A RAMADAN NIGHT

A Muslim child sets out to discover what makes Ramadan nights special.

Sami and Baba sit on the terrace in their Damascus home as the Islamic call to prayer reverberates. Baba exclaims, “It feels like a Ramadan night.” When young Sami doesn’t understand, Baba invites the little one to discover what he means. A rich journey ensues as the two make their way to the mosque for the special night prayer, Taraweeh. To Sami, Ramadan feels like glimmering golden lanterns on balconies, a breeze permeated with perfume, and tasty treats like kunafa and ice cream, eaten to break their fast. It’s the warmth and welcome of Sami’s Syrian community, diverse in skin tone and dress. Inspired by her own memories, Presley engages the senses with her work, conveying the aspects of Ramadan that delight and inspire awe not only for Sami, but also in Muslim communities around the world. Each repetition of Sami’s question—“What does a Ramadan night feel like?”—is an opportunity to examine everything from congregational prayer to charity and mindful fasting. Enayeh’s beautiful gouache illustrations are an invitation to linger on each page and take in Sami’s Damascus neighborhood, set against the backdrop of a velvety night sky bejeweled with twinkling stars and a crescent moon that follows father and child wherever they go.

Immersive text creates a touching and earnest tribute to a beloved Islamic tradition.