Three Recommended Reads for Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world. During this month, Muslims engage in spiritual acts such as fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and charity. It's a time that is focused on deepening your understanding of your faith and reconnecting with Allah and your community. 

We are about halfway through Ramadan and I wanted to share three of my favorite books by Muslim authors that are perfect for this time. Whether you are Muslim and observing Ramadan or you're seeking to diversify your reading with Muslim perspectives, these books offer authentic and powerful stories about faith, identity, and resilience. 

1. Once Upon an Eid

Edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed 

Audience: Middle Grade  

Once Upon an Eid is a wonderful collection of short stories by diverse Muslim writers that celebrate the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The various stories in the collection capture the joy and warmth of celebrating Eid, along with the rich diversity in which Muslims celebrate. Authentically representing the traditions across different cultures, the book highlights themes of family, friendship, and faith, making it a wonderful addition to any middle-grade reader’s bookshelf.  

I absolutely love this book and am always recommending it. Unfortunately, it's currently out of stock with my distributor but once it's back in stock, you should definitely have it in your library.   

Shop Once Upon an Eid: Tuma's Books | Bookshop | Libro.fm

2. When a Brown Girl Flees

By Aamna Qureshi 

Audience: New Adult / Older Teens  

When a Brown Girl Flees is a powerful and emotional novel that follows Zahra, a young Muslim woman who escapes from her stifling home environment after a traumatic event and essentially runs away across the country. Seeking peace in NYC, Zahra navigates her trauma while exploring her faith and identity in a new community. In following Zahra's journey as she forms connections in the NYC Muslim community, readers explore issues that many young Muslim women face, including mental health, belonging, and the pressure of cultural expectations.  

This book tugged at my heartstrings—I fell completely in love with Zahra and wanted to wrap her in a hug. It’s a beautifully written and deeply moving story about finding strength and self-acceptance. I have limited copies available, so if this sounds like a story you’d connect with, be sure to grab a copy soon!  

Shop When a Brown Girl Flees: Tuma's Books | Bookshop.org | Libro.fm

3. Four Eids and a Funeral

By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar 

Audience: Young Adult  

Four Eids and a Funeral is a heartfelt YA novel that explores themes of grief, divorce, and activism through the perspective of two ex-friends, Tiwa and Said. The story follows two estranged childhood friends who reconnect after the death of a beloved community member, their hometown librarian, Ms. Barnes. And if that isn't enough, their beloved Islamic Center accidentally catches on fire and the mayor wants to demolish it completely to replace with a housing complex. As they navigate their personal losses and rediscover their bond, Tiwa and Said also work together to save their local Islamic center from closure. Alongside the emotional depth of the story, there’s also a sweet romance that unfolds between the two main characters.  

What I love most about this book is how it shows young Muslims finding their voices and making a difference in their communities. It’s a thoughtful exploration of love, faith, and resilience. Luckily, I have plenty of copies available—so if you’re looking for an uplifting and empowering read, this is the one!  

Shop Four Eids and a Funeral: Tuma's Books | Bookshop.org | Libro.fm

Why Reading Muslim Stories Matters

There’s still too much hate and misunderstanding in the world when it comes to Muslims. Most of us are just trying to live our lives peacefully, and books like these help to bridge that gap by offering insight into Muslim experiences. Reading diverse stories fosters understanding, which leads to greater tolerance and connection. When we read each other’s stories, we create pathways toward acceptance and build stronger communities.  

If any of these books speak to you, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s continue to uplift and support Muslim voices—not just during Ramadan, but all year round.