Teaching Children About Islam #6: Islamic Holidays

My son asked me the other day about the holidays celebrated by Muslims. I did some research on the actual meanings and here is what I came up with. (Please note: I only looked into holidays celebrated by Sunni Muslims. There is a couple more celebrated by Shites.)

The Islamic New Year (1 Muharram)

The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The Islamic Year starts on the first day of Muharram. The first Islamic year came the year of the Hegira (the Islamic Calendar) – the year in which our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) emigrated from Mecca to Medina which is A.D. July 16, 622 on the Roman Calendar. The Islamic New Year is a relatively quiet holiday where Muslims reflect with prayers and readings.

Birth of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Upon Him) - Mawlid Al-Nabi

Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Upon Him) was on 12th day of the month of Rabi I of the Islamic calendar. We celebrate this day with recollections of Muhammad’s (Peace and Blessings Upon Him) life and significance. Fundamentalist Muslims (and probably Shites, as well) do not celebrate this holiday.

Eid Al-Fitr – The Festival of the Breaking of the Fast

Ramadan ends with festival of Eid Al-Fitr and the holiday lands on the 1st of Shawwal of the Islamic year. Eid Al-Fitr is one of the two most important holidays for Muslims; the other is Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Fitr celebrations include wearing the finest clothes, adorning homes with decorations, giving treats to children and celebrating with family and friends. A sense of generosity and gratitude centers on celebrations. Charity and good deeds are an important part of Islam, but during Ramadan, and especially towards the end, they hold a greater significance. As month draws to an end, Muslims are required to share their blessings and feed the poor and making contributions to mosques.

Eid Al-Adha – The Feast of Sacrifice

Eid Al-Adha lands on the 10th day of the month of Dhu’l Hijjah which is the last month of the Islamic calendar and it celebrates the conclusion of Hajj for the Islamic year. Moreover, the holiday is a time of remembrance and honor towards our Prophet Abraham’s (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) willingness to obey Allah by nearly sacrificing his son Ishmael. According to our Holy Quran, just as Abraham was about to sacrifice Ishmael, Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram, and spared Ishmael’s life. The holiday lasts for three days, and occurs at the conclusion of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. The Hajj is for most Muslims a once-a-life time occurrence. The holiday is celebrated by sacrificing a lamb or other animal and distributing the meat to family, friends and the poor. The sacrifice is a symbol of obedience to Allah and its distribution symbolizes generosity and charity, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Source: “Islamic Holidays (Ramadan, Muharram, Mawlid Al-Nabi, and more).” Infoplease. ©2000-2007 Pearson Education, publishing as Infoplease. 18 Sep. 2009. < http://www.infoplease.com/spot/islamicholidays.html>.

Teaching Your Children About Islam #5: Teaching Islam to your children is part of your Islamic Duty

Islam teaches us to be successful and the way to do so is to utilize our knowledge of the Quran and to practice the sunnah way of life. We need to constantly focus our time, our efforts, emotions and patience in learn Islam, not just for us to be successful, but for us to be able to share Islam with our children. Teaching them Islam and the sunnah way of life is the best gift that we can give our children. We are accountable for our children’s successes and failures in this life and in the hereafter. It is our duty as Muslims to teach our children to be accountable. Our prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has made it clear that the way of the sunnah is be responsible and accountable for our children and our families.

There is a story where Abdullah ibn Umar heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him) saying that:

"Everyone of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his custody. The ruler is a guardian of his subjects and responsible for them; a husband is a guardian of his family and is responsible for it; a lady is a guardian of her husband's house and is responsible for it, and a servant is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it." I heard that from Allah's Apostle and I think that the Prophet also said, "A man is a guardian of is father's property and is responsible for it, so all of you are guardians and responsible for your wards and things under your care." Hadith of Bukhari 3/592

The statement above shows how our Prophet (peace and blessing upon him) commands Muslims to be responsible for their families and their children. Thus, the best way to do this is to teach our children Islam, as Allah has told us that our children, as are our wealth and possessions, are a test from Allah. “Your riches and your children may be but a trial: whereas Allah, with Him is the highest Reward.” [Qur'an 64:15]

Because our children are a trial and that all riches attained are not as high as pleasing the Almighty Allah, we must guide our children to Islam. In order for us to pass Allah’s test, our children must worship and please Allah, our creator. By teaching our children Islam properly, we give them the best education we can give them. Isha’Allah.

