Sea Turtles and the Spirit of Ramadan by Becky Aud
What do sea turtles and the spirit of Ramadan have in common? Seemingly nothing; however, let me tell you a story about Humza Fieldhouse. Humza is a 4 ½ year old boy with a big heart and a genuine love of sea animals. He is growing up in a Muslim family who is teaching him about Ramadan.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims all over the world to celebrate the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammed. During Ramadan, observers are expected to abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. It also incorporates the challenge of avoiding ill speech, arguments, loss of temper and negative behaviors. The fasting is intended to focus the mind on prayer, spirituality and charity and to purify the mind and body.
Since Muslims are not obligated to practice fasting until puberty, how does 4 ½ year old Humza participate in the month-long celebration of the holiest night of the year? Marwa, Humza’s mom, explains that he has an advent calendar for the month of Ramadan. Each day he has a good deed to complete, gets money to put in his charity jar and gets a piece of candy. During this year’s Ramadan, Humza collected his money and, in the spirit of Ramadan, was given 3 options to choose where he could donate the money from his charity jar.
Humza enjoys the outdoors and nature, and truly loves sea animals. So, when it came time for him to make a decision on where to donate, Humza chose the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS). Marwa brought Humza into the STPS office in Indiatlantic where he put the money from his charity jar into one of our donation boxes.
We, at STPS, are so appreciative and touched by Humza’s gift. It’s not often that we get to experience such a thoughtful, kind and spiritual act; especially from such a young child. We are not only grateful, but so very proud of Humza. The sea turtles are lucky to have a friend like you! Thank You!
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| Humza with his charity jar. |
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| Humza putting money in our donation box. |
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| Humza after filling the donation box. |
Love this! Educate a child and you educate the WORLD!