Ramadan Blues- “I promise.” The young boy – ashamed, dishonored, and fearing the wrath of a vengeful, omnipotent Allah – promised his father with conviction and resolve. “I promise not to eat during my fast. I will only eat at Maghrib, after the sun sets, with every other fasting Muslim.” This previous promise fell victim to a delectable and treacherous “M & M.” Like Eve and her apple, the young boy discovered his “fall from grace” stuck to the inner linings of his Husky pants’ pocket covered with a still edible chocolate-y goodness. His first attempt at fasting was hijacked by a stale, melted candy. But, that was 2 days ago on the 27th of Ramadan. The blessed month – the young boy was taught – in which Muslims fast from eating, drinking, and being bad people, so Allah would be happy with them and forgive their sins and let them enter heaven and not go to Hell, where they would burn forever and ever and ever. “So, tomorrow on the last day of Ramadan, you shall fast, right son?” asked his mother. “Yes mom,” was the impatient reply, “Now, can I go back up?” “His first fast,” whispered his father proudly, as he watched his son run up the stairs, to quickly get back to his game, “His cousins first fasted at the age of ten, our gem will be doing it at only eight!” “Everyone at the community iftar will be so proud of him” said his mother, smilingly, “And once his aunts and uncles find out, he’ll be treated to better gifts at Eid.” Later that night, after dinner, the s ound of fingers mashing a Nintendo controller was interrupted by a knock on the door. His father walked in, and watching his son, smiled, “What’s so funny?” inquired the young boy putting down his game. “Nothing” remarked the father. His father sat down next to him, and put his arm around him, “Son, I want to give you this,” said the father as he placed two crisp George Washingtons in his son’s pudgy hands. “Is this my Eid money already? But it’s not even Eid yet! And last year, you gave me $10.” The father smiled and calmly replied, “It’s not your Eid money, relax. Inshallah, you’ll get more on Eid. Don’t be greedy! I’m giving you $2 dollars now on one condition and one condition only: you promise me again not to eat during your fast tomorrow. After the sun sets, then you can eat iftar with all the other Muslims – only after sunset. If you complete the fast, I’ll give you $5 at iftar.” “Whoa!” exclaimed the boy. “Yes. 5 whole dollars just for you, on top of this 2 dollar down payment. Ok? But, if you break your promise and eat like you did before, then, well, I will be very disappointed, son. So, do you think you can do it? Think before promising. Remember, Allah knows all our intentions and thoughts. Can you make an honest promise?” questioned the father, still holding on to the green. “I – I promise – this time I’ll do it. I swear.” The father released the money, kissed the boy on the cheek – which prompted the boy to wipe the disgusting wetness off his face with left palm as per custom of all young boys. The father made his way for the door having successfully completed the contract. The young boy stared at the crispy notes his father had left him, he was in a dilemma. After carefully folding the notes, and placing them in his pocket, the young boy fastened his hands together, and prayed. “Dear Allah, please let me not eat tomorrow until maghrib. I will try very hard, but you made me so hungry the last time I tried. So, please, Allah, please help me fast so Mom and Dad don’t get sad and mad at me.” After this, the young boy clambered on his bed, and thought about eid, and the celebrations, in order to ward away his worrying thoughts. The next day, the young boy did all he could to distract the pangs of hunger that constantly came. After spending most of his day playing on his game set, and watching television, finally came the time to taste the fruit of his sacrifice. His mother sent him off to the masjid, where iftar would be shortly held, promising that his dad would come along soon. Inside the masjid courtyard, preparations for a delicious meal were being made, being it the last day of Ramadan, a celebration was due! The young boy, naturally shy and bored by the iftar preparations inside the hall, awkwardly sat on a deformed chair. casually swinging back and forth waiting for maghrib. He could smell the samosas made with ground beef, the deep fried, potato pakoras and the chicken tikka – no – wait – no. Ah yes, sorry, the lamb curry. Mmmm. The young boy’s stomach started to jab and shimmy. Reminded of his promise, he walked out, and watched the other muslim boys of the community enjoy a game of football on the grass ground. Across the grass ground, was an ice-cream van, with the sales-man staring hopefully at the boys, obviously hoping to make a sale. The young boy reached into his pocket, and his fists closed at the crispy notes his father had gifted him. The young boy shamefully entertained a wicked thought. His stomach threw a knockout combo and went down for the count. He bit into his favourite ice-cream, a fudge twirl with “M & M” toppings on a sugar cone, a mere moments after this, the Adhan rang out. Shame filled the boy, he had been so close! He had failed everyone! He turned around, with tears streaming down his cheeks, held a half eaten, fudge twirl ice cream on a dripping sugar cone in his left hand, his face was smeared with melted chocolate and vanilla ice cream, including pieces of “M &M” sugar coated shells stuck on his lips. His father stared at him sadly from the entrance of the masjid. Moral: This story has several morals. First, muslim parents must not force their children to fast. They must impregnate fear of Allah in their hearts, they must lead them to understand that Allah will reward them, by doing this, they will encourage kids to fast, without having to tell them. They must also not tempt their children with worldly things, instead, encouragement by the rewards of the hereafter are itself sufficient! Have a blessed Ramadan.