Teaching Your Children About Islam #4: Why do Muslims Fast?

Children ask this question with curiosity. This is your chance to explain the greatness of Islam to them. My son asked me this recently and I had to do some research on answer. Just because we are parents and raised in the Islamic faith does not mean we know the answers. Here are some explanations that you can provide your children with.

First, it is our ibadah (our worship) to Allah. According to our prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him), the month of Ramadan is a great and blessed month. Fasting during this month is one of the five pillars of Islam. We fast to please Allah. Fasting, like the other pillars of Islam, helps us to be positive, practice good will, and good character in our lives and our communities. Fasting helps us develop faithfulness devotion to God.

Another reason for fasting is we build good and moral characters because our consciousness is provoked. A God conscious and fearing heart causes us to act positively. We become self-purified, self-motivated and self-inspired to do good. Our hearts are peaceful and through this, we create positive energy. Moreover, we more aware about doing right and staying away from the wrong. Our consciousness is called Taqwa (God- consciousness).

Another great thing that comes out through our fasting and our awareness is our development for strong action and good intention towards brotherhood and sisterhood. Fasting, especially Ramadan, brings people together at numerous times during the day: at Suhr (predawn meal), Iftaar (sunset meal) and Tarawih prayers (special Ramadan prayers), instead to the normal five times a day prayers.

Ramadan is also a month of sharing and giving charity. Sadaqah is the voluntary charity whereas Zakah is required of every Muslim. Our Prophet (Peace and Blessing Be Upon Him) said: “If someone gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast, it will provide forgiveness for his sins."

There are so many more reasons for fasting in Ramadan. The month of Ramadan was the month that our Glorious Quran was revealed. Fasting brings us closer to the Quran and we must aim to complete at least one reading of the Quran, especially during the Tarawih prayers.

Fasting also teaches us patience and commitment. We learn patience to endure hunger and thirst. We understand the sufferings of the poor and needy and thus, we learn to be compassionate. Patience is also very important in understanding right and forbidding the wrong. We also learn self and social discipline. The waking, the prayer, the breaking of the fast, and so forth help us to create order in our lives. Community relationships are stressed in Ramadan because people come together to understand and practice. Everyone is part of the Islamic community, rich or poor, and no one is different or better in Allah’s eyes.

Allah revealed two verses that spelt out our reasons for fasting.

"O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for people before you so that you will (learn how to attain) piety" (Q2:183)

"(fasting is) for a fixed number of days: but if any one of you is sick, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from (other) days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But whoever can give more (than this) of his own free will--(then) it is better for him, and it is better for you that ye fast, if ye but knew." Q(2:184)
When these two verses revealed, the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to the Muslims "Ramadan fast is a divine obligation but whoever likes to fast `Ashura day (as well) may do so voluntarily or leave it".

The Ramadan fast is a blessings to Muslims. Allah gave us the entire month of Ramadan as a blessing and our opportunity not to lose sight of who we are.
Share this with you children and you will be surprised with their responses.

Teaching Children About Islam #3: Teaching Your Children About Ramadan

Ramadan fasting can be difficult for children. It is the job of every parent to make a determination whether their child is ready to fast. Some children are ready when they are seven years old while others need more time. Each parent knows their child’s health as well. However, parents should not assume that if they do not emphasize fasting that their children will do it when they are older. Ramadan fasting should be introduced at some point and the sooner the better.

Here are some ideas on introducing fasting to your children.

Generally, between ages 7 and 9, it is possible to start your child on fasting at a gradual level. At first, you can encourage them to fast until 10 am and have them get up with the early morning Sahoor and have them participate in the Fajr prayer. The time can be increased until Zuhr and until the Asr prayer. Encourage them along the way and compliment their on their strength.

An important factor is to success is instilling the child’s desire to fast. Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Do not ridicule your child if they have a difficult time. That will only make them angry with you and with the teachings of Islam. Praise them. Encouragement them and even buy them gifts for a successful week.

You can also encourage them by educating about Islam. Show them that their peers are fasting and take them to the mosque where they can see other children who are fasting and praying as well.

