5 Easy Steps to Instill the True Spirit of Ramadan in Children

A few days before Ramadan began I asked my twin nieces what they were going to do this Ramadan and what they think Ramadan is? With big smiles on their faces they answered, “We are going to get gifts for Ramadan and Eid!” What inspired me to write this article was the answer they were able to muster. It is an obvious fact that we want to make Ramadan a fun and exciting experience for our children. In order to do so, we decorate our homes and spoil our children with gifts and treats. While it is a much appreciated effort, our lives have taken over a materialistic venture  disregarding the true purpose of events. Is this the only spirit of Ramadan or is it all the understanding and learning we want our children to gain during this holy month?

Ramadan is a spiritually uplifting period for Muslims.  As parents, guardians and adults, it is incumbent upon us to create an atmosphere where our children can feel the same way too. Early knowledge, interest and intervention in young children can bring along life long impacts. We definitely want our children to be better Muslims than us. We want them to learn and practice Islam with willingness and happiness. Living in countries where the Islamic culture is constantly challenged and other ample distractions constantly draw our children away from the religion; it is quite a struggle to maintain a good balance. Having said that, it is our responsibility to inculcate within our children true Islamic morals, values and practices. What better days than Ramadan, where many teachable Islamic moments are wide spread to fuse the love of Allah in our children. A little effort goes a long way, hence these five easy tips to instill the true Ramadan spirit in children.

1. Thaleem Wa Ta’Alum (Teaching and Learning): Is a knowledge circle where people or family members gather to learn hadiths and other beneficial Islamic teachings. Islamic upbringing starts at home. Therefore it does a ton of good to gather around as a family everyday to impart and reminisce important facts of Deen. Thaleem has many hidden blessing for adults and children equally. Allah himself praises such gatherings in his court and angels descent in large numbers upon such meetings where Allah is remembered. Giving due time and importance to learning Islam as a family inculcates the importance of learning our Deen, regardless of our age. Imagine the multitude of blessings that can be attained in the month of Ramadan unlike other days. During Ramadan, Thaleem time can be dedicated to deliver to our children the real essence of Ramadan, its benefits, rewards, so on and so forth. It doesn’t have to be too long or extensive. Ten to fifteen minutes everyday can advantage our lives along with our children’s.
2. Breaking fast with our children: We adults thoroughly enjoy a quiet and peaceful surrounding during Ifthar to focus on our duas and other activities. We tend to let our children carry on with their play or work during Ifthar. Ifthar is a blessed time and a very important part of Ramadan everyday. Encouraging children to partake at Ifthar and role modelling breaking the fast with them, helps enhance the Ramadan spirit within children. Additionally, involving children in the Ifthar prep and respecting its time in worship and prayer facilitates children to understand and value Ramadan.
3. Visiting the Masjid: This is linked with the above point. Masjids are booming with people and children during the Holy Month. It creates a beautiful atmosphere where people in our community are gathered to engage in forms of worship together. Given the opportunity, visiting the Masjids with our children often connects them to the Ramadan spirit in multiple ways. By doing so, children are able to reminisce the call of prayer, listen to the recitation of the Quran, pray in congregation, meet other Muslim children and respect and follow the decorum of the Masjid. Spending time in an environment of good will automatically create an attachment within them for the Masajid, Prayer, and ultimately Allah.
4. Let children give Charity: Core values of Ramadan are instilled within giving charity, understanding hunger and poverty, humbling us and making us grateful for the bounties delivered by the Almighty. We as adults are incumbent to give Zakath, Fithra and additional charity during this month. Even though its not a child’s responsibility to partake in charity giving, it supports in creating culpable and humble children. Collecting extra money in a money till, giving charity in the Masjid, donating one of their toys to a poor child, helping someone and giving a less fortunate child a Eid gift are all some ways to include children in sharing their bounties with others. In times where we fulfill every demand of our children and their needs, it is crucial to make them understand who has blessed our lives and how much hard work goes into things that are provided so that our children will complain less, be more grateful and amiable.
5. Learn about Ramadan through play: Play is basically children’s work for the day. Children learn and develop many skill sets and comprehension on different subject matters through play. So why not make Ramadan a teachable experience during this month through various forms of play and arts and crafts? Some creative ways to engage children in Ramadan related play is to create a dramatic center in a corner of the house with Ramadan inspired props (prayer beads, mats, shawls, Ramadan calendar, books and other supporting toys), story time with Ramadan story books, Ramadan coloring sheets and others crafts. It is a fun and a convenient way for children to gain beneficial knowledge and also keep children engaged in favorable activities during this holy month (less TV and more play!).

These are some easy ways to instigate the true Ramadan spirit within our young souls and make them thriving and eager Muslims, Inshaallah. We pray that Allah guide our children in his chosen path and make them better Muslims each growing day. Also to make us – parents and guardians – good role models and an inspiration to our children. Happy Ramadan!