Tale#6: The Bedtime Story That Changed My Son’s Perspective on Ramadan

write your name with gold!

"Mama, if I fast, will Allah write my name in gold?"

It was a quiet evening in our cozy living room, the kind of night where the air smelled like cinnamon tea and the flickering candle on the side table cast soft shadows on the walls. Zayn, my 8-year-old, sat cross-legged on the couch, his tiny fingers tracing patterns on the fabric. His dark brown eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked up at me, waiting for an answer.

I smiled and put my phone down. "What makes you ask that, sweetheart?"

"At the masjid today, Uncle Kareem said that Allah writes the names of those who fast in gold. I want my name in gold, too!" he declared, puffing up his chest with pride.

I tucked a stray curl behind his ear. "That’s a beautiful thought, Zayn. But fasting isn’t easy, you know. It takes patience and strength."

His little brows furrowed. "But Mama, I am strong. I can do it!" He flexed his tiny arms, and I chuckled, kissing his forehead.

"Alright then, let me tell you a story before bed." I pulled a soft blanket over both of us as Sara, his six-year-old sister, scooted closer, never one to miss a bedtime tale.

The Boy Who Wanted to Fast

"A long time ago, there was a little boy who wanted to fast just like the grown-ups. He saw his parents wake up before dawn, eat suhoor, and then spend the whole day without food or water. He wanted to be just like them."

Zayn’s eyes widened. "Just like me!"

I nodded. "Exactly. So one day, he told his mother, ‘I want to fast today!’ But by midday, his tummy started rumbling. His mother noticed and distracted him with a game. It worked for a while, but soon, he clutched his stomach and said, ‘Mama, I think I’m shrinking!"

Sara giggled. "Did he eat?"

I grinned. "Not yet! A wise man heard about him and told his mother, ‘If he can continue a little longer, let him try. If not, give him something to eat.”The boy held on, and when it was finally time for iftar, he was so proud of himself! The wise man praised him for his effort, even though he was just a child."

Zayn’s face lit up. "So, trying counts too?"

I nodded. "Absolutely. Allah loves when we try our best. As the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The deeds most loved by Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.' (Sahih Bukhari 6464)"

A Little Boy's Big Decision

The next morning, I found Zayn sitting at the kitchen table, legs swinging under his chair. He had a banana in one hand and a determined expression on his face.

"Mama, I’m going to try fasting today, just like that boy!" he announced.

I glanced at my husband, who raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Are you sure, buddy? You don’t have to, you know."

Zayn nodded furiously. "I want my name in gold, remember?"

I ruffled his hair. "Alright, let’s give it a shot. But remember, if it gets too hard, it’s okay to stop."

By midday, he was sprawled on the couch, groaning dramatically. "Mamaaa, I think I’m shrinking!"

I bit back a laugh. "Oh no, do we need to measure you?"

He giggled, then sighed. "But I really wanna finish. Just like that boy."

I hugged him tight. "You already did amazing. And you know what? Allah loves effort more than the result. Your name is already shining, Zayn."

That evening, he broke his fast with a sip of water, his eyes twinkling with accomplishment. "Mama, can I try again tomorrow?"

I smiled. "Of course, my love. One step at a time."

That moment reminded me that kids don’t learn through long lectures. They learn through stories, through inspiration, through seeing faith come to life in ways they can understand.

That’s why this Ramadan, I’m focusing on storytelling over scolding. Because when kids hear stories that touch their hearts, they naturally want to do good—not out of fear, but out of love.