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The Blessed Pomegranates: A Ramadan Story About Giving
From the #1 Internationally Bestselling Author of Secret's of Divine Love, comes this debut Islamic children's book!
The leaves whisper it. The birds sing it. It is Ramadan, the holy season of giving! But Alyah and Adam can’t help wondering: What is the real meaning of Ramadan? Fortunately, wise Grandma Essi knows just what to do. With ruby pomegranates picked from her magnificent tree, the two grandchildren set off to visit their friends and neighbors. As they share their blessings, they discover what Grandma Essi intended all along—the true spirit of the holiest month of the year.
The leaves whisper it. The birds sing it. It is Ramadan, the holy season of giving! But Alyah and Adam can’t help wondering: What is the real meaning of Ramadan? Fortunately, wise Grandma Essi knows just what to do. With ruby pomegranates picked from her magnificent tree, the two grandchildren set off to visit their friends and neighbors. As they share their blessings, they discover what Grandma Essi intended all along—the true spirit of the holiest month of the year.
32 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2023
1 person is currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
A. Helwa
5 books795 followersA. Helwa believes that every single person on Earth is deeply loved by the Divine. She is a writer who has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers through her passionate, poetic, and love-based approach to spirituality. Her popular blog @quranquotesdaily, was established while obtaining her Masters in Divinity, as a means of helping others overcome personal and spiritual struggles on their journey of experiencing divine love.
With over 15 years of experience writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development, A. Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers access 'Divine love in everyday life.'
When Helwa is not reading at coffee shops, she can be found climbing mountains, camping in deserts, hiking jungles, or reading about black holes.
With over 15 years of experience writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development, A. Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers access 'Divine love in everyday life.'
When Helwa is not reading at coffee shops, she can be found climbing mountains, camping in deserts, hiking jungles, or reading about black holes.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 11, 2024
The Blessed Pomegranates: A Ramadan Story About Giving Lovely! I so enjoy the stories about Ramadan that focus on the spirit of the holiday, being generous, sharing blessings, community, love--the fasting is important but that holy time is about so much more than the fasting. The author is known for her poetry and the story definitely reflects that: "They walked back to Grandma Essi's house. The Ramadan sun sank low in the sky, painting Grandma's tree red and orange like a giant pomegranate itself. Birds rested in the swaying branches. 'Salam,' they seemed to sing, 'It is the holy time of giving.'" Includes many Arabic words and phrases with a glossary.
March 25, 2023
I hope to include this book in my local masjid story time, if it is a smaller crowd as the 8.5 x 8.5 size is a bit small for a larger group to see the illustrations well. The story itself, though, is nice. It isn't the simple list of what Ramadan is, or a first day of fasting hardship, it focuses on giving. The plot has a story line that works in a few tidbits about Ramadan, but really is more a "feeling" book about the beauty of sharing as the poetic refrain of "Ramadan is the holy time of giving" is woven in to the 32 pages that follow two siblings and their grandma as they share their pomegranates with their neighbors to have the blessings return to them. Preschool to second graders will enjoy the sounds of the pomegranates, the happy ending, and the message of sharing what you love most.
The book starts with siblings Adam and Alyah laying under the pomegranate tree when Grandma Essi challenges them to climb the tree and pick the fruit. Once gathered they realize they have more than they can eat and they brainstorm who they can share with.
Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed, it is full of love and guidance. It was shared with us, so we should share too. So they load up the wagon and head out in to the neighborhood. When they give Maryam some pomegranates, they go plunk, plunk, plop into the bucket and she knows just what she will do with them. They wish her a Ramadan Karim and are off to the next house.
Uncle Shakir is greeted with salam and also knows just what to do with the juicy fruits. Mrs. Jones is given pomegranates and the trio explain that it is Ramadan a month of sharing our blessings with others for Muslims, she too knows just what she will do with her gift.
After all the pomegranates are distributed, the sun is getting low and the kids are wishing they saved a few fruits for them. Grandma isn't worried though, she knows "Allah always rewards kindness with more." And Grandma is right.
The book concludes with a glossary of terms and the book is meant for Muslims, but I think non Muslims would grasp the love and messaging and enjoy the story as well. I wish the book was larger, so the illustrations could be better enjoyed, but for the price point, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality and religious feeling of the book.
The book starts with siblings Adam and Alyah laying under the pomegranate tree when Grandma Essi challenges them to climb the tree and pick the fruit. Once gathered they realize they have more than they can eat and they brainstorm who they can share with.
Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed, it is full of love and guidance. It was shared with us, so we should share too. So they load up the wagon and head out in to the neighborhood. When they give Maryam some pomegranates, they go plunk, plunk, plop into the bucket and she knows just what she will do with them. They wish her a Ramadan Karim and are off to the next house.
Uncle Shakir is greeted with salam and also knows just what to do with the juicy fruits. Mrs. Jones is given pomegranates and the trio explain that it is Ramadan a month of sharing our blessings with others for Muslims, she too knows just what she will do with her gift.
After all the pomegranates are distributed, the sun is getting low and the kids are wishing they saved a few fruits for them. Grandma isn't worried though, she knows "Allah always rewards kindness with more." And Grandma is right.
The book concludes with a glossary of terms and the book is meant for Muslims, but I think non Muslims would grasp the love and messaging and enjoy the story as well. I wish the book was larger, so the illustrations could be better enjoyed, but for the price point, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality and religious feeling of the book.
October 6, 2024
The story revolves around two siblings, Adam and Alyah, who are encouraged by their grandmother, Essi, to climb a pomegranate tree and gather its fruits. Once they collect an abundance of pomegranates, they realize they have more than they can consume. This prompts them to think about sharing their bounty with neighbors during Ramadan, a month traditionally associated with giving and kindness.
