5 Simple Religious Activities for Children During Ramadan
Allah – glorified and exalted be He – has designated the month of Ramadan as a time for individuals to gather sustenance in the form of piety. This holy month is open to people of all backgrounds, conditions, and ages. Ramadan serves as an excellent opportunity for spiritual refinement, nurturing virtuous behaviors and beliefs. It offers numerous lessons and moral tales that Allah – Almighty – has articulated in the Quran, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elaborated through his teachings, statements, and actions.
As Ramadan is a significant period for nurturing the soul and conditioning it towards goodness and righteousness, instilling these values in children becomes a responsibility for adults. When children learn about acts of goodness during this blessed time, these lessons take root in their hearts, growing into beneficial qualities that will flourish as they mature. Consequently, there are several simple activities for children to engage in during the holy month of Ramadan, which include:
- Encouraging children to create Ramadan decorations; this not only instills in them a sense of the significance of this sacred month but also builds their anticipation for it each year.
- Motivating kids to observe fasting by offering small rewards or planning a special outing, which represents positive reinforcement.
- Assigning children the task of distributing food and drinks to nearby neighbors and those in need.
- Encouraging children to make charitable contributions through donations of money, food, or clothing, imparting a lesson in community solidarity—the concept that Muslims are like a structure, supporting one another.
- Creating a daily schedule of religious practices and displaying it at home; this fosters a spirit of competition while keeping them engaged and away from lethargy.
Quranic Verses and Hadith Emphasizing the Importance of Family and Their Spiritual Welfare
Numerous Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths underline the significance of family reform and guiding them towards Paradise. Some pertinent references include:
- Allah – the Almighty – said: “Say, ‘Indeed, the losers are those who lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, that is the manifest loss.'” (Quran 39:15)
- Allah – the Almighty – said: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones; over it are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6)
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Indeed, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a shepherd over the people and is responsible for them; a man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for them; and a woman is a shepherd over her husband’s house and their children and is responsible for them. Thus, each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
Rewards of Good Deeds in Ramadan
The rewards for actions performed during Ramadan are immense in the sight of Allah. The Prophet made it clear that fasting is an act dedicated to Allah – the Almighty – and He provides rewards accordingly. It has been noted by some pious predecessors that fasting a single day in Ramadan is more valuable than fasting a thousand days, that a single utterance of remembrance during it surpasses a thousand utterances, and that a single prayer in it is worth more than a thousand prayers. Hence, individuals are encouraged to seize the spiritual opportunities of this month and draw closer to Allah – the Almighty – in all their endeavors.