Ramadan for Kids
Ramadan activities and teaching resources
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, preceded by the month of Sha'aban and succeeded by the month
of Shawwal. Ramadan is the Holy Month for Muslims, when those twelve years old and above observe a dawn
to dusk complete fast. They do not take any liquids (not even any water), no food, abstain from smoking,
marital relations, and gossiping or saying anything malicious against another person.
Some of the most pious and strict Muslims even manage to stop swallowing their own saliva during the fasting hours of Ramadan, but this isn't actually a requirement under observance of Ramadan, one of The Five Pillars of Islam, which are:
When is Ramadan?
The Muslim calendar is a Lunar Calendar, which means that the month follows the cycles of the moon. This also means that by comparison to the western calendar, the month of Ramadan will be approximately 11 days earlier in the year compared to the previous year. Ramadan will start on the 11th of August 2010, Wednesday and will continue until the 9th of September. In North America, Ramadan will start one day later, that is the 12th of August.
While the above dates are almost certainly going to be accurate, Islam traditionally requires that the new moon be sighted by a person appointed by the Islamic authorities in the country where you're located.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
The first reason of course, is that fasting is a requirement of one of the Five Pillars of Islam. What is important, however, is to appreciate the reasons behind the fasting, what those reasons signify and what this means to fasting Muslims.
It is most important to a Muslim to show intent in the fast. It is required that they recite short prayer of intent either before they sleep or just before Suhoor, the pre-fast meal.
The Arabic word for fasting means to 'refrain', to discipline yourself to avoid doing certain things which would be quite normal during the other twelve months of the year. It is also meant to teach Muslims to appreciate how much better off they are than millions of other fellow Muslims. So by refraining from drinking (even water) and food, for the long daylight hours, they should be reminded of those much less fortunate, for whom severe shortage of water and food is a way of life, not something merely done one month of the year. By reminding themselves of this fact, it is hoped that not only will they be more sensitive to those less fortunate, but to try to do something practical to help them.
Do Muslims eat and drink immediately before they start their daily fast?
Yes, most Muslims certainly do take a pre-fast meal and the period of eating before the fast is called Suhoor. This is an important meal, for it must set them up for the rest of the day, often 12 or 13 hours before their next meal or drink. A few choose to go to bed slightly later than usual and take a meal and drink before they sleep. While this isn't ideal, and is even frowned upon by more traditional Muslims, for some it does mean that they sleep longer and can cope more easily with the fast of the day to come.
What happens every day when Muslims break their fast?
As daylight begins to fade, Muslims await the Muezzin's call to perform the Maghrib prayers. Once the call is heard, and the Maghrib prayers are performed, they may break fast (called Iftaar in Arabic). (You can see here too the origin of the word "breakfast", which literally meant to break the fast during the night, after having eaten the last meal the day before).
Most will first take some form of thirst-quenching drink, and this varies not only by individual preferences, but also but local customs. It is quite common in the Middle East to break fast with water and dates, but in Malaysia it is more common to drink a local fruit juice, sugar cane juice or rose syrup water, with either dates or kway (small, sweet cakes or pastry). Some prefer to drink soya bean milk not only as a thirst quencher, but also for its extra protein value.
Upon breaking fast, most very strict Muslims, will merely take a few fresh dates, or dried dates if fresh are not available. If neither is available they will just take a few sips of water.
It is common for most families to have their evening meal at home straight after breaking fast, and while the meal should be in keeping with the meanings of Ramadan (in other words not a feast), it has become common in modern cities around the world for Muslim families to go out to eat at a local restaurant, particularly those in a hotel.
If during Ramadan you see Muslim families sitting quietly at a restaurant table, with the meal served, but not yet eating, it is because the Maghrib prayers have not yet been called, and they cannot yet break fast.
Can younger children fast during Ramadan?
Indeed they can, and in fact many even as young as four or five, are encouraged to fast for a few hours a day during Ramadan, to begin to appreciate the significance of the Holy month. As they get a little older, most families encourage their children under 12 to fast for half a day, until they reach twelve years old, when all Muslim children are expected to fast for the full dawn to dusk period. Interestingly (and perhaps surprisingly to non-Muslim children), many who are approaching twelve look forward to being old enough to fast for the full day, more than anything else. It means to them, that they are now being treated the same as an adult, and all the responsibilities that adulthood brings.
