How to Teach Children About Ramadan
With more than one billion Muslims worldwide, Muslim and non-Muslim children can benefit from learning about the basics of Islamic teachings. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Teach children why this Islamic observance is meaningful to Muslims and why the foundation of Ramadan and fasting is formed by universal spiritual principles. Engage children with a learning activity incorporating reflection.
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Instructions
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Hang a copy of the Islamic lunar calendar as Ramadan approaches. Identify the month of Ramadan on the calendar. Explain that Ramadan begins when Muslims sight the first sliver of the new moon at dusk the day before the first full day of Ramadan.
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Define Islam, which translates as "submission." Explain that Muslims submit to Allah's will as expressed in the sacred Qur'an by refraining from eating and drinking from dusk until dawn each day during the month of Ramadan.
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Give children a list of guiding questions for journal reflections about Ramadan. Include questions like "Do you think it helps Muslims to fast during Ramadan? Explain your answer"; "What do you think you would miss most while you fasting every day for a month?"; "How can you help a Muslim friend who is fasting during Ramadan?"; and "What kind of activities might take your mind off of fasting?" Suggest that Muslims donate their time and money to the poor to avoid selfish thinking while fasting. Ask children to write the answers on the journal reflection page.
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Discuss the children's reflections. Encourage them to express their confusion about the differences between religions. Explain that other religions like Christianity and Judaism observe fasting for similar reasons to Islam -- to purify the soul and the mind and to express obedience to a loving God.
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