4 Ramadan activities for kids: celebrate without fasting

During this beautiful month of Ramadan, Muslims from all over the world will fast from dawn to dusk. This holy month is one that is anticipated by all Muslims as it is the holiest of month in the Muslim calendar. Children usually start fasting from the age of 9 or 10 but for those who don’t fast, there are plenty of other Ramadan activities for kids that they can do to experience and celebrate the bounty of the month.

At the start of Ramadan, draw up a calendar of good deeds that your child can do throughout the month. This can be as simple as helping Daddy clean the house or helping Mummy prepare the table for breaking fast. This calendar acts both as a count-down for Hari Raya as well as a way for your child to become a better person during Ramadan. We count this as one of our favourite Ramadan activities for kids.

During Ramadan, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to help the less fortunate and to give alms. You can get your young one involved with this creative activity. Get them an empty jar or an old shoe box which can be turned into a donation box/jar. This can be decorated with paint or coloured paper. During the month, your child can collect coins and ask for donation from friends and family. The money that you child collects can then be given to a charitable organisation or needy person at the end of the month. This is definitely one of the best Ramadan activities for kids that teach compassion and empathy.

It is important to teach your child about Ramadan and what it means to Muslims. A great way to introduce him to concepts such as fasting, sahur (the pre-dawn meal) and iftar (post-dusk meal) is through reading. There are many children’s books available that you can read with your child that describe the process of fasting and its significance to both adults and children. You can start out with these titles: "My First Ramadan" by Karen Katz and "Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle" by Reza Jalili.

The breaking of the fast or iftar is usually a family affair in my household and the moment little ones look forward to whether they are fasting or not. To get your tots even more involved, this fun craft activity is a great way to learn the prayer or doa that Muslims recite when they break their fast. What you need is a paper plate, some rough coloured paper, old fabric, colour pencils and glue. Get your kids to cut up some shapes to represent food – preferably their favourite meal. You can then write or print out the prayer and its English translation which can then be pasted or written around the plate. Your kids can then paste their favourite ‘food’ into the centre of the plate. This creation can then be placed on the refrigerator or somewhere easily accessible to your child.

Do you know of any other Ramadan activities for kids? Share with us by leaving a comment below.

theAsianparent wishes all our Muslim readers a blessed and bountiful Ramadan!