One of our members, Tahmina, has very kindly written us this lovely post about what Ramadan means to her and her son Safroz (12):
Ramadan is a very special and holy time in Islam.
During Ramadan Muslims around the world fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is the month of reflection, worship to Allah and forgiveness.
Fasting helps us think more about how those who live in hunger and in poverty live their lives, and we talk about these things with Safroz and we appreciate and are thankful for what we have. For example, during Ramadan, we provide ‘Zakat’ which is an obligation to give a specific amount of money to a charitable cause. This is an important part of our actions over the month.
It is also a time we learn more about Islam and stay more connected with our loved ones. We always buy new books about Ramadan to help Safroz understand his religion – this year Safroz’ favourite book has been a Mr. Men’s books about celebrating Eid. He loves reading and talking about Ramadan and Eid.
The main thing for us is that he feels the spirit of Ramadan which is about kindness, peace and forgiveness. It is a month of self-reflection, so we talk with Safroz about certain emotions which do not serve us like being angry and how he can respond to these in good way, and how to be kind and supportive to his sister and others.
Safroz does not fast, but helps me during Ramadan by giving me words of support during the day and with preparing our main meal at Iftar (the breaking of the fast with the evening meal). He also really looks forward to the day of Eid, when the fasting finishes, and where we celebrate with our favourite food.
On Eid Safroz also gets lots of presents and wears new and very smart clothes – which he loves! Celebrating with family is also important – we speak to our family in Tajikistan, Safroz loves his Tajik cousins and talks with them about what has happened during Ramadan and about Eid and shows his presents.