Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Fahim's Fast
Ramadan
Reading Comprehension for September 2
When Fahim's parents decided it was time that he join them in the traditional fast in honor of Ramadan, he was concerned. After all, Ramadan was a month on the Islamic calendar. That meant Fahim would have to fast every day for a month! Furthermore, Ramadan was going to occur during the school year. Did his parents expect him to fast while he was at school?
Fahim and his family were American Muslims. Any Muslim who was not very young, very old, or very sick was expected to fast during Ramadan, which meant to go without food during daylight hours. Fahim knew that fasting was a way of developing self-control, sympathy for the poor, and thankfulness for the good things in his life. However, self-control, sympathy, and thankfulness didn't have the attraction for Fahim that they did for his parents. He much preferred the three F's -- friends, fun, and food!
"At least I don't have to totally swear off food!" Fahim complained to his friend Claudio as they sat down to play a video game. "I only have to get up and eat suhoor - that's breakfast - before the sun comes up, and then I have to wait until after the sun sets before I can have iftar, which is a supper that begins with dates and a prayer."
"I feel for you, man," Claudio said, picking up his control pad. "But can't you eat lunch at school?"
Fahim shook his head. "I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything during the day."
Claudio looked at him with meaning. "It's not like your family would know."
Later on, Fahim thought about what Claudio had said. The idea was worth considering. Fahim had a decision to make.
Before he knew it, Fahim found himself at school without lunch money. His parents were helping him honor the commitment to fast by not packing a lunch or providing a means to purchase one. When he had begun to whine, his father reminded him that it was inappropriate to complain. Was his father crazy? What was Fahim supposed to do while all his friends gobbled down burgers and fries and candy bars? How could he sit there and smile?
