A Productive Ramadan; Seeking Spirituality

‘Wide-eyed, Humayd throws off his blanket, slips his feet into the slippers lying next to the bed, runs towards the stairs and swings himself around the banister. As he heads downstairs, he knows this breakfast is different. The sun is not yet up, but he will be eating his breakfast, and then not eating or drinking until sunset. Humayd sits at the spread of food, looking at his mother with a big smile and says; ‘Assalamu Alaykum!’ 

The Spirt of Ramadan

What better place to understand the importance of the blessed month than reconciling with the life of our true role model, the beloved Messenger Muhammad ﷺ? An increase in the number of fasts observed, and an increase in nafl acts, shows the preparation made by Him ﷺ. Our memories of Ramadan will revolve around great congregational experiences, like that of Suhoor, Iftar and Taraweeh. All these actions remind us of our love for our creator, His beloved ﷺ, and recognising the bond that exists between believers who all live with the same goal, objective, and ethos. This spirit needs to be shared and lit within the hearts of our dear young children. The way we behave and react to the commandments of Allah duringthis month will reflect on how our young ones hold Ramadan within their hearts.

Maximising Ramadan

To develop a sense of awe around this blessed month for our children and remind ourselves of its greatness, we need to take practical steps. Firstly, allow for the entire month to be an enjoyable experience, without letting it become burdensome. This will require you, as a parent/ carer, to be resilient, patient, and mindful of the questions, queries, and whines of your young ones. Children love to feed their curiosity by asking the age-old question; why?

To address these questions, which can often feel overwhelming, is to begin with educating yourself by seeking knowledge and understanding the significance of Ramadan. This involves delving into Islamic literature, attending lectures, and engaging with knowledgeable individuals within the community. By equipping yourself with a deeper understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and communal aspects of Ramadan, you can effectively convey its importance to your children in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, maximising your child’s Ramadan experience involves creating an environment that fosters enjoyment while simultaneously emphasising the significance of the month for Muslims. Encourage your child to actively participate in fasting, Taraweeh prayers, Suhoor, Iftar gatherings, and acts of charity. By involving them in these practices, you instil a sense of belonging to the wider Muslim community and reinforce the values of submission to Allah and compassion towards others.

Moreover, Ramadan can serve as a transformative period for both children and adults alike, offering an opportunity for personal growth and the development of new habits. Encourage your child to connect with the Quran through regular recitation and reflection, engage in additional Salah, and increase their remembrance of Allah through Dhikr. Create a positive atmosphere where the family competes in performing good deeds, such as tracking the amount of Quran recited or the time spent making Duas.

By implementing these strategies, you not only maximise your child’s Ramadan experience but also nurture a deeper appreciation and understanding of the significance of the month within their hearts. Ramadan becomes more than just a time of abstaining from food and drink; it becomes a period of spiritual rejuvenation, communal unity, and personal development for the entire family. Together, let us embark on this journey of growth and enlightenment, guided by the teachings of Islam and the spirit of Ramadan.