The month of Ramadhan is always jam-packed with things to do – from preparing meals, to reciting the Quran and du’a, and doing extra charitable acts. The extra responsibility we feel this month doesn’t have to feel like a burden though. We can make it fun for ourselves and our children to reap the benefits of the month as a family. Here are 5 fun activities that you can do together this month of Ramadhan:
- Astronomy 101: Learn about the Moon
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and the entire ummah is on the search for the new moon at both the beginning of the month, and of course, at the end, as we wait for Eid! As the phases of the moon change, why not get our kids involved in learning about them? Create a moon chart that shows the shape of the moon at its different phases. Point out the new moon, full moon, first and third quarters, and draw them out on a Ramadhan calendar. Make it a point to go out to the park together to find the moon at each phase. This is sure to be an interactive, fun and memorable way to learn about science during this spiritual month!
- Read Stories from the Quran
What better way to connect with the Quran than to learn about the stories within it? The Quran is full of rich and detailed stories narrating events from history, with examples for us to learn lessons from. When told in a child-friendly manner, kids can really engage with the Quran and get closer to its essence as a book of guidance for us at all times of the year. Why not share the story of Prophet Yusuf and how he went from being a prisoner to a king — one of the most detailed stories of the Quran? Or the people of the cave and the miracle of how they slept for more than 300 years? For younger kids, you can learn about all the different animals in the Quran and draw pictures of them. The ways to connect with the Quran are endless!
- Pick up a sport
The month of Ramadhan often inspires us to start becoming healthier and get more involved in the community. Joining a sport together can help us achieve both. Whether you join a Sports Night program held by your local mosque or you decide to head to the park with your family, there are many ways to enjoy sports and physical activity together. You can play during the hour just before iftaar to help pass the time, or after iftaar for an night game of badminton, volleyball, or basketball.
- Prepare a homemade iftaar
There’s nothing more fun than cleaning up a mess that your kids make in the kitchen. Just kidding. But there is some joy to be found in getting the kids involved in preparing a meal that they can be proud. Not only does it teach them cooking – an important life skill whether you have a son or a daughter – but it is also a good way to bond together as a family, teach them patience, and feel a sense of accomplishment. You can even prepare iftaar boxes, package them with a hand-written Ramadhan Mubarak note, and send it to friends and neighbours.
- Get involved in a charity drive
The month of Ramadhan is most notable for being a month of generosity and charity. Many community organizations hold charity drives collecting food, clothing, Eid gifts, or monetary donations for those less fortunate. Getting kids involved in a charity drive is a great way to instill generosity and compassion for others in them, get them to learn skills, and meet other people. Get your kids to lead the initiative. Help them collect donations from others, set a family goal to make it more competitive, and deliver the donations and gifts together as a family. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping your kids help others.