How is the end of Ramadan celebrated around the world?
Wherever a Muslim resides, be it in one of the Middle East countries, in Indonesia (the country with the world's largest Muslim population), or even in London, Paris or Dearborn, Michigan, they will start their end of Ramadan celebrations by going to the mosque for special congregational prayers which give thanks to God for His blessings during the Holy month of Ramadan, now ended. Both men and women may go to the mosque at this time, but the men will say their prayers separately from the women.
Many will return to their family home for Ramadan, usually where their parents are living, and in Indonesia and Malaysia this is known as Balik Kampung. Paying homage to their parents is a very important part of the celebrations, when the younger Muslims will ask their parents for forgiveness for misdeeds during the year, and kiss their hands as a sign of respect.
They return home (or go to the homes of family and friends) to continue their celebration, which in Arabic is called Eid Al Fitr. The meals prepared will reflect the culture and traditions of the country from which the Muslim family is living in or hails. For those who are now residing in western countries, it can be fascinating to find the end of Ramadan celebrations of Muslims from India, Pakistan, Arab countries, Malaysia, Indonesia or even European countries, reflected in the variety of food on the table.
In Malaysia, where I live, Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan, what they call Hari Raya Puasa, will also hold an Open House, when they invite their non-Muslim friends and neighbors to join them for food and drink. The special Hari Raya Puasa food includes delicious beef or chicken rendang, often Johor or Penang Laksa and many different kueh delicacies, small sweet cakes and pastries, especially made for Puasa. It's a wonderful time, and of course enjoyed by all, who will also all look forward to the next festival being celebrated, which might be for Chinese New Year, Christmas or Deepavali (Diwali), the Hindu festival of lights.
Article submitted by: Mike Davies
| MORE RAMADAN INFORMATION |
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The Story of Ramadan Find out what The Ninth Month and a Important Fast is all about. Muhammad and the Holy Quran
The Muslim Faith
Learn about the 5 duties of the Islamic Religion.
Hari Raya Puasa
Find out more about Ramadan
Misunderstandings and violations in Ramadan
Sue Ellen's Scrapbook : Ramadan
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| RAMADAN FOR TEACHERS |
Children's Activities in Ramadan
Lesson ideas, poems, songs and more to teach children about Ramadan
Ramadan Scavenger Hunt
Ramadan (Islamic Holiday)by Christy Ferguson
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| RAMADAN COLORING/CLIPARTS & GRAPHICS | Two Malay children celebrating Hari Raya Puasa - end of Ramadan |
| RAMADAN SONGS |
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Many Hari Raya Songs to choose from here.
You need Realplayer to be able to hear the songs. Download it for free. 5/5. You can listen to the song below being sung here. |
| RAMADAN CRAFTS |
Make a Hari Raya Card Craft by kiddyhouse.com
Requires cutting and pasting activity. For ages 4 - 9. A Ketupat (Malay Rice Dumpling card).
Make a Mosque Craft by kiddyhouse.com
Make a Ramadan Lamp Craft by kiddyhouse.com
Crafts for Ramadan
Make a Ramadan Card by kiddyhouse.com
Crayola : Ramadan Activities
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| OTHER RAMADAN FUN STUFF |
There are several games to play here
Muslim Kids Club
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Song Title : Selamat Hari Raya by Saloma
Midi sequenced by Arbanji
Click to listen to music
Part of the Lyrics to above song :
Translated into English
Selamat Aidil Fitri
Happy Aidil Fitri
Kepada saudara serta saudari
To gentlemen and ladies
Setahun, hanya sekali
Only once a year
Merayakan hari yang mulia ini.
Celebrating this special day
Di masa, Bulan Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan
Kita berpuasa hingga sebulan
We fast for a month
Apabila, syawal menjelma
When the 10th month of the Muslim Calendar is in sight
Hari Raya disambut dengan gembira.
New Year is celebrated with happiness
Share your Radaman activities here. Email me at "kiddyhouseATyahooDOTcom the the subject line - Ramadan Activities, I will try to put it up here. No promises though.
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