Education of Children in Ramadan
Children (who
have not reached puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their
parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them
to fast few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing
of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In
fact this was the practice of the first women of Islam who were
living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example
of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that:
"The
Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on
the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar,
saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his
fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary
fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement,
as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys
stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started
crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until
it was time to eat." [al-Bukhari and Muslim.]
Dear sister
remember that among the seven that Allah will shade under His shade
on the Day of Judgement is a young man who grew up in the worship
of Allah. Therefore let your children be one of these.
There are many
ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important
of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving
according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children
will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very
easily [and they will accept it and practice it easily as well]
teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with
your children [you can think of others as well]:
Depending on
their age encourage them to fast a number of days up to every other
day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For
those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise
them in front of friends and relatives for their achievement.
Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib
prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make
them feel the greatness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping
Allah.
If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of
Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they
ate before.
Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast
Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used
it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay
in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.
Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them
you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.
Teach them to recite Qur'an regularly and inform them that the
Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.
Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unacceptable words and
remind them that they are fasting or they are in Ramadan and this
may alter their reward.
Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.
Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward
for that.
Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with
you to the Eid Prayer. Teach them that this is our feast and celebration
and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are
not ours. Stress the distinction.
and remember
that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who
is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and
treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and
Muslim]
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