Ramadan is approaching! As we prepare for this blessed month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, how can we help our children understand and embrace its significance?

In our latest IQRA Podcast episode, we had the honor of hosting Prof. Julan and Sheikh Mohamed Diaa to discuss practical ways to prepare children for Ramadan and ensure they develop a lifelong love for this special time.

Why Is It Important to Engage Kids in Ramadan?

Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink—it’s a time to strengthen our faith, develop self-discipline, and deepen our connection with the Quran. However, for children, Ramadan can seem challenging or even confusing.

That’s why it’s essential to introduce them to the beauty of Ramadan in an engaging and meaningful way.

By involving kids in Ramadan, we:
✅ Help them connect with the Quran and prayer from a young age.
✅ Instill values of patience, discipline, and gratitude.
✅ Create family traditions that they will cherish for life.
✅ Teach them about charity, kindness, and self-reflection.

💡 So, how can parents make Ramadan engaging for their kids? Keep reading for expert-backed Ramadan parenting tips from our latest podcast session.

Practical Tips on How to Engage Kids in Ramadan

🎙️ Here’s what our experts shared in this must-listen episode:

1. Start Talking About Ramadan Early

Before the month even begins, build excitement in your child by discussing what Ramadan is all about. Share its spiritual significance and the blessings it brings.

📖 Try This: Read stories about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions to help children understand how they observed Ramadan.

2. Make Ramadan a Family Experience

Children learn by example, so involve them in the daily Ramadan routine. Whether it’s helping set the Iftar table, decorating the house, or reciting short surahs, let them feel like they are part of this blessed journey.

✔️ Plan family Iftar meals where kids can participate in meal prep.
✔️ Have Ramadan storytelling nights where you share the values of fasting, patience, and charity.

3. Introduce Fasting Gradually

If your child is too young to fast the entire day, introduce mini-fasts where they fast for a few hours or skip a snack. This helps them build stamina and understand the purpose of fasting.

✔️ Encourage them with positive reinforcement, like a sticker chart for completing fasting goals.
✔️ Explain that fasting isn’t just about food—it’s also about kindness, avoiding bad habits, and gratitude.

4. Connect Ramadan to the Quran

Since Ramadan is the month of the Quran, this is the perfect time to encourage kids to engage with the Quran through recitation, memorization, and reflection.

✔️ Set small Quran goals (e.g., memorizing a short surah together).
✔️ Use interactive apps or games that make learning the Quran fun for kids.
✔️ Explain the story behind the revelation of the Quran during Ramadan.

💡 “Ramadan and the Quran are deeply connected. Teaching children this link makes the month even more meaningful for them.” Prof. Julan

5. Teach the Spiritual Side of Ramadan

Many children associate Ramadan only with not eating, but it’s important to help them understand the spiritual and character-building aspects too.

✔️ Teach them about fasting of the senses—avoiding bad speech, being patient, and controlling anger.
✔️ Encourage daily acts of kindness, like helping family members or donating to charity.

📌 Fun Activity: Create a “Good Deeds Jar” where kids pick one good deed to complete each day in Ramadan.

6. Use Friendly Competition and Rewards

Children love challenges and prizes, so use this to encourage them to participate actively in Ramadan.

✔️ Organize family competitions—who can memorize the most Quran verses? Who can pray all five prayers?
✔️ Offer non-material rewards, like special privileges or extra family time.
✔️ Make Ramadan progress charts to track daily prayers, fasting attempts, and good deeds.

🎯 “Kids need motivation. Make Ramadan a month of rewards, learning, and fun—not just rules!” – Sheikh Mohamed Diaa

Watch the Full Podcast Episode for More Insights!

💡 Want more expert Ramadan parenting tips? Tune in to our latest IQRA Podcast featuring Prof. Julan and Sheikh Mohamed Diaa as they dive deeper into:
🎙️ How to help kids develop love for Ramadan.
🎙️ The best age to introduce fasting and how to do it gradually.
🎙️ How to make Ramadan an exciting family tradition.
🎙️ Practical ways to reduce screen time and increase worship.

🎧 Listen now: How to Prepare Kids for Ramadan

👉 Don’t forget to share this episode with other parents! Let’s make this Ramadan special for our kids.