With Ramadan now over for this year, many of us are reflecting upon our activities and wondering whether we used our time in this holy month well. I think for us mums, rather than setting unrealistic specific goals, it’s more a question of: Have we spent those spare moments wisely?

I am ashamed to admit that during some of these moments I had found myself mindlessly scrolling on Facebook, IMDB and the rest when I could have used my time more productively. This aside, I am really pleased about one particular way in which I have spent time with CB – reading this book together: My First Book About the Qur’an, written by Sara Khan and illustrated by Ali Lodge.

The blurb sums it up pretty much perfectly. Hardback with just the right number of pages (26), the messages in this book are simple yet beautiful and beautifully portrayed – an ideal way to introduce Islam to toddlers!

The pictures are a visual treat too with bright and colourful imagery. CB’s favourite pages are these:

She loves to point at each individual, calling out the mamas, babas and babies.

After reading Taraweeh in the evening (after CB had finished running around me in circles), we tried to sit down to read this together. I hope to continue this routine even now after Ramadan.

Often, I have been advised by my mum-peers to encourage a love and understanding for Islam early on with little ones. Yes, of course, CB may not understand the words yet, but I think she does understand that we are doing something special and important together – and for now that’s enough for me.

I ordered this book online from my new favourite website www.bookdepository.com. The best thing about this company is that they offer free worldwide delivery, as well as decent prices. Our package arrived in three weeks to our postal address in Muscat, just in time for Ramadan.

Another book to look out for for older children is Migo and Ali: Love for the Prophets written by Zanib Mian and illustrated by Tugrul Karacan. My sister is reading this with my nephew at the moment and they are really enjoying learning about the prophets and increasing their knowledge of Islam together.

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I hope you had a blessed Ramadan – may Allah swt accept everyone’s prayers and reward you all for your good deeds.

Eid Mubarak to you all!