Illustrative photo by Gianna Rupnik
In preparation for Ramadan, the Islamic Resource Center and Muslim Women’s Coalition have thoughtfully planned multiple activities for community engagement and increased their inventory of Ramadan-related books and gifts.
The Islamic Resource Center (IRC) is a rich community asset and vibrant hub of activity year-round. But during the holy month of Ramadan—like a fanoos (traditional Arabic lantern)—it shines a special, welcoming light on unity, learning, reflection and inclusivity.
Operated by the Muslim Women’s Coalition, the IRC, located at 5235 S. 27th Street in Greenfield is the largest Islamic lending library in the state. Among its nearly 4,000 items is an exceptional variety of books related to Ramadan.
The IRC library collection includes books for children of all ages, from babies to teens, as well as a selection of books for adults, including one or two that may be ideal for people who are new to Islam or those outside the faith who are curious about Islam.
A place where kids can see themselves
One of the main objectives in establishing the IRC was to provide “mirrors” for children to see themselves represented, according to Janan Najeeb, founder and executive director of the Muslim Women’s Coalition.
Photo by Cherrie Hanson
“It is important for Muslim children to see their faith and their holidays represented. That’s why we’re really proud that over the years we have been able to compile thousands of books for children as well as offering experiences like story time, art, programs and activities that make them feel represented; that give children a sense of pride and belonging,” said Najeeb.
The IRC also serves as a bridge for interfaith dialog, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to learn about and participate in activities, have conversations and borrow books. Najeeb notes that area teachers, companies and community members visit the IRC seeking books, materials and information to support Muslim students, to showcase the Muslim faith in exhibits or to simply gain knowledge, understanding and appreciation.
“I’m so happy to see people with the courage and curiosity to learn about other faiths and cultures,” Najeeb said. “And I’m proud that we’re the place they come to do that; that we can help provide a wider understanding and broaden the horizons of the world we live in. The community sees us as a valuable resource.”
And according to IRC Librarian Jenny Wegener, the library fills an especially important niche during Ramadan.
“Ramadan is such an important time to be reading, so if people in the community are looking for books that reflect their faith and books to read to their children, this is a good place to find them,” Wegener said. “As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop said, ‘Books are mirrors, windows and sliding doors.’ We’re proud to offer a wealth of resources that are the ‘mirrors’ that reflect and celebrate Muslim children’s identities.”
The IRC has shelves full of carefully curated books that may be checked out, and several of the popular ones are available for purchase in the shop along with puzzles, games and other items that make ideal Eid gifts. An IRC library card, available by providing proof of identity and a small donation, is required to check out books and materials.
Photo by Cherrie Hanson
Activities that embrace unity, community
While Ramadan focuses on spiritual devotion, fasting and sacrificing, it is also a time for gathering together and celebrating.
For the second year, the Muslim Women’s Coalition is partnering with the Franklin Public Library for a Ramadan program. “Moon & Stars — Ramadan Together,” coordinated by Wegener and Keri Whitmore, Franklin Public Library assistant director, will be held at the library, 9151 W. Loomis Road, on Sunday, February 1.
Last year, nearly 220 adults and children from Franklin and neighboring communities participated in the event.
Open to the public, the free, family-friendly program will feature a variety of hands-on activities, including making paper lanterns, mosque-building kits and getting henna tattoos. There will also be books for sale, interactive displays and food from various Muslim cultures. Registration is available through the library’s website.
Another program “Ramadan to Eid: Crafty Hands, Creative Fun,” is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, from 1-3 p.m., at the Muslim Women’s Coalition for children five and older. This annual event offers festive craft-making and activities. Parents must remain in the space with their children. Seating is limited and registration is required. Find event details on the MWC website.
The Muslim Women’s Coalition will also host its Annual Revert Iftar on Friday evening March 6, providing an opportunity for those who have returned to Islam or converted from another faith, or no faith, to connect with each other and other Muslims. This event will be held at the Islamic Resource Center, 5235 S. 27th Street, Greenfield, and will include an iftar (dinner to break the Ramadan fast), gifts for attendees and raffle prizes.
“Reverts are often the only one in their family who is Muslim and they can often feel isolated, especially during Ramadan,” said Najeeb. “This gives them a chance to be part of the celebration with other Muslims, and they can bring family members if they wish to have them share in the experience.”
Capture the wonder of Ramadan in photos
Wisconsin Muslim Journal (WMJ) is putting out a call for photos from readers that express the faith, togetherness, prayer and a reflection of Ramadan.
WMJ Managing Editor Cherrie Hanson said that each person experiences the month of Ramadan in different, yet deeply similar ways. She invites people to submit their artistic visual imagery, capturing the wonder of the holy month—the sound, sights, feelings and energy.
Photos can be accompanied by a short description of the image or a poem. Uncropped cell phone or digital camera images and informative text can be emailed to cherrie@mmwconline.org.
The submission deadline is March 9.
A collection of photos will be published on March 13.
Photo by Cherrie Hanson
“Just dua it” and “Sabr (patience), Shukr (thanks), Tawakkal (trust), Imaan (faith) wrist bracelets available in the IRC gift shop
Ramadan books available at the Islamic Resource Center Library
BABIES AND TODDLERS:
Baby’s first Ramadan by Clare Lloyd
Eidtale (an Abrams trail tale): an Eid al-Fitr Adventure by Aaliya Jaleel (available in bookstore)
My first book about Ramadan; Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan (available in bookstore)
My first Ramadan by Karen Katz
R is for Ramadan by Greg Paprocki (available in bookstore)
Ramadan: the Month of Fasting by Saniyasnain Khan
PRESCHOOL:
Aliya’s Secret: a Story of Ramadan by Farida Zaman (available in bookstore)
Little Leena learns about Ramadan by Zainab Fadlallah
Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi (available in bookstore)
The Night Before Eid: a Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil (available in bookstore)
The Night of the Moon by Hena Khan (available in bookstore)
Ramadan: a Holy Month by Malik Amin(available in bookstore)
Ramadan Kareem by M. O. Yuksel(available in bookstore)
GRADES 2 AND UP:
The Clear Quran: Tafsir for Kids (4 volumes) by Dr. Mustafa Khattab (available in bookstore)
Eliyas Explains Ramadan: Learn, Reflect, and Transform into a Better You by Zanib Mian (available in bookstore)
The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi (available in bookstore)
Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali
The Ramadan Drummer by Sahtinay Abaza
The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi
TEENS:
Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi
Craft It Up this Ramadan and Eid: Have Fun Creating Over 40 Recyclable Crafts Into Things You Love by Zayneb Abdullatif
Fasting from Alif to Yaa: A Day by Day Guide to Making the Most of Ramadhaan by Umm Mujaahid Khadijah Bint Lacina al-Amreekeeyyah as-Salafiyyah
Growing Up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam by Sumbul Ali-Karamali
Ramadan Made Simple by Saniyasnain Khan
ADULTS:
Fasting in Islam & the Month of Ramadan : A Comprehensive Guide by Ali Budak; Translated by Suleyman Basaran
Islam From Scratch : A Guide for New Muslims by Brandon Richey
Burnishing the Heart : Selections From the Qur’an for Self-awareness / With Preface, Notes and a Reflection by Abdul Wahid Hamid
Handbook of Accepted Prayers / Ibn Daud
The Ideal Muslim : The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim as Defined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah = Shakhṣīyat al-marʼah al-Muslim / Muhammad ‘Ali al-Hashimi; translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.
Power of Du’a / Aliyah Umm Raiyann translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab
Daily Revival : A Collection of Good Deeds that have Largely Been Forsaken by Ali Hammuda
