Ramadan
is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims
across the world will fast during the hours of daylight. Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.
The Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. The actual night that the Qur'an was revealed is a night known as Lailut ul-Qadr ('The Night of Power').
That
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.
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.
Every parent should include their children in Ramadan activities so
that they can learn about their religious activities in their early age.
1. Ramadan Is The Ninth Month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar
Ramadan
is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This opens up a great
opportunity to tell children about the Islamic calendar, when did it
start and what are the other months in it.
2. What is Fasting
Fasting
is one of the most important duties of Ramadan. Fasting is made Farz on
every healthy adult and such people shouldn’t skip the fasting.One has
to refrain himself from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset as
well as to stay away from all sorts of sins and bad deeds while fasting,
and even after that.
3. The Month Quran Was Revealed to the World
Ramadan
is the very month when Allah (SWT) revealed the Quran on Prophet
Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This increases the
significance of this month and makes it the month to recite Quran in
abundance.
4. Sawab Of Prayers Increased by 70%
In
Ramadan, the Sawab for all kinds of prayers (Dua, Salah etc.) is
increased by 70 percent. Thus, there is no reason to skip even a single
prayer and those who don’t earn a great amount of Sawab in this month is
indeed unfortunate.
5. Lailatul Qadr (The Night of power)
Lailat-ul-Qadr,
which is also known as the Night of Power also comes in the very month
of Ramadan. It is said that this night is more significant than a
thousand months which is why Muslim pray extensively on this night.
Doing so can lead to salvation on the Day of Judgement.
6. Eid ul-Fitr (The Festival of Breaking the Fast)
Eid
ul-Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast. This holiday celebrates
the conclusion of the twenty nine or thirty days of dawn-to-sunset
fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid
ul-Fitr for three days and then get back to their normal routines.
7. What is Lailatul Jaiza
Lailatul
Jaiza is the night preceding Eid-ul-Fitr. This night is also called or
known as the Night of Reward.The prayers of all the Muslims who
performed Salahs, Tarawihs, observed fasting, gave charity etc. in the
month of Ramadan are being accepted in this night.
8. Importance of Charity in Islam
Children
should be taught in their early childhood that charity giving is highly
encourage in Islam. All of us who are financially stable, or even if
not but can give child charities every once in a while, should provide
aid to our Muslim brothers. We can provide financial help to the
helpless or physical aid depending on the circumstances.
9. The Moon Sighting
Ramadan
begins in the start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
It is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. There are
moon-watching committees all over the world to ensure that there is no
confusion about the sighting of the moon. Once the crescent moon is
seen, the news of the commencement of Ramadan is announced on the TV and
Radio.
10. Children Don’t Have To Fast
You
should tell your children that they don’t have to fast now (If they
haven’t reached the age to start fasting) but they eventuallywill have
to fast in upcoming years. This will get things rolling and get them in
the mindset of performing this important task.
Teaching
children about the month of Ramadan, its duties and the Farz
responsibilities of other months is highly encouraged in Islam. You
should tell your children about each of the above explained pointers in
order to fulfil your religious duty as a Muslim parent.
Happy Fasting, Kids :)
#IslamGram