SABRINA BAIOU: “Not eating for the whole day, you, like, realize, you don’t actually need the stuff that you put in your mouth all the time.”

Islam does not require young children to fast during Ramadan. But nine year old Nourene Nabbus is fasting this year, for the second time.

NORENE NABBUS: “I wanted to fast because I wanted to see what it felt like with my Mom and my Dad, and them all fasting like I didn’t know how it felt.”

Wafaa Elmahgob is Nourene’s mother. She says she and Nourene’s father told her she could try avoiding food and drinks half a day because the day is long. But she says Nourene was firm about fasting the whole day.

Ms. Elmahgob is happy that her daughter is joining in the tradition. She says she gets pleasure out of doing commonplace things, like cooking, during this special time. Everything slows down.

WAFAA ELMAHGOB: “During the regular day – or not the Ramadan day – usually I’d like you to prepare your food in a rush, and hurry to finish just one dish. But Ramadan, it’s different, because you’re taking your time. Actually it’s the time when I call my sisters overseas and ask them for more recipes and try new things. It’s really enjoyable.”

Wafaa Elmahgob says Ramadan is the best time of year for family members to reconnect.

(MUSIC)

“