Getting
the kids ready Allah has blessed this ummah with the glorious season of
fasting. It is a period where goodness is enjoined and even multiplied. A month
of forgiveness where sinners purify themselves and get closer to the
Creator. It is a month of giving and sharing. This is Ramadan, the
glorious month, the blessed season, the uniqe period of worship. Allah has
enjoined fasting in it, so that we may gain nearness to him. Besides, Allah has
created us so that we may worship Him. That is why He has made one of the
greatest acts of worship – Fasting cumpolsory on us. This, He made compulsory
on the people before us. Abstaining from fulfillment of physical desires
stimulates an increase in spirituality, and creates an inclination for prayers
and worship. Fasting Muslims feel close to Allah, and Allah reminds them that
He too is close, and will answer their prayers. That is why we have to be prepared
to spend the day and night of the month in prayers and supplications. Promise
of multiplied rewards Even the nominal believer who seldom carry out others
acts of Ibadah before Ramadan try to be prayerful during the month. This is
because of the emphasis on the sanctity of the month, the promise of multiplied
rewards, as well as the assurance of a favorable response. No doubt, this
is the time that Almighty looks at His servants with mercy, answers their
prayers when they supplicate, responds if they call, grants if they ask, and
accepts if they plead . The best thing a believer can pray for during this
month is forgiveness for his past sins. Ramadan is a glorious chance given to
man to have his sins erased, and gain a higher position before Allah. The
Prophet (s.a.w) says: Indeed, woe unto who did not seek Allah’s forgiveness in
this great month. As you prepare for Ramadan, plan to maximise the glorious
month for your advantage – which is seeking forgiveness, seek for blessings of
Allah in this world and in the hereafter, enriching yourself with words of
Allah (Quran) so that when Ramadan leaves, the words will remain with you.
Affects the lives of people and make the society better. This is because Allah
had not made us to live only for ourselves, we have to lift others in need, we
have to live for others, we have to impact positively in the society.
Check out the indigent in your area, check out those who are in need and inject
joy and hapiness into their lives. The double sure reward is that you will
never lack in joy peace and happiness. Preparing Kids for Ramadan There is no
better time than now to hold a family meeting to explain what Ramadan is to
your kids. Prepare them for the fasting, even if to catch some fun. Our
kids not only need to know what we are doing, they also have to learn to do the
same. Prepare them and let them fast even half a of the day. Children often
want to fast as they see their parents and older siblings do. This year, let
them fast for a couple of hours. Prepare a special “Iftar” for them when they
break fast with a couple of their favorite foods. Let them read their
quran or do arabic lessons more in the month. Various narratives Tell them
stories and various narratives from the Quran. Ramadan is a special month
when we give out more. Let them know the importance of giving to the
poor. If you used to give your children some stipend, or money they save in
their piggy-box, let them know they have to part with a little of it and give
the poor. The essence is to inculcate in them the spirit of giving, the earlier
that is inculcated into them, the better as they will turn out to also be
cheerful givers. Take them to Tarawih prayer, let them feel the blessings
of the month through all the congregational prayers.
By Haroon Balogun
