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Ramadan FAQ: Children & Ramadan
 More of this Feature
• Ramadan FAQ main page
• What is Ramadan?
• When is Ramadan?
• Local prayer/fasting times
• Fasting requirements 
• Health & safety of fasting
• Ramadan customs
• Children & Ramadan
• Spiritual growth
• Helping others
• Eid al-Fitr (holiday at the end of Ramadan)
• Delicious recipes from the Muslim world 
 Join the Discussion
How does your family observe Ramadan?  What traditions exist in various parts of the world?
Share in the Islam Forum
 Related Resources
• More Ramadan links! 
• Restraint in Ramadan 
• Islamic Holidays 
• Islamic Greeting Cards 
• Moon-Sighting at Ramadan 
• Ramadan Books for Children 
• Helping Others During Ramadan 
 From Other Guides
• Ramadan in Morocco (French Language)
• Eid Decorations (Family Crafts)

Muslim children are not required to fast until they reach the age of maturity (puberty).  However, in many families, younger children enjoy participating and are encouraged to practice their fasting.  It is common for a younger child to fast for part of a day, or for one day on the weekend, especially in the shorter winter months.  This way, they enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that they are participating in the special events of the family and community.

It is also common for children to participate in Ramadan in other ways, aside from the daily fast.  They may collect coins or money to donate to the needy, help cook meals for breaking the day's fast, or read Qur'an with the family in the evening.

At the end of Ramadan, children are often indulged with gifts of sweets and money on the day of Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan Books for Children
Beautiful picture books about Ramadan - great to share at school.

Parenting Discussion Board
On this general Muslim parenting board, Ramadan is a topic that often comes up.

Soundvision
Company that carries educational software, videos, and books for children to learn about Islam, the Qur'an, etc.  Includes articles about parenting and stuff for kids online.

Astrolabe
An additional software, video and book company with wonderful learning tools for children.

 

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