The Fast of Ramadan

2010 Vol. 4: July/Aug

Meet Mary and Nasima, two fictional characters whose dialogue will introduce us to the Muslim fast of Ramadan. The women work side-by-side at a homeless shelter. Mary, a devoted Christian, is a longtime employee, but Nasima has been on staff only for three months. Though Nasima looks outdated with her headscarf and long, modest outfits, Mary takes a liking to Nasima. Nasima is compassionate, reliable, and quite religious. Soon Mary discovers that Nasima is a Muslim. She immigrated to the U.S. two years ago with her family. One day Mary struck up a conversation with Nasima.