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Teaching children about Ramadan is an important part of helping them to understand the world around them and to develop respect for different beliefs and traditions.
Children may have classmates who observe Ramadan, and understanding why they may be fasting, praying more often, or celebrating Eid (Hari Raya Puasa) at the end of the month allows them to develop a broader understanding of society and learn that people may live, worship, and celebrate in different ways.
Muslim children will naturally observe their families’ increased worship and new routines during Ramadan. Physical fasting is only one part of Ramadan – it is also a time when Muslims are encouraged to give generously, and to develop virtues such as self-discipline, patience and gratitude.
It’s important to teach all children about this inward purification, which is often overlooked amid busy lifestyles and overshadowed by commercial emphasis on indulgent iftars.
Ramadan also provides valuable lessons that align with wider educational values. Themes such as charity, concern for those in need, self-control, and reflection are central to Ramadan and can be linked to lessons about good citizenship, personal development and philosophies such as Stoicism.
You can read more about the spiritual aspects of Ramadan here.
Children are not expected to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. Once they reach puberty, they are considered adults in the sense that religious obligations such as prayer and fasting are now obligatory upon them.
However, some young children are keen to fast when they see their family fasting during Ramadan. The excitement of waking up for suhoor/suhur (the pre-dawn meal eaten during Ramadan) is particularly enticing.
Doing ‘half-fasts’ where children fast until lunch or dinner, is a fun and easy way of allowing children to feel involved in the communal spirit of Ramadan.
There are a range of fun activities teach children about Ramadan, including Ramadan advent calendars and decorating the house in preparation for Ramadan, which builds anticipation and excitement for the blessed month.
Families often gift their neighbours iftar during Ramadan. Involving children in activities like baking crescent-shaped treats and delivering these to neighbours emphasises the communal nature of Ramadan and the importance of giving and building a community.
Bringing children with you to prayers at the mosque helps children to understand that fasting is intimately linked with prayer, and that both are ultimately acts of worship and obedience. Being patient and understanding when children, whether your own or others, may cry or be noisy fosters a welcoming environment, and allows children to feel love for the deen (religion).