On Wednesday 16 May Muslim families across South Africa attended their first taraweeh salaah (evening prayer) for the year and began fasting from fajr to maghrib the next day.
We do this every year for the duration of Ramadan so that we are reminded of all our blessings, even in something as basic as water, which also then fosters feelings of empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. So Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar as it brings Muslims closer to their creator, while also being the month the holy Quran was revealed.
There is so much more to Ramadan that cannot simply be summarised in a few short sentences. Muslims the world over have so many different traditions and make the most of the month in all sorts of ways. And although the month and its many blessings will always be special and uplifting for us, it’s particularly exciting for our little ones.
From taking plates of delicious savouries and sweets to our neighbours to sitting down at the food table in anticipation as they smell the platters of freshly baked pies and samoosas, the month of Ramadan has become something to look forward to and remember long after the 30 days have passed. So when asked about the holy month, these kids got understandably excited as they told Islamic Relief Canada about their Ramadan traditions. Their reactions were adorable and honestly, the video is rather informative. We could all learn a thing or two!
Watch the video below.
The video shows the kids first explaining the significance of the month... and then revealing their favourite foods to eat during Ramadan:
“Shrimp and noodles,” says Hasonna.
Hamzah’s favourites are “pancakes and eggs and corn.” He continues, “And we barbecue sometimes.”
And Mariam loves "sambosas" explaining, “Nice and warm, just one bit will satisfy it all!”
When asked about their favourite part of Ramadan, of course they saay it's when they get to eat! But Aasiyah says she loves when everyone gets together while Ayman says he loves going to the mosque with his uncle. “After we’re done we go and have fun.”
He also says, “We eat real food [we assume a savoury meal] after we eat dessert, but they have to be halal.”
He makes sure we truly understand that last point saying, “Because if they don’t be halal… you don’t eat it.”
- Also read: Yummy recipes for Eid
The kids conclude, beautifully explaining the significance of the month:
“In Ramadan you have to control your anger.”
“In the month of Ramadan we help the needy.”
“You have to be good to people, you have to be nice to people, you have to like people.”
"[You have to] give Zakat and give charity – there are lots of people in the world who are, like, starving.”
“We need to feel how other people… can’t eat.”
“We need to remember that some people aren’t as fortunate as we are.”
“So that’s why Allah gave us Ramadan.”
What do you and your kids love most about Ramadan? Tell us by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we may publish your comments.
Read more about Ramadan here:
- Ramadan activities: The Good Deed Jar
- PRINTABLE: Ramadan 1439 calendar for 2018
- Pregnant and fasting?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding during the month of Ramadan
- Should children be allowed to fast during Ramadan?
- Creating Eid traditions for your family
- My childhood Eid
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