Ramadan and Child Education

Ifeoluwa Siddiq Oyelami

We are approaching the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a time when we strive to improve our relationship with Allah and increase our consciousness of Him. One important aspect of Ramadan that is often overlooked is the opportunity it provides for us to raise our children in a way that instils in a strong sense of awareness of Allah and the values of Islam. Just like adults, children can also use this month to strengthen their faith and connection with Allah. However, this starts with them loving and appreciating the month as well as the rightful guidance of parents and teachers. So how do we go about that?

Prepare their minds for Ramadan.

Many cultures have beautiful traditions to help prepare the hearts and minds of children towards Ramadan. Some families and schools encourage kids to create colourful decorations that reflect the joy and spirit of Ramadan. These creative activities are wonderful for nurturing a child’s sense of wonder and imagination. But there’s more to preparing for Ramadan than just decorations. It is also important to engage children in meaningful discussions about what Ramadan represents and why it is so special. With gentle guidance, kids can learn about the importance of fasting, prayer, charity, and other good deeds that are especially important during this month.

To make the learning process more fun, consider asking kids to draw up their own Ramadan plans and display them proudly on the wall. This can help them set goals and get excited about carrying them out.

Children and fasting

For starters, children are not obliged to fast during the month of Ramadan. However, some kids like to try it out. Some parents would like to encourage them to, just like our pious predecessors did. Usually, kids start to fast when they are around 7 to 10 years old. Let them if they feel ready and able to do it. In some parts of the world, kids learn to fast until a certain time of the day, like noon or afternoon. This is not the same as full fasting, but it is a way to help children learn.

For kids who want to fast, it can be fun to get a gift or special treat when they are done. And when they get tired or hungry, they can be told to play a light game or enjoy a toy, just like the companions of the Prophet would do with their own kids.

Children and the Qur’an

Ramadan is a time when we can help our children connect more deeply with the Qur’an and inspire them to fall in love with it. Whether your child is just starting to learn the basics of recitation, or is already a proficient reciter or memorizer, there are many ways to use Ramadan to enhance their relationship with the Qur’an.

One great idea is to help your child create their own personalized Qur’an plan, tailored to their abilities and interests. This can help them stay motivated and focused on their Qur’anic goals throughout the month.

You can also encourage your child to explore various themes and concepts from the Qur’an through creative activities and fun games. These can be done by reading books together, telling them stories of the Qur’an, painting, or trying their hand at a Qur’an-themed quiz. Well, there are countless ways to keep your child engaged and excited about the Qur’an. Interestingly, these activities can be adopted in the classrooms and mosques too.

Children and domestic activities

Ramadan is a time when many of us find ourselves busy with domestic activities like cooking, cleaning, and caring for our homes and families. And while it can be tempting to try to shield our children from these tasks, there is real value in involving them in the work of the household. By giving our kids responsibilities during Ramadan, we can help them understand the importance of contributing to the family’s well-being and the joy that comes from serving others. And there are plenty of ways to get them involved - whether it’s helping in the kitchen, setting the table for iftar, or simply tidying up around the house.

Through community or interfamily iftar, we can help our children see the tremendous blessings that come from sharing what we have with others.

Children and Eid

Allah has ordained the two Eids for the fulfilment of Muslims. Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of the bounties of Allah after fasting for His sake. It is crucial to involve children in these celebrations. Prior to Eid, parents should endeavour to improve their children’s enthusiasm and awareness of the holiday’s religious significance, rather than seeing it as solely a cultural celebration. Even if they have not fasted, children should be presented with gifts and allowed to have fun. Parents may try to purchase new and beautiful dresses for their kids and encourage them to attend the eid prayer in them. All these will make children feel more connected to their faith and less likely to perceive it as a burden.

In conclusion, just as Allah has ordained fasting during the month of Ramadan to make us more pious, we should also remember that our piety extends to our duties as parents and teachers. We have been entrusted with the responsibility of raising and educating children, and it is our duty to ensure that they too experience the piety of Ramadan and beyond. Let us therefore make an effort to make Ramadan more child-friendly, and involve them in the various aspects of the holy month, so that they may develop a strong connection with their faith.