Siham al Saidi -
Muscat, June 13 -
Ramadhan brings with it the desire to imbibe love and excitement in children for fasting during the holy month. Ramadhan is the time when parents push their children into deriving as many benefits as possible. Iftar gatherings
During the month, all families make an effort to have iftar together. Research has shown there is a correlation between regular family dinners and children with higher school grades and higher self-esteem.
Ali al Saidi, a father of three children, said: “I tell my sons we have to eat as a family every day because we are one big family with strong relations. I think that is something we need to pay attention to help promote better family relations.”
Cultivating compassion
Teaching young children is easier. During Ramadhan, instil good qualities such as empathy, kindness and compassion in them. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said, “If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, he, who is in the heaven, will show mercy to you.”
Abdulla Abduslaam asks his son and daughter to drop money in donation boxes. When he hosts iftars or offers food to the needy, he takes his children along so they learn to become compassionate. “Donation is not just through money. Giving away toys and clothes are also a form of charity,” he tells them.
Building patience
Being patient, not eating for a few hours and not eating whatever they want can serve lessons in patience. Children