Ramadan is a month of blessings, delicious Iftar meals, and endless opportunities to do good deeds. But what are the key Ramadan rules every young Muslim should know?
Ramadan is more than just fasting. It’s a time to get closer to Allah, grow spiritually, and show kindness to others. Let’s embark on a journey to explore fasting, prayer, and all the good deeds that make Ramadan so special!
By the end of this article, you’ll know all the important Ramadan rules and how you can join in on the fun—even if you’re not fasting just yet! Ready to dive in?
What Is Ramadan and Why Is It So Special?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, focus on prayer, and perform good deeds. It’s also the month when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ramadan isn’t just about fasting—it’s a month-long celebration of faith. It’s a time for family gatherings, moon sightings, and the joy of breaking the fast at Iftar.
Want to learn how your family can celebrate Ramadan traditions and activities? Check out our fun guide on Teaching Kids Islamic Holidays.
Who Needs to Fast in Ramadan?
All adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset. But don’t worry—kids don’t have to fast until they’re older. Even if you’re not fasting yet, you can join in on the fun by trying half-day fasts or skipping a few snacks as practice!
Who is excused from fasting? Some people are excused from fasting, including:
- Young children
- Sick individuals
- Pregnant mothers
- Elderly people
- Travelers
Think of it like training for a race—you start small and get stronger each year. You’ll be ready for fasting when you grow older!
The Rules of Fasting: What Breaks and What Doesn’t?
Fasting during Ramadan isn’t just about not eating. Here are the things that break a fast:
- Eating or drinking during the day
- Being unkind or arguing
- Engaging in inappropriate actions
But if you accidentally eat or drink, don’t worry—your fast is still valid! Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth also doesn’t break your fast.
The Sunnah of Fasting
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to eat Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, to give strength throughout the day. At Iftar, the fast is traditionally broken with dates and water—just like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did.
Want to learn more about Sunnah foods and how they help you stay strong during fasting? Check out our guide on Teaching Kids Islamic Holidays.
Good Deeds and Kindness Beyond Fasting
Ramadan is a time to become a better person by focusing on good deeds. Here’s how you can practice kindness:
- Help around the house
- Share toys with friends
- Say kind words instead of arguing
- Give charity (Sadaqah), even if it’s just a smile or a small coin
Each good deed is like a star in your Ramadan Galaxy. The more stars you collect, the closer you get to pleasing Allah!
The Importance of Prayer and the Quran During Ramadan
Prayer (Salah) is one of the five pillars of Islam and is especially important during Ramadan. Muslims pray five times a day, but during Ramadan, there’s an extra focus on connecting with Allah.
Taraweeh, the special evening prayers, are also offered during Ramadan, and children can join in if they feel ready!
Reading the Quran is highly encouraged. Even memorizing a short Surah (like Surah Al-Fatihah or Surah Ikhlas) brings great rewards.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Every prayer is like talking to Allah, filling your heart with light and love.
Eating Right During Suhoor and Iftar
Eating healthy during Suhoor and Iftar is key to staying strong while fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved dates, milk, honey, and fruits for their nourishing qualities.
Here are some tips for healthy meals during Ramadan:
- Suhoor is like breakfast for superheroes—it gives you energy for the fasting day.
- Include whole grains, fruits, and water to stay energized.
- Avoid too many sweets and fried foods to keep a balanced diet during Ramadan.
Eating the right foods will help you stay strong and do more good deeds throughout the month! To learn more about Sunnah Foods read our blog post, Sunnah Foods for a Blessed Table.
The Last 10 Nights & Laylatul Qadr
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are especially blessed, and one of them is Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power), which is believed to be better than a thousand months.
On this night, prayers are especially powerful, and Allah’s mercy is abundant. It’s the perfect time to ask Allah for forgiveness and blessings.
Try saying this simple dua:
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Eid al-Fitr: The Happy Celebration After Ramadan
After the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr—a joyful festival marking the end of Ramadan. It’s a time for family, prayers, and giving gifts, like Eidi (money gifts).
Eid is a reward for all the strength, patience, and good deeds during Ramadan. Celebrate with a big breakfast and time spent with loved ones.
Fun Ramadan Activities for Kids
Even if you’re not fasting yet, you can still enjoy fun Ramadan activities! Here are some ideas:
- Make a Good Deeds Chart: Add stickers for each good deed you do.
- Create a Dua List: Write down prayers for your family, friends, and the world.
- Decorate your home with moon, stars, and lanterns.
- Watch Islamic Galaxy videos for stories, lessons, and fun games.
Each good deed helps light up your Ramadan Galaxy with joy and blessings!
Conclusion
Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and kindness. Even if you’re not fasting yet, you can still take part by doing good deeds, praying, and helping others. Every smile, kind word, and prayer makes Allah happy and fills your heart with light.
Want to make Ramadan even more fun? Explore more Islamic Galaxy content and activities that are exciting and full of faith!
Ramadan Mubarak!