Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
During Ramadhan, adults not only practice fasting and spiritual reflection but also use it as an opportunity to teach Islamic principles to their children. It’s our responsibility as parents, teachers, and society members to share the authentic feeling of this blessed month with the younger generation. It takes education, creativity and patience to get children involved during the Ramadhan.
Begin with storytelling
Stories are an innate part of children’s stories, and Ramadhan is a source of inspiration. The stories of the Prophets, including the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Ramadhan, can be recounted. You can also share stories of charity, patience, and forgiveness with them.. It’s common for children to be influenced by storybooks or storytelling during their sleep, as I find it can make them feel good.
Design a Ramadhan calendar
A Ramadhan calendar is a fun and engaging way for children to mark the days of the month in an interactive manner. Every day, there might be an unexpected good deed challenge, a hadith or even more appropriately ‘a treat’. The calendar is a source of excitement for my children as they explore it daily. To make it more personal, you can add activities such as helping a sibling, praying with someone, or contributing to charity.
Inspire acts of kindness
Good and kind acts are observed during Ramadhan. Why? Our children can be taught these traits by requiring them to engage in small acts of kindness. It could be as simple as helping clean the iftar table, feeding neighbours or making cards in hand made by family members. The act of involving my children in the creation of food parcels for the underprivileged was heart warming, and I can only attribute it to their happiness.
Make fasting fun and gradual
The idea can be introduced in a gentle manner if your kids are not capable of fasting yet. Some of us practice a “half day fast” or if we do ‘mini fast’ for kids, in which they break the three hour period and then enjoy some special treat. You can also obtain a reward chart to acknowledge their efforts, with fewer restrictions on the duration of the fast.
Prepare for Suhoor and Iftar
The act of cooking with others is not only a useful skill for survival but also enables people to bond over an extended period. I frequently have my children help me wash fruit, prepare table or Iftar ingredients. Allowing them to select a dish or embellish the dining table adds more excitement. Additionally, It is an exciting activity that helps people become more connected to the Ramadhan rituals.
Educate through arts and crafts
Play and imagination contribute to children’s learning. Ramadhan inspired arts and crafts can be accomplished through lantern making, drawing mosques, or making Eid cards. It is possible to instruct Islamic calligraphy or have them adorn prayer mats. My experience with my children was that it not only kept them engaged but also facilitated meaningful conversations about Ramadhan.
Organize a prayer corner
A prayer area in our house can be a great way to invite children to pray with us. You can involve them in setting up the area with a prayer rug, Quran, and some decorations. Assistance is provided. I noticed that my children were more interested in participating in prayers when they helped set up our prayer corner. It is possible to introduce brief surahs and duas to them in a supportive and enjoyable way.
Involve them in charity works
1. Ramadhan emphasizes the importance of charity, and engaging children in charitable activities can foster a sense of compassion and appreciation. When I participate in charity initiatives or aid children in collecting toys and clothing for the poor, I am also involved.
2. Wherever possible, taking children to community iftars or Ramadhan events can be a rewarding experience. They are able to witness the wider Muslim community in action and learn about the atmosphere of sharing and coming together. When I took my kids to a community iftar, they were amazed at the diversity and hospitality of the crowd. You can also ask them to attend mosque activities, e.g., Ramadhan quiz or storytelling sessions.
Acknowledge their efforts and progress
When you celebrate your children’s accomplishments during Ramadhan, you can increase their motivation. I ensure that I recognize their efforts, whether they fasted for a couple of hours, assisted with household chores, or were kind to others. You can even create a minimal “Ramadhan Achievement Certificate” or hold a small family celebration. Positive reinforcement not only makes children feel appreciated but also enhances their connection to the essence of Ramadhan.
Involving children in the spirit of Ramadhan is all about instilling positive experiences that combine faith, fun, and family time. By teaching them the principles of fasting, prayer, and charity in an age appropriate and innovative way, we establish the foundation for a lifetime of affection for Ramadhan. As we lead them through this sacred month, our actions, stories, and shared experiences become precious memories that they will continue to carry forward. I wish that the approaches I have provided will encourage you to make this Ramadhan a special and spiritually rewarding time for your kids.
(The author hails from Boniyar, Baramulla. He can be reached at [email protected])
