Ramadan 2021: How UAE parents are teaching their kids the true meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan is the most important time of the Islamic calendar, and every family has different ways of marking the occasion. Here, Dubai mums share the customs and traditions they have been employing during 2021’s pandemic Ramadan, to help celebrate and mark the month with their little ones, and teach them about the true spirit behind the month.

POCKET MONEY DONATIONS: Zainab Malik, a UAE-based influencer and mum of three (aged 4, 7 and 9), says that she’s always wanted to instill a philanthropic spirit into her little ones. “From an early age, we have involved our children in monetary matters, to help them understand the importance of generosity and the concept of giving to those who are less fortunate then they are. We get them to collect their pocket money in two different boxes, of which one is for donating to those in need.”

COMMUNITY PROJECTS: “Children often take responsibilities more seriously than adults”, says Zainab. “In our community, we have a project where the entire community receives food during Ramadan. In non-COVID times both my children engage in this initiative, distributing food parcels to people of our community.”

CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER: Generally, Zainab Malik’s family would travel to see family during Ramadan and Eid. “But considering the current situation, this is a little difficult. So we have taken this as a chance to connect with our children. We have conversation starters and games before Iftar that help us to bond better. For example, each of us shares insights on “the best thing about my family” or “my greatest desire”. It helps us to connect and appreciate each other.”

PRACTICING ANTI-MATERIALISM: “Teaching my kids the importance of Ramadan is priceless,” says Indian interior designer and mum of two teenagers, Zainab Huzaifa, who says it’s important to her that they learn to be humble and grounded. “As we live in a materialistic world I encourage my children to give their toys and clothes they no longer need to charities and be kind to others, which are some of the key principles of Ramadan.”

SPEAKING TO FAMILY: “Family is very important and during Ramadan, I like to make sure the kids make an extra effort to speak to family and our loved ones,” adds Zainab Huzaifa. “It could be a phone call to their grandparents or even a quick video message to their cousins!”

USING A COUNTDOWN CALENDAR: Ramadan is a joyous time and the kids look forward to Eid after fasting for 30 days, spending this time with them teaching them the Importance of Ramadan through activities, play and calendar count downs helps them appreciate the meaning behind Ramadan.

STORYTELLING: Mehnaz Anshah, General Manager of Sidr Tree Learning UAE, says that storytelling and reading about different cultures is a key part of how she teaches her children the meaning of Ramadan. “Stories with characters and plot lines that children can identify with easily such as ‘After Iftar Tales’, which is designed to be read in the precious slice of time that lies between iftar and the evening prayers, help them to connect with this special time.”

RAMADAN GAMES AND CRAFTS: Mehnaz also uses enjoyable, practical activities as a way of engaging her children with the meaning of Ramadan. “Things like making and decorating a Sadaqa jar [a jar designated for charity donations]; making a good deed tree to inspire kids to do kind acts, as well as crafting decorations like banners, Countdown to Eid activities, and so on.” Mehnaz says that the book ‘My Ramadan Journal Around the World’ is a favourite in her family, as it has 15 characters from around the world talking about Ramadan in their country, followed by a craft activity, recipe or word game that kids can follow.

MINDFULNESS: Using mindfulness to help herself and her kids focus on small good deeds, such as smiling, saying thank you, not getting angry, really helps them to focus on the meaning of the month, says Mehnaz.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE: Mum of two Farheen Matheranwala says that it’s important not to overburden her children with a long list of things to do, but to focus on one or two core areas to improve and stick to them. “This year, they have made a commitment to do one good deed on a continuous basis – serve water to everyone who comes home, whether it’s a visitor, guest or domestic help.”

RE-ESTABLISH LOST CONNECTIONS: “This glorious month is an opportunity to re-ignite relationship with family and friends,” says Farheen. “My children will ensure that they make a phone call, message to our relatives and friends who have not heard from them in a very long time. This will go a long way to re-establish lost connections.”

GROUP KITCHEN PREP: Farheen says that her children volunteer to help her prepare food in the kitchen, to remind them of the importance of being grateful for what they have, and to think of others – “usually they would help me in the kitchen in preparing an extra meal every day for the security at my building.