A made-up story about kindness · about 2 min
Zara's Ramadan Lantern
Ages 5–7It was the first week of Ramadan, and Zara was busy.
She folded, cut and glued with Mama until she had made a beautiful paper lantern. It had golden stars and a silver moon on every side.
“It’s perfect!” said Zara, holding it up to the window.
Across the street, Zara could see Mr. Saleem’s house. Mr. Saleem was very old, and he lived all by himself. His window looked dark.
“Mama,” said Zara, “does Mr. Saleem have anyone to eat iftar with?”
Mama thought for a moment. “I don’t think so,” she said softly.
Zara looked at her lantern. Then she had an idea.
When the sun began to set, Zara and Mama carried a plate of dates, a bowl of warm soup and the paper lantern across the street.
Knock, knock.
Mr. Saleem opened the door slowly. When he saw Zara, his eyes began to twinkle.
“We brought you iftar,” said Zara. “And this lantern is for you.”
Mr. Saleem hung the lantern in his window. Its golden light filled the little room.
“This is the brightest lantern I have ever seen,” he said. “Thank you for remembering me.”
That night, Zara looked across the street. Mr. Saleem’s window was glowing, and so was her heart.
The lesson: Small acts of kindness can light up someone's whole day.
New words
- Ramadan
- a special month when many Muslims fast during the day, pray, and try extra hard to be kind
- iftar
- the meal at sunset when people who are fasting eat together
- lantern
- a light in a case that you can carry or hang up
- neighbor
- someone who lives near you
Story questions
Choose an answer, then press Check. You can try again if you need to.
Talk about it
Who is someone you could do something kind for this week? What could you do?