First in my series of guest posts on making Ramadan Fun for Children is a post by Irum Irshad.
Ramadan is s very special month to all. Its the month of mercy forgiveness and rewards. Many a times parents feel by the end of Ramadan then they were unable to do proper ibadah or they simply don’t feel satisfied because of household or kids (especially when you have toddlers at home) let’s not forget that Islam is the most beautiful religion and the easiest as well. Taking care of infants toddlers or kids is soo rewarding.
Making Ramadan a family month will add up memories to the growing stages. When ur children grow up and think of Ramadan they will have beautiful flashbacks.
Make the Iftaar time and taraweeh salah time a compulsory family time. That is pray together and eat together. Having family duas (prayers) before Iftaar and making kids understand the importance of making dua before breaking fast is quiet essential. Be it the smallest or any big thing, ask Allah alone.
Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du’a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet (SAW) saying: ‘When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Shaitans are locked up’ Thus, it is clear that du’a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy are opened. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]
Parents can also allot 30 mins a day as zikr time – where family can sit together can praise ALLAH swt together (SUBHANALLAH, ALHUMDULILAH, ALLAHUAKBAR) not forgetting the reward behind it.
Earn a thousand good deeds in Minutes Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?” Someone from the gathering asked, “How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?” Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073)
Let kids decide on themselves which of their stuff they want to donate or give for the sake of Allah swt and encourage then to do lot of sadqa (charity) reminding the rewards which multiplies during the month of Ramadan
The best of sadaqah is given during the month of Ramadan. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: “The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was the most generous person, and he used to become more so (generous) particularly in the month of Ramadan…more generous than the fast wind in doing good” [Bukhari]
To sum it all, it’s not an easy task on the path of parents, but it’s neither all that heavy and burdensome. A mother is the first teacher and what kids learn in their growing stages will reflect all through their life.
About the Author:
Irum is an home maker come entrepreneur from India. She is passionate about writing and strongly believes that life is all about learning and gaining knowledge. Her writings are mainly based on Islamic reflection delivering happiness and positivity. Her major goal is jannah and she wants to be the best sadqa-e-jaria for her parents. She can be found blogging at http://irumirshad.wordpress.com/
Following prophet sunnah is easy the only thing required is courage. Yes if we develop courage we can defeat devil / We just have to fight against our own wishes. May Allah accept ur efforts.
It is a good introduction and pointing out the essentials. It’s also beneficial for new Muslims as important sources are displayed. I think it would be a good idea to make a second post describing some more activities parents could do with their kids during Ramadan.
The seeds which we sow together Our future generations willbreap the fruit…so the more effort we put in making our deen instill in their lives.. Hopefully IA more they will pass it to their generations..so it is very important to build such memories…
I was SO glad to read your post. I am feeling motivated now. It is true that mums works all day just to ensure that the kids get the best of the best. I am not being able to fast since the last two years because of the baby but Allah is so rehman and raheem. I am certainly jotting down all these kid’s related activities to practice with my child when he is old enough to understand. You have a great blog.
Fatima | http://www.blogsbyfa.com
These are all wonderful ideas, I think that many of these can be implemented both at home and within the masjid. Although I don’t have any children and live in a country where Ramadan is essentially the focus of everything (unlike when I lived in the US I felt a true struggle with fasting and work) many masjids could implement something similar to the donation of toys – even through out the rest of the year. Nothing in the sunnah is difficult, Alhamdulillah Allah has made it easy for us – it just takes time and patience. I pray that one day I will be blessed enough to share these things with them; that they will understand the significance of Ramadan, Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the implantation of our Pillars into daily life.
Such a beautiful thought, masha’Allah. Typically we think of Ramadan along the lines of personal spiritual development. Converting it to a family Ramadan can be so cumulatively rewarding for everybody! I am working on an article on RAMADAN FAMILY TIME and I was really happy to read this!
It can be difficult find time to do the ibadah we used to do in Ramadan when you have kids. However I totally agree, that there are still ways you can connect with Allah (swt). Allah knows our situation and struggles, and He knows the longing we have in our hearts to do more. raising righteous children is a full of reward & Barakah in itself. May Allah accept our efforts in Ramadan. Ameen.
Wonderful post..Allah has made things easy for us…Your post is also a good reminder for me..
Ah Ramadan for kids 😛 I remember the half day fasts I would do when I was super small lol and now I miss those days especially in summer! I’m sure this post will help alot of mums