Explaining the month of Ramadan to children

Approximately 2 billion people globally are Muslim. This makes Islam the second biggest religion. Therefore it is really important that we all take the time to educate ourselves and our children and young people about this important celebration.

Short video explaining Ramadan: https://youtu.be/vOcsbQeFTUU

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is the holiest month for Muslims.

Ramadan is a time many Muslims devote themselves to the 5 pillars of Islam, which are:

• Sawm (fasting)
• Zakat (giving to charity)
• Shahada (faith)
• Salah (prayer)
• Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

Some Muslims will read the Qur’an (the Islamic holy book) in full and participate in prayer more often. Many volunteer their time with a charity and donate money to those less fortunate.

Fasting is an important part of Ramadan as people use it as a way to bring them closer to God, to strength their spirituality and faith. It serves as a reminder to appreciate what they have and work on their self discipline.

Young children, the elderly, travellers, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or sick people are not required to fast.

After the last day of Ramadan there’s a three day festival called Eid al-Fitr (sometimes called Eid) to celebrate and break the fast. There may be gatherings, gift giving, special decorations and of course a lot of food.

Watch this short video all about Ramadan with Rameena and her family: