The month of Ramadan is a beautiful time that brings families and communities together. People from different cultures come together to celebrate their faith in this holy month. Ramadan unites the believers around the world in the spirit of devotion and generosity. This vibrance is seen at homes as well, especially during the times of fasting. Special cuisines are prepared for Iftar, and everyone gets together to break the fast. This aspect of Ramadan brings interest and inspires the younger ones to observe fasting too.
Ramadan for Children
Though fasting is the main aspect of Ramadan, there are many ways kids can be involved through fun Ramadan activities for kids and other Ramadan family traditions. 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 tasks involving the basic duties of a Muslim. It is important to remember that if the younger generation is not exposed to 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 kids. Learning guides about the Five Pillars of Islam and Ramadan facts for kids are good starting points to introduce the idea of fasting and its importance in the faith.
Ramadan Activities for Kids
There are several Ramadan activities for kids to involve younger ones in the blessings 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. Try the below Ramadan family activities for kids to let them get an insight into this holy month and learn about the importance of Ramadan, as well as their faith.
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
One of the most important Ramadan activities for kids 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 Fajr Salah. They can participate in fasting for part of the day, gradually increasing their ability to fast the whole day as they grow up.
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 prayers 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
Ramadan for kids is all about fun activities that they will enjoy with their families. 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 during 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
Fun Ramadan activities for kids can be as simple as families looking at the world map together and having a conversation about the countries observing Ramadan in different time zones. 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 preparations, 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.
Ramadan Family Commitment
Committing time during the day for you and your family to spend together is a wonderful way to interact with your children. A time slotted each day in sitting together to read a book about Islam or play quiz games on the topic of Islam is a great means of getting your kids involved in learning about their Deen, but also for them to look forward to spending time together.
Eid Shopping Ideas
You can get your children involved with Ramadan gifts for the family and preparing for Eid celebrations by giving them shopping ideas. 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: from what age is it obligatory for a child to start fasting? The simple answer is that fasting is not obligatory for young children until they hit puberty. 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]
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 acts during Ramadan. Encourage donations to charities such as Charity Meals to enforce the importance of sharing wealth during Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem to you and your family. May the light of this blessed month be radiated across your homes, bringing unity and togetherness within your families.
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“The best charity is to satisfy a hungry person.” [Bayhaqi]
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