Ramadan is a beautiful month that brings families and communities together. People from different cultures come together to celebrate their faith in the holy month. Ramadan unites the believers around the world in the spirit of devotion and generosity. This vibrant ambience is seen at homes as well, especially around the fasting times. Special cuisines are prepared for Iftar, and everyone gets together to break the fast. This aspect of Ramadan interests adults and children alike while inspiring the younger ones to observe fasting.
Ramadan for Kids
Though the main part of Ramadan is fasting, there are many ways kids can be involved in Ramadan. Teaching Muslim children about the faith is a fundamental part of their education. Learning starts from a young age, which requires the early engagement of children in the tasks involving the basic duties of a Muslim. It is important to remember that young children are also Muslim individuals who will grow into responsible adults of tomorrow. If they are not given the right knowledge now, their personalities will not be shaped in accordance with Islam.
Ramadan provides a great opportunity to demonstrate what the fasting days actually mean and what is required of a believer during this blessed time. It is important for kids to witness good role modelling around the ideas of fasting, restraint, and eagerness to do good. There is sufficient reading material available on the topic of Ramadan for children. Learning guides about the Five Pillars of Islam are a good starting point to introduce the idea of fasting and its importance in the faith.
Ramadan Activities for Kids
There are several Ramadan children’s activities to involve younger ones in the blessing of the holy month. Children show great excitement and eagerness around Ramadan. As kids learn by doing things themselves, it is beneficial to let them participate in most aspects of Ramadan to some degree.
Moonsighting and Dua
Moonsighting is an important Sunnah and a great way of involving kids in Ramadan activities. Invest in a pair of binoculars or a telescope for the whole family to see the new moon. They can invite their friends, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to join in and enjoy the inexpensive but valuable experience together. After spotting the crescent moon, kids can read the prescribed dua with their parents. It is a great way of welcoming the blessed month and learning about the importance of science and astronomy in Islam.
Eating Suhoor and Fasting for Part of the Day
The most important activity in this regard is fasting itself. Kids should be allowed to join in fasting as soon as they are able to try it. They can wake up for Suhoor, eat with the family and pray the Salah of Fajr. They can participate in fasting for part of the day, gradually increasing their ability to fast the whole day as they grow in age.
Prayers and Taraweeh
Kids over the age of five can participate in obligatory prayers at home and at the mosque. They can also attend part of the night prayer with parents if possible. Praying with the Imam will teach the rules of Salah and the importance of praying on time.
Helping with Ramadan and Eid Decorations
Children love the fun part of Ramadan and will happily join in creating a welcoming atmosphere for the arrival of the virtuous month. It is a great idea to let them help prepare or put up Ramadan lanterns, bunting, or other kinds of embellishments to decorate the house. It will boost their confidence and self-esteem while giving them an understanding of the importance of keeping the house tidy for the busy period of Ramadan.
Ramadan Craft Ideas
You can create or download Ramadan craft activities to teach kids about the Islamic calendar, mosque architecture and phases of the moon. There are many resources available online to develop your own calendar with shapes of the changing moon. It can teach kids about the importance of moonsighting and the lunar calendar while encouraging the development of other skills.
World Map and Flags
Families can look at the world map together and have a conversation about the countries observing Ramadan. It is also an opportunity to teach children about Geography and the flags of various countries while teaching them about unity and diversity in Islam.
Iftar Meal Ideas
Children should be encouraged to come up with ideas for Iftar meals, especially if they are trying to fast themselves. Slightly older kids can help with food preparation, whereas younger ones can be little helpers in the supermarket. This can be used as an opportunity to teach them about what to eat at Iftar and Suhoor times, as well as the importance of healthy food in general.
Eid Shopping Ideas
Most children would love to talk about the clothes and presents they want for Eid. The anticipation of the Eid celebration will give them encouragement to do difficult tasks during Ramadan, such as waking up for Suhoor and praying at the mosque.
At What Age Do You Start Fasting for Ramadan?
Most parents wonder about certain Ramadan facts for kids. One of the frequently asked questions is: at what age does Ramadan start? The simple answer is that fasting is not obligatory for young children. In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“The pens have been lifted from three: from one who has lost his mind until he comes back to his senses, from one who is sleeping until he wakes up, and from a child until he reaches the age of adolescence.” [Abu Dawud, 4399]
In light of the above hadith, a child is not obliged to fast until they reach puberty. The fact that prayers do not become compulsory before the age of 10 demonstrates that younger children do not have to fast. However, it is advisable to encourage children from a young age to participate in different aspects of fasting, such as eating Iftar and Suhoor, fasting part of the day, and observing Salah.
Finally, you can introduce your children to charitable giving during Ramadan. Encourage donations to charities such as Charity Meals to enforce the importance of sharing wealth during Ramadan.
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