Helping Children Understand and Take Part in Ramadan

by Ady Grewal Content writer

Fasting is not obligatory for children however parents need to train their children about the importance of Ramadan. Ramadan is the best time of the year to train the children about the social and economic aspects of Ramadan. Children learn by doing and observing the elders in the family. The month of Ramadan is an ideal time for the years where children learn religious obligations by observing their family members. Parents should teach their children about Islamic practices at an early age.

First of all, it is important to wake the children along with the parents at Sahoor (pre-dawn) and have their seher with all family members. Children can break their fast at early noon but this practice will make them understand the importance of food and controlling one desire. Training the child to fast should be gradual and steady. Mothers should make their favorite food to maintain their motivation. Elders should appreciate and celebrate the children’s efforts. Also waking early in the morning and offering the Fajar prayer will make them punctual.

While teaching the essential etiquettes of Ramadan to children, it is important to teach them the social and economic aspects of this holy month too. Muslims across the world fast the whole day irrespective of the weather and geographical boundaries give the lesson of unity and equality. Everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah and religious obligations are imposed on each and every one of us. It’s our ibadah or prayers that will save us at the end of the day nothing else will last.

It is pertinent to mention that while at Sahoor and iftar teaching kids about the food wastage is very important. Teach them not to overstuff their plates in the greed of having more food whereas teaching them the spirit pf sharing. It is important to make the experience that, while in the state of starvation, it is a deed of supreme significance to distribute their food with those in need. Parents should also engage their children on family iftar dinner or random Langers (food distribution at streets). Children should be part of charity events so that they should learn a sense of empathy in the Islamic communities.

Young kids should be taken to mosques very often to offer namaz in jammat. It will give them exposure to live within communities. Young girls should spend time with moms in the kitchen to learn the traditional dishes of Ramadan. Other than food and prayers, children should be encouraged to buy gifts for their friends. Exchanging gifts and meals will have a positive outcome on children and they will learn the relationship building.

Encourage your children to provide a service for others by saving money for the needy during the month of Ramadan. Parents should take them to the nearby orphan houses where children will learn how other kids are living without much luxuries and comforts, in this way they will value the blessings that Allah almighty has to bestow upon them. Teach them morality in their bedtime stories to inspire their brain towards kindness and humbleness. Finally, parents should also buy beautiful eid gifts and attires for their kids as a token of appreciation over their efforts. Appreciation and admiration will further oblige them to follow the tradition of fasting and practice it with zeal and zest.

Children are a true reflection of their parents and Ramadan is a great opportunity to teach them. Many families, to instill the spirit and morals of Ramadan in their kids, plan family umrah gatherings where children along with the elders of a family visit the house of Allah and holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Many affordable umrah packages for the year 2020 are tailored for families with small kids. Islamic travel makes your spiritual journey a memorable and unforgettable with their unbeatable deals for families and people in the group. Even if you are planning your visit with children we provide complete umrah guide including your travel to different holy sites.it is a once in a lifetime experience so choose wisely among the travel agents by critically evaluating their packages and offers.