Answer
In this counseling answer:
•Take the children shopping and help them pick out little gifts for family members, friends and others. Make it an exciting event with wrapping paper, pretty bows and glittery decorations.
•Educate your children on the meaning and goals of Ramadan, and how Ramadan is a gift from Allah.
•Buy books, audio’s and video’s about Ramadan and watch them together, answering any questions they may have as well as pointing out important points you may feel they need to learn more about
•Engage the children in the preparation of iftar and suhoor. Have them help pick out and prepare the foods that they like which are healthy and will be sustainable throughout the day and night.
As salamu Alaykum,
Thank you for writing to us. Yes, Ramadan is nearly here. This most wondrous month of Ramadan is a perfect time to show our children the many benefits of being Muslim as Ramadan encompasses so much.
Getting Ready
I do not know their ages but please do tailor the suggestions for their appropriate age group. While in many countries there are many holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah and so forth, Ramadan is a time for serious spiritual contemplation, sacrifice as well as festivities.
Some families do decorate their homes during Ramadan. If you chose to do so, you can have the children help you decorate in preparation. Often times gifts are given during Ramadan (and always at Eid).
Take the children shopping and help them pick out little gifts for family members, friends and others. Make it an exciting event with wrapping paper, pretty bows and glittery decorations.
These festive aspects of Ramadan help children initially identify Ramadan with their religion in a fun way. Take them shopping for clothes for Ramadan and let them choose what they would like to wear.
Perhaps they would like a new prayer rug just for Ramadan. The goal is to get them interested in all aspects of Ramadan as possible, giving them choices along the way so they can truly feel a part of Ramadan and it’s meaning.
Educational
Educate your children on the meaning and goals of Ramadan, and how Ramadan is a gift from Allah. Buy books, audio’s and video’s about Ramadan and watch them together, answering any questions they may have as well as pointing out important points you may feel they need to learn more about.
Try to include stories about the Prophet (PBUH) as well as how Ramadan is a time for purification and sacrifice. Make reading the Qur’an a family event by letting the children take turns reading. Attend the Masjid for special Ramadan events so the children will learn, as well as feel part of a community. Insha’Allah they will make lifelong friends as the month progresses.
Engagement
Engage the children in the preparation of iftar and suhoor. Have them help pick out and prepare the foods that they like which are healthy and will be sustainable throughout the day and night. Explain the importance that fasting and good nutrition has on the body, mind and spirit.
Make it a family practice to get dressed up for iftar’s and go to the Masjid to breakfast. Family and friends iftar’s also encouraged children to fast as they know they will have something fun to look forward to when the sunsets.
Community times are important, but especially at Ramadan wherein children can share their experiences with each other about fasting, cooking, praying as well as other Ramadan related activities.
Make prayer a family or community event if possible. By praying together, children feel the unity and love for Allah with others. Insha’Allah, they will feel the seriousness of prayer and seek to perfect their worship of Allah swt.
Have the children participate in acts of charity such as feeding the homeless, volunteering with refugee’s in need, assisting the elderly with needs and so on. Charity is an important component of Islam and Ramadan offers the extra opportunity to further teach children about giving, and about those who are less fortunate.
Check out this counseling video
Helpful Tips
Provide tips for your child about what to do if they feel hungry, fatigued or irritable while fasting. These tips will help sustain them through the day insha’Allah. Remind them of the blessings and beauty of sacrifice as well as a reminder to seek to please Allah swt.
Provide encouragement throughout the day and commend them often on their fasting ability, reminding them that they are pleasing Allah. Give them little gifts during Ramadan to celebrate their successes.
While they are many ways to get children involved in Ramadan, the best way is to ensure they know what Ramadan means, what a precious gift it is and to get them involved in all aspects. If children have an understanding and feel they are an important part of Ramadan, they will insha’Allah look forward to participating.
Ramadan Mubarak!
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.