Dear Children The Blessings of Ramadan

Dear Children! A Blessed Ramadan

BY:Khan

The holy and blessed moments of Ramadan have begun, bringing with them a wave of happiness and spirituality. Just as adults eagerly wait for this sacred month, children too are filled with joy and excitement. This year, Ramadan feels a little different because of the lockdowns and restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Schools are closed, and children are spending most of their time at home with their families. While this situation is unusual, it has also created a unique opportunity for children to experience Ramadan more closely.

For many children, this Ramadan is even more special because it is the first time they will be keeping their fasts. These children truly deserve to be congratulated and appreciated. Beginning the practice of fasting is a big step in a child’s life of faith, and it is a reason for both pride and joy. But dear children, while fasting is a beautiful and important act of worship, it should always be accompanied by regular prayers. Fasting all day but then spending the whole time sleeping is not the right way to approach this sacred month. Ramadan is not just about staying hungry or thirsty, but about collecting good deeds, improving our behavior, and seeking closeness to Allah.

Since this year’s Ramadan has arrived during a time of lockdown, you have the chance to spend more time with your family and engage in worship together. Along with fasting, make sure you perform your five daily prayers on time. Children who already know how to pray should encourage their younger siblings to stand beside them in prayer. Boys can pray alongside their fathers, and girls with their mothers and sisters, so that prayer becomes a joyful family activity. Children who are already in the habit of offering prayers will find it easy to perform their fasts, because prayer brings peace and satisfaction to the heart, especially during Ramadan.

In addition to prayer, you should also spend time reciting the Holy Qur’an. Those of you who have already completed the recitation of the Qur’an can use this month to revise and repeat the entire Qur’an. Children who have not yet finished the Qur’an can read the portions they have already learned. Doing this regularly will help them become fluent and remember the verses better. Every verse of the Qur’an recited brings blessings, rewards, and light to the heart. Ramadan is the perfect month to build the habit of Qur’an recitation that can continue throughout the year.

Dear children, you must also remember that fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink but also about staying away from bad habits and bad behavior. Fasting teaches us self-control. It teaches us to avoid lying, gossiping, fighting, using hurtful words, stealing, or showing anger. These are disliked deeds in ordinary times, but in Ramadan, avoiding them becomes even more important. True fasting means guarding both the body and the soul. A person who fasts should reflect kindness, patience, and good manners. So, dear children, use this blessed month to learn the beautiful teachings of Islam and continue to practice them even after Ramadan is over.

During the long days of fasting, it is important to take care of your health as well. You should rest for a while in the afternoon so that your body remains strong. Avoid playing outside in the hot sun, as it may make you thirsty and tired. Instead, spend your time indoors in peaceful activities like reading, helping your parents, or engaging in worship. This way, your fast will pass more smoothly, and you will remain healthy and comfortable.

Another joyous part of Ramadan for children is the celebration of the very first fast, also known as Roza Kushai. Families often organize a special iftar meal for the child who is fasting for the first time. Relatives and cousins join in the celebration, filling the home with laughter and excitement. This is done to encourage the child and make the experience memorable. Watching one child fast inspires other children to begin fasting too. But along with the joy of celebration, it is also necessary to explain the true meaning of fasting to children. Fasting is not about showing off or competing with others. It is about seeking Allah’s pleasure and performing good deeds sincerely. When children understand this, their hearts will feel even more connected to the spirit of Ramadan.

And dear children, while you enjoy your first fast and the iftar celebration, don’t forget to think about those who are less fortunate. Many families cannot afford to prepare a lavish iftar. You should invite your neighbors and friends who may be poor to join in your happiness. If inviting them is not possible, you can send food to their homes. Sharing your blessings will make your happiness even greater, because true joy lies in giving to others. Ramadan is not only a month of worship but also a month of compassion, charity, and mercy.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that Allah loves those who share their blessings with others. So, as you keep your fasts, pray regularly, recite the Qur’an, and stay away from bad habits, also try to help those in need. Even a small act of kindness, like offering a glass of water at iftar, brings immense reward in this holy month.

Dear children, fasting is a beautiful gift from Allah. It trains your heart to be patient, your tongue to speak kindly, and your hands to do good deeds. It teaches you to control your desires and reminds you that everything you have is from Allah’s mercy. This Ramadan, make a promise to yourself that you will not only fast but also pray sincerely, read the Qur’an regularly, avoid all bad deeds, and share happiness with others. If you do this, you will truly experience the blessings of Ramadan.

So, let us welcome this sacred month with open hearts. Let us fill our days with prayer, gratitude, and kindness. And let us all pray together that Allah removes the hardships of the pandemic, blesses our families, and accepts our worship.

Ramadan Mubarak, dear children! May your fasts, prayers, and good deeds be accepted, and may you continue to shine with the light of faith long after Ramadan has ended.