Last, understand that children will cheat. After all, they are children. Do not punish them for lying and breaking their fast. Instead, try the following:

1. Give them allowance for each day they successfully fast.
2. Don’t confront them when they make a mistake. Instead, remind the importance of their fast and telling the truth, especially in Ramadan.
3. Do not expect small children to fast the entire day.
4. When you child fasts, praise him and allow others to hear such praise, such as other family members or their peers.
5. Do not place food or sweets in a place that easily tempts the child.
6. Create a religious and celebratory atmosphere in your home. Your children need to understand what an important month Ramadan is.

I hope this Ramadan is a memorable and long-lasting experience for you and your children! Inshallah!

Teaching Children About Islam #2: Making Islam Fun

I am a Muslim parent, but I was also a Muslim child once. I never truly understand what Islam was because my parents, God bless them, never knew how to get their point across about how wonderful and glorious Islam is. So for me, as Muslim parent who only is learning about Islam anew, it is important for me to get my children to understand Islam in a way that does not scare them or oppress them. I cannot stress how important it is to teach Islam to your children in a way that makes them fearful of Allah and/or going to hell. We do not want our children feeling that Islam does not allow them to enjoy life. Telling that they can or cannot do something because of Islam is not the way to go. We want our children to see the beauty that exists in Islam and this should come out in a way that is appealing to them.

Teaching our children the boundaries of Islam is of course very important, but before we do that, we should teach them how to love Allah, Islam and our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

 Let’s start by teaching our children about beauty of Allah and his creations. Show them everything that Allah has created and remind them that Allah created the earth from nothing. Tell them that is the power and greatness of Allah.

 Spend time at the local mosque. When it is time for prayer, take the time pray with the congregation. If the mosque has festivals and carnivals, take your children to these.

 Get to know other Muslims in your area. It is important for your children to have friends to share their customs, traditions, holidays and beliefs with.

 Tell your children stories about our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and life that he lived. Don’t forget to share stories of all of Allah’s prophets, peace be upon them all.

 Have them listen to the Quran. You can find many recordings of the Quran online. Here is my personal favorite.

 Find Islamic nasheeds for your children to listen to. There are many online that do not contain music. These are usually kid-friendly and easy to understand and remember.

 Celebrate Islamic holidays. Many people treat Islamic holidays as any other day since most parents, especially in the United States, have to work. Take these days off and spend them with your families.

 So here are some suggestions for making Islam fun for your children. If you have any ideas, please feel free to comment.

Teaching Children About Islam #1: Role Modeling and Raising Islamic Children

The most effective method for teaching anything to a child is by being a good role model. Allah sent human beings to teach people Islam. These were our prophets. Our children learn by watching us and our actions search louder than words. Think about it, if a father treats his wife poorly, his sons will mimic that behavior as adults. None one is saying you should bombard with religion at every opportunity but you should practice what you preach. Think about the father who does not attend Friday prayer and sells alcohol for a living, but wonders why his son is dressing like the latest rapper and disrespecting his mother. The focus here isn’t religion; it is practice. Religion starts with practice and then moves into teaching.

We teach our children with every action or decision we make. Therefore, taking inspiration from an anonymous authored poem, if we teach our children to criticize, then they learn just that. If we teach them to ridicule, they either learn that behavior or learn to be shy. If we teach them to be hostile, either we ruin their self-esteem or we think them to fight. More importantly, if we teach them to be tolerant, patient, fair, and secure, we teach them faith.

Negative attitudes turn into negative characteristics in our children, whereas positive turn into positive characteristics. There are the very attitudes that our Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) taught his followers all those hundreds of years ago. These are the very teachings we need to instill in our children. Children are good and they want to please their parents. Praise results in positive behaviors, but if parents do not praise and only respond to bad behavior, the opposite is true.

Going back to the subject of practice, raising your children to be Muslims means introducing the idea of Allah in their lives and reminding them that Allah is content with their actions. If you do this often, children will associate good behavior with Allah and that is the first step in being a good Muslim.

Understand that children are not bad; they are merely children. Allah always forgives children and if a child passes away in childhood, he or she automatically goes to heaven. Allah has asked of us to guide our children and he will guide us. Thus, do not make your children fearful of Allah or Islam or of going to hell. This approach achieves the opposite of your goals. If you focus too much on punishing children, then they will not want anything to do with religion because they would believe that it keeps them from enjoying their lives.