Ramadan activities for kids, parents and teachers

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, preceded by the month of
Sha�aban and succeeded by the month of Shawwal. Ramadan is the Holy Month for
Muslims, when those twelve years old and above observe a dawn to dusk complete fast.
They do not take any liquids (not even any water), no food, abstain from smoking,
marital relations, and gossiping or saying anything malicious against another person.

Some of the most pious and strict Muslims even manage to stop swallowing their own
saliva during the fasting hours of Ramadan, but this isn�t actually a requirement under
observance of Ramadan, one of The Five Pillars of Islam, which are:

Observing Sawm (complete fasting) during the Holy month of Ramadan

Payment of Zakat (alms tax) during Ramadan
Performing the Hajj in Mecca at least once in a lifetime
Reciting the Shahadah (profession of faith)
Performing Salah (ritual prayers, five times a day)

The Muslim calendar is a Lunar Calendar, which means that the month follows the cycles
of the moon. This also means that by comparison to the western calendar, the month of
Ramadan will be approximately 11 days earlier in the year compared to the previous year.
For example, in 2007 Ramadan for Muslims in North America started on 12th October,
but this year (2008) it will commence on 1st September. If you�re in the Middle or Far
East, it will start on 2nd September. It lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the month in
which it starts.

While the above dates are almost certainly going to be accurate, Islam traditionally
requires that the new moon be sighted by a person appointed by the Islamic authorities in
the country where you�re located.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

The first reason of course, is that fasting is a requirement of one of the Five Pillars of
Islam. What 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.

Do Muslims eat and drink immediately before they start their daily fast?

Yes, most Muslims certainly do take a pre-fast meal and the period of eating before the
fast is called Suhoor. This is an important meal, for it must set them up for the rest of the
day, often 12 or 13 hours before their next meal or drink. A few choose to go to bed
slightly later than usual and take a meal and drink before they sleep. While this isn�t
ideal, and is even frowned upon by more traditional Muslims, for some it does mean that
they sleep longer and can cope more easily with the fast of the day to come.

What happens every day when Muslims break their fast?

As daylight begins to fade, Muslims await the Muezzin�s call to perform the Maghrib
prayers. Once the call is heard, and the Maghrib prayers are performed, they may break
fast (called Iftaar in Arabic). (You can see here too the origin of the word �breakfast�,
which literally meant to break the fast during the night, after having eaten the last meal
the day before).

Most will first take some form of thirst-quenching drink, and this varies not only by
individual preferences, but also but local customs. It is quite common in the Middle East
to break fast with water and dates, but in Malaysia it is more common to drink a local
fruit juice, sugar cane juice or rose syrup water, with either dates or kway (small, sweet
cakes or pastry). Some prefer to drink soya bean milk not only as a thirst quencher, but
also for its extra protein value.

Upon breaking fast, most very strict Muslims, will merely take a few fresh dates, or dried
dates if fresh are not available. If neither is available they will just take a few sips of
water.

It is common for most families to have their evening meal at home straight after breaking
fast, and while the meal should be in keeping with the meanings of Ramadan (in other
words not a feast), it has become common in modern cities around the world for Muslim
families to go out to eat at a local restaurant, particularly those in a hotel.

If during Ramadan you see Muslim families sitting quietly at a restaurant table, with the
meal served, but not yet eating, it is because the Maghrib prayers have not yet been
called, and they cannot yet break fast.

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.

How is the end of Ramadan celebrated around the world?

Wherever a Muslim resides, be it in one of the Middle East countries, in Indonesia (the
country with the world�s largest Muslim population), or even in London, Paris or
Dearborn, Michigan, they will start their end of Ramadan celebrations by going to the
mosque for special congregational prayers which give thanks to God for His blessings
during the Holy month of Ramadan, now ended. Both men and women may go to the
mosque at this time, but the men will say their prayers separately from the women.

Many will return to their family home for Ramadan, usually where their parents are
living, and in Indonesia and Malaysia this is known as Balik Kampung. Paying homage
to their parents is a very important part of the celebrations, when the younger Muslims
will ask their parents for forgiveness for misdeeds during the year, and kiss their hands as
a sign of respect.

They return home (or go to the homes of family and friends) to continue their celebration,
which in Arabic is called Eid Al Fitr. The meals prepared will reflect the culture and
traditions of the country from which the Muslim family is living in or hails. For those
who are now residing in western countries, it can be fascinating to find the end of
Ramadan celebrations of Muslims from India, Pakistan, Arab countries, Malaysia,
Indonesia or even European countries, reflected in the variety of food on the table.

In Malaysia, where I live, Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan, what they call Hari
Raya Puasa, will also hold an Open House, when they invite their non-Muslim friends
and neighbors to join them for food and drink. The special Hari Raya Puasa food includes
delicious beef or chicken rendang, often Johor or Penang Laksa and many different kueh
delicacies, small sweet cakes and pastries, especially made for Puasa. It�s a wonderful
time, and of course enjoyed by all, who will also all look forward to the next festival
being celebrated, which might be for Chinese New Year, Christmas or Deepavali
(Diwali), the Hindu festival of lights.

Article submitted by: Mike Davies