As they distribute the pomegranates to various neighbors—Maryam, Uncle Shakir, and Mrs. Jones—the narrative interweaves small lessons about Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of generosity. Each neighbor responds positively, showing that the act of giving brings joy not only to the recipients but also to the givers. The refrain "It is the holy time of giving" reinforces the central theme throughout the 32 pages of the book.
The story concludes with a reminder that acts of kindness are rewarded, echoing the values taught in Islam about charity and community spirit.
Themes
Generosity and Sharing: The primary theme is centered on giving. The children learn that sharing their blessings enriches their own lives and fosters community bonds.
Cultural Education: The book serves as an educational tool for young readers, introducing them to Ramadan's significance without overwhelming them with complex concepts. It subtly incorporates Islamic teachings about charity.
Family and Community: The interactions between family members and neighbors highlight the importance of familial ties and community support during Ramadan.
The book is aimed at preschool to second-grade readers, making it accessible for young children. Its simple yet poignant narrative style engages children while imparting moral lessons relevant to both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. The Blessed Pomegranates is more than just a children's story; it is a heartfelt exploration of giving during Ramadan. Through its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations, it encourages young readers to embrace the values of generosity and community spirit inherent in Islamic teachings. The book effectively balances storytelling with cultural education, making it a valuable addition to any child's library during Ramadan or beyond.
As they distribute the pomegranates to various neighbors—Maryam, Uncle Shakir, and Mrs. Jones—the narrative interweaves small lessons about Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of generosity. Each neighbor responds positively, showing that the act of giving brings joy not only to the recipients but also to the givers. The refrain "It is the holy time of giving" reinforces the central theme throughout the 32 pages of the book.
The story concludes with a reminder that acts of kindness are rewarded, echoing the values taught in Islam about charity and community spirit.
Themes
Generosity and Sharing: The primary theme is centered on giving. The children learn that sharing their blessings enriches their own lives and fosters community bonds.
Cultural Education: The book serves as an educational tool for young readers, introducing them to Ramadan's significance without overwhelming them with complex concepts. It subtly incorporates Islamic teachings about charity.
Family and Community: The interactions between family members and neighbors highlight the importance of familial ties and community support during Ramadan.
The book is aimed at preschool to second-grade readers, making it accessible for young children. Its simple yet poignant narrative style engages children while imparting moral lessons relevant to both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. The Blessed Pomegranates is more than just a children's story; it is a heartfelt exploration of giving during Ramadan. Through its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations, it encourages young readers to embrace the values of generosity and community spirit inherent in Islamic teachings. The book effectively balances storytelling with cultural education, making it a valuable addition to any child's library during Ramadan or beyond.
August 14, 2023
The Blessed Pomegranates beautifully captures the essence of Ramadan, teaching children the importance of giving and gratitude. A must-read!
August 14, 2023
A heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and the true spirit of Ramadan. The illustrations are captivating, and the message is timeless.
August 14, 2023
This book is a gem! It weaves the magic of Ramadan through storytelling and lovely artwork, imparting valuable lessons in a delightful way.
August 14, 2023
The Blessed Pomegranates is a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf. It instills compassion and understanding while celebrating the beauty of Ramadan.
August 14, 2023
Grandma Essi's wisdom shines through in this enchanting story. Kids will learn the real meaning of Ramadan, and parents will cherish the messages it imparts.
August 14, 2023
A. Helwa and Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi have created a masterpiece. The book is a gentle reminder of the importance of generosity, beautifully presented for young readers.
August 14, 2023
I adore The Blessed Pomegranates! It captures the magic of Ramadan, fostering empathy and kindness in kids. The pomegranate theme is lovely!
August 14, 2023
A touching story that captures the essence of Ramadan, leaving a lasting impression on young minds. The characters' journey is both heartwarming and inspiring.
August 14, 2023
The real meaning of Ramadan beautifully unfolds in this book. It's a perfect way to introduce children to the principles of giving and gratitude during this holy season.
August 14, 2023
I fell in love with the characters, especially Grandma Essi, who imparts wisdom and love. This book is a treasure, teaching kids important values in a delightful way.
August 14, 2023
As a parent, I appreciate how The Blessed Pomegranates conveys the significance of Ramadan. It's a charming story that fosters empathy and kindness, making it a favorite in our home.
August 14, 2023
A. Helwa's storytelling is captivating, and the illustrations by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi bring the narrative to life. This book is a must-read for any child.
August 14, 2023
The real meaning of Ramadan is beautifully unveiled in this enchanting story. It's a fantastic addition to any child's library, sparking meaningful conversations about giving and empathy.
August 14, 2023
The characters' journey resonated deeply with me. The Blessed Pomegranates is a touching reminder of the joy of giving and the spirit of togetherness during Ramadan.
February 21, 2025
4.5 stars
A wonderful picture book that emphasizes on the themes of Ramadan and teaches children how to be giving, kind, and the importance of sharing during the holy month and beyond.
A wonderful picture book that emphasizes on the themes of Ramadan and teaches children how to be giving, kind, and the importance of sharing during the holy month and beyond.
March 27, 2025
Oh this one is my favorite, the characters are so darling and the story of giving is beautiful and sweet. The illustration colours are gorgeous
October 23, 2025
Wonderfully illustrated book about giving and sharing, and how by giving you only have more and never less.
My son really enjoyed the pictures and there was a lot for him to engage with.
My son really enjoyed the pictures and there was a lot for him to engage with.
February 28, 2026
I love the art style!!!
August 14, 2023
The Blessed Pomegranates beautifully captures the essence of Ramadan, teaching children the importance of giving and gratitude. A must-read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews