Folklore Stories for Ramadan
I would like to recommend a beautiful Arab Islamic folklore book called “Fatima, the Spinner and the Tent.” This story is part of the children’s Sufi tales written by Idries Shah, and it is another gem in the series.
The story takes us on a journey from Morocco to Egypt, Turkey, and China. Fatima, the main character, is a young girl who has faced many misfortunes in her life. Despite her struggles, she remains resilient and continues to spin yarn for her family’s tent-making business. One day, her father sends her on a journey to deliver a tent to the Sultan in a far-off land.
Throughout her travels, Fatima encounters various challenges and learns valuable lessons along the way. She meets wise and kind people who guide her and offer her support. Finally, when she reaches China, Fatima realizes the purpose of all the hardships she faced. She gains a deeper understanding of life and the world around her.
This story is not only beautifully written but also exquisitely illustrated. The colorful and intricate drawings bring the story to life and capture the essence of each location and character.
Furthermore, the story’s message is one that is relevant to all ages. It teaches us the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the value of seeking knowledge and guidance from those who are wise and experienced. It also shows Fatima’s respect and generosity to her family. Fatima exhibits principles celebrated in the holy month of Ramadan and ones which we aspire to implement everyday in our lives and our families.
This book is suitable for children aged 3 and up, and there is also an English-Urdu version available. Here is a children book about the tale to listen to on youtube!
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/folktales-from-islamic-traditions
In conclusion, “Fatima, the Spinner and the Tent” is a must-read for anyone interested in Islamic/Arab folklore and Sufi tales. It is a heartwarming story that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. This post is a part of a Ramadan blog post series on literature for kids, art, culture, and food, and I hope it adds to the richness and diversity of this holy month.