Teaching Children the Beauty of Ramadan Traditions

Ramadan is not only the time when Muslims fast and rebuild their connection with Allah; it’s also the time to strengthen your bonds with your family. It’s the time when the families fast, pray, and reflect together, thanking Allah for his blessings. As I recall, Ramadan has always been special, even since the time when we didn’t fast as kids. When adults are busy strengthening their spiritual connection with Allah and praying, kids are always even more excited about Ramadan. For kids, it’s a time of excitement about family gatherings, the happiness of enjoying delicious foods, and the anticipation of Eid. They are always excited about waking up in Suhoor, about fasting and going to Taraweeh etc. Kids always follow the example we set. In Ramadan, when everyone is trying to be a better Muslim, it is the perfect time to teach our Islamic values and teachings of Allah and our Prophet (S.A.W.W.) to our children. The excitement in their eyes is something when they see their elders indulging in the festivities of Ramadan and praying is precious. It is the best time to engage them in interesting conversations teaching them the significance of Ramadan. Following are some ways of teaching children the significance of Ramadan:

Start with the Basics

Starting from the basic teachings of Islam about fasting, get them to learn what the importance of fasting is and why is it important in Islam. Teach them about the spiritual aspects of fasting that it is not just about starving ourselves from dawn to dusk but to seek blessings of Allah by refraining from sins and indulging in good deeds.

Importance of Fasting

Teach kids the significance of fasting and why Allah has obliged the Muslims to fast in this holy month of Ramadan. Teach them that the true essence of fasting is to strengthen your connection with Allah, practice self-control and self-discipline, and empathize with the poor and the needy. We should tell them that fasting also involves controlling one’s thoughts, actions, and behaviors and avoiding worldly pleasures and attractions just to please Allah.

Setting an Example

If you really want them to learn the true teachings of Islam and to practice them, you have to lead them with an example. Children believe what they see, and they practice what they see their elders practicing. Set up a good example for them to follow. Show them how you prioritize your daily prayers, engage in charity and kindness, recite and understand the Quran, and seek knowledge about Islam. When you consistently demonstrate these behaviors in front of them, they will get inspired and start doing the same.

Creative Activities

Teaching something to kids is easier when there is creativity involved. When we can decorate our houses for other festivities then why not Ramadan? Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims and the opportunity to celebrate our connection with Allah and cherish his blessings. You can set up a prayer corner in your house with lanterns, crescents and prayer mats. Kids are always attracted towards something they find interesting, and this is the best way to make praying more appealing for them.

Practice the art of storytelling

Bedtime stories are always kids favorites. You can get creative with your stories and get them to know the facts about Ramadan, Our Prophet (S.A.W.W.), and the stories of his companions. Instead of telling them the stories of the super heroes of the fantasy world, tell them the stories of our real heroes, whom we should follow. By incorporating the stories from their lives, children will not only be entertained, but they will also learn valuable life lessons, the importance of fasting, and how they should practice it.

Introduce the concept of journaling

Journaling is another way to keep the kids engaged in Ramadan activities by expressing their thoughts and ideas. Encourage them to draw or write about their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to the holy month and Eid. This practice will give them a platform to be expressive and creative with their thoughts and will serve as a keepsake of their precious childhood memories of Ramadan that they will cherish forever.

Interactive Learning

Another way to engage kids in Ramadan learning is through interactive learning. It has to be the most effective method of teaching them. You can let children be involved in activities like preparing meals for Iftar, preparing meals to donate, setting up tables for Iftar, and decorating the prayer area for Ramadan. This hands-on learning approach helps them develop a deeper understanding and a sense of connection with Islamic rituals and our culture.

These are some ways of teaching kids the significance of Ramadan and how they can actively participate in the Ramadan practices even if they haven’t started to observe fasting yet. These practices not only teach them the significance of Ramadan but also develop a sense of ownership and acceptance of Islamic practices. We hope they will help you deal with kids this Ramadan in a better way, and we will create a safe and interesting learning environment for them.