The Importance of Ramadan for Children

Author: Rebecca Pena Hikal

The Importance of Ramadan for Children

Rebecca Pena

The Importance of Ramadan for Children

My husband has often told stories of the excitement and anticipation he felt as a child the closer that the holy month of Ramadan neared. Growing up in Egypt, he had the full experience of Ramadan and it’s beauty. With two children of our own, living in the states, they don’t have the beautiful experience that he did. So every year we try to create that ambiance here at home. So far our children love it all! However, although we want them to enjoy every bit of excitement around this special time, we want to make  sure that they take away the true purpose of Ramadan. Of course they love the food, gifts, money, games, crafts, all of the fun stuff. But are we teaching them what really matters at the same time? As parents how can we be sure that our children have a full understanding of what Ramadan means? Aside from the fun, the food, and the overall joy that comes with this blessed month, what can we do to ensure that our children are in fact experiencing the true joy of Ramadan?

Traditional Ramadan Practices

During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon, Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, a holy month of spiritual reflection and fasting. It remembers the month that the Qur’an (the holy book for Muslims) was originally revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During the month of Ramadan, people of Islamic faith wake up before sunrise for a small meal and then do not eat again until the sun sets at night. While fasting may sound like an extreme practice to non-Muslims, this sacrificial blessing period is filled with self reflection, family celebrations, and late-night meals. If you’re celebrating the holiday with kids, it’s important to instill the traditional Muslim values while also bringing a little fun into the mix.  The word “Ramadan” comes from the root word “ramdhaa,” which means “intense heat of the sun,” referring to the environmental conditions of this calendar season. After 30 days of sacrifice, families hold a three-day celebration of fast-breaking called Eid al-Fitr. Muslim kids often receive gifts and indulge in treats during the festival.

Islamic law states that children who have not yet reached puberty aren’t required to observe fasting. Still, some families have their children participate in the fast anyway, or they find other ways to teach their kids about devotion, generosity, goodwill, and self-control. Whether or not your family decides to fast, participates in semi-fasts, or doesn’t fast at all, here are some ways for you to honor the holiday with kids.

  • Read Ramadan themed children’s books: there are many sites online where you can purchase books for children of all ages. This will make it easy for them to learn and understand the importance of Ramadan.
  • Decorate your home: Stars and crescent moons liven up Muslim families’ homes during this month long holiday. Engage your children by making your own paper versions for the three-day Eid al-Fitr celebration. Hang white twinkly LED lights in your kids’ rooms, so they feel like they’re a special part of the holiday. You can also build excitement for Eid- al-Fitr by displaying a countdown decoration in your home. Each day Ramadan progresses, your kids can cross off a number on the calendar.
  • Teach children Ramadan greetings: During Ramadan, faithful Muslims greet one other by saying “Ramadan Mubarak.” This greeting, which means “blessed Ramadan,” is just one traditional way that people welcome friends during this holy time. Giving your kids a variety of greetings at a young age allows them to take part in more adult-like discourse, while also teaching them values they will cherish for a lifetime.
  • Involve children in meal preparation: Cooking as a family creates the perfect backdrop for discussing all things Ramadan. Plus, it teaches your children how to prepare traditional dishes at the same time. Ask your kids to help make the meal each night during Ramadan, even if it means staying up past their bedtime. The memories they’ll form while cooking traditional Ramadan recipes will create an anticipated excitement knowing they had a hand in feeding the hungry family.
  • Instill Ramadan-inspired values of giving: Encourage your children to provide a service for others by saving money for the needy during the month of Ramadan. And make it a family affair! For instance, take the money you’d spend on a cup of coffee each day and plop it into a jar, showing your commitment to your children’s cause. We have Sadaqah boxes for each child here at home. Then, at the end of Ramadan, use the money to buy food to buy a meal for a needy family. 
  • Enjoy a festive Eid Al-Fitr. Otherwise known as “Eid,” Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with a multi-day celebration that includes gathering to view the new moon, neighborhood fairs, visits to parks, and eating special sweet treats. Decorate both your home and your bodies by letting the kids paint traditional henna designs on their hands (or you can do it for them). Culminate the celebration with a picnic or backyard barbecue, complete with legal fireworks. Maybe even invite some non-Muslims to your party so your kids can take part in their traditional family celebration alongside friends (while also teaching them their customs).

However, you and your family choose to celebrate, be sure to make sure that while eating lots of food and having tons of fun, that your children walk away with a full understanding of the true meaning of this special time. Encourage them to embrace it fully so that they too can teach these customs and traditions to their own children.  As parents we must lead by example as well, so be sure that you are doing all that you can to show and teach them so that they too may follow the right path.May Allah keep us strong and faithful throughout the holy month so that we can teach our children the true meaning of Ramadan InshAllah.

Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family. 

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