors came and broke the fast with us at sundown. It was fun!”

“Wonderful, Sadiq!” said Mr. Kassim “Another idea to help Al-Iqra might be hosting a bake sale to raise money. Or you could run a school-supply drive for the students.”
“What if we don’t raise enough money?” asked Zaza.
“Even small donations will help,” Mr. Kassim said. “I hope you all can get involved in some way with this effort.” Zaza, Manny, and I could host an iftar, Sadiq thought. I bet it would raise a lot of money.

“Charity and giving is an important part of Ramadan. So is fasting. Can
anyone tell me why people fast during Ramadan?” asked Mr. Kassim.
Sadiq raised his hand. “Yes, Sadiq,” said Mr. Kassim.
“My baba says it’s to become better Muslims,” said Sadiq. “Fasting helps
us think about other people. They may not have food like we do.”