MidReal Story

The Girl Who Fasted

Student Learning

Scenario:Reema in Ramadan Suhoor Reema wakes up early during Ramadan to eat suhoor, the pre-dawn meal that helps sustain her throughout the day of fasting. Iftar When the sun sets, she eagerly awaits iftar, the meal that breaks her fast. Breaking Her Fast At iftar, Reema enjoys a variety of foods, often starting with water and dates. Dates are her favorite because they are sweet, nutritious, and provide quick energy after a long day without food. Prayer Before and after eating, Reema and her mother recite prayers to express gratitude for their blessings and the food they receive. This practice deepens their spiritual connection during this holy month. In summary, Reema’s experience during Ramadan is filled with meaningful traditions that enhance her understanding of faith and community.

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Reema in Ramadan Suhoor Reema wakes up early during Ramadan to eat suhoor, the pre-dawn meal that helps sustain her throughout the day of fasting. Iftar When the sun sets, she eagerly awaits iftar, the meal that breaks her fast. Breaking Her Fast At iftar, Reema enjoys a variety of foods, often starting with water and dates. Dates are her favorite because they are sweet, nutritious, and provide quick energy after a long day without food. Prayer Before and after eating, Reema and her mother recite prayers to express gratitude for their blessings and the food they receive. This practice deepens their spiritual connection during this holy month. In summary, Reema’s experience during Ramadan is filled with meaningful traditions that enhance her understanding of faith and community.

Reema AlHamad

curious, and determined. During Ramadan, she wakes up early for suhoor and eagerly awaits iftar with her family. She enjoys dates and other traditional foods during iftar. Reema is close to her mother and enjoys their shared moments of prayer and reflection. Her experiences during Ramadan deepen her faith and appreciation for her family's traditions.

Aliyah AlHamad

patient, and supportive. Aliyah encourages Reema to wake up for suhoor and prepares traditional foods for iftar. She teaches Reema the importance of prayer and gratitude during Ramadan. Aliyah shares moments of reflection with Reema, emphasizing the value of family bonding during the holy month. Her guidance helps Reema understand the significance of Ramadan traditions.

I woke up to hear my mother, Aliyah, calling my name in a soft voice in the early morning hours.

This was not unusual since we are in the blessed month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and it is a duty upon all Muslims to fast during this month.

Fasting, or sawm, means that one must refrain from eating and drinking any substances from the break of dawn until the setting of the sun.

"Reema, it's time to wake up!"

My mother called out again.

I quickly sat up and rubbed my eyes with the palm of my hand.

I looked at my clock and it was 3:30 am.

It was still dark outside.

I yawned and stretched my arms as I got out of bed.

I stumbled through the darkness with half-opened eyes to the bathroom to wash my face.

The cold water hit my face in sharp bursts, making me gasp.

I cupped my hands under the faucet and let the stream pool before splashing it on my face again.

Water dripped down my neck and onto my pajama top, but I didn't mind.

The cold helped to clear away the fog of sleep.

I gripped the sides of the sink and leaned closer to the mirror.

My reflection showed dark circles under my eyes from these early morning wake-ups.

I reached for the hand towel hanging next to the sink and patted my face dry.

I could hear Mom moving pots around in the kitchen as she prepared suhoor, the pre-dawn meal that helps sustain us throughout our day of fasting.

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, a comforting reminder of the strength and unity we shared in these sacred moments.

I shuffled into the kitchen, my feet making soft padding sounds on the cool tile floor.

Mom was busy arranging plates of olives, cheese, and hummus on the small round table.

The warm bread sat in a cloth-covered basket, steam rising when she lifted the corner to peek inside.

I opened the fridge and pulled out the water pitcher, filling two glasses that I placed on opposite sides of the table.

Mom handed me a stack of plates, which I set down carefully, making sure to position the spoons and forks properly as she had taught me.

The clock on the wall read 3:45 am - we had forty-five minutes before the call to prayer would mark the start of our fast.

I sat down in my usual chair at the kitchen table, my eyes drawn to the spread before me.

The warm bread beckoned, and I took a piece from the basket.

Mom handed me a small plate and I tore off a piece of the bread, watching as steam escaped when I pulled it apart.

The smell of fresh-baked khubz filled my nostrils.

I dipped the bread into the creamy hummus, taking care not to let any fall onto the tablecloth.

Mom sat across from me, mimicking my movements as she too began eating.

We ate slowly and deliberately, our movements illuminated only by the dim light of the kitchen.

Neither of us spoke much - we were both still adjusting to being awake at this early hour.

"Reema," Mom said, breaking the silence, "I need to tell you something important."

I paused mid-bite, sensing the weight in her voice.

"Your father called last night; he's coming home for Eid."

I set my bread down and leaned forward, watching as Mom spread a generous amount of labneh on her piece of khubz.

"His flight arrives next Thursday evening, so he'll be here for the last week of Ramadan and then we can celebrate Eid together."

My hands trembled slightly as I reached for my water glass.

It had been three months since Dad left for his work contract in Dubai.

He had promised to try and come home for Eid, but I hadn't expected him to make it back so soon.

I took a sip of water, feeling the cool liquid slide down my parched throat.

Mom noticed my shaking hands and reached across the table to squeeze my fingers.

"We'll be able to spend time with him again soon," she said softly.

I nodded, wanting to ask more questions but glancing up at the clock on the wall, I saw the time - 4:15 am.

The call to prayer would begin soon and we still needed to finish eating.

"Do you think he'll stay longer this time?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mom hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before she answered, "He said he wants to discuss something important with us when he arrives."

My heart skipped a beat, the weight of her words settling heavily in the quiet kitchen.

The shrill ring of the phone cut through the stillness of our kitchen at 4:05 am.

Mom reached for it quickly, her eyes widening as she saw the caller ID.

"It's your father," she whispered, answering the call.

I leaned forward in my chair, trying to hear his voice coming from the speaker.

"Reema, I've got some good news," Dad's familiar voice filled the kitchen.

"I've arranged everything at work. I'll be home for two whole months."

I gripped my glass of water tightly, watching as Mom's face lit up with joy.

She reached across the table and squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with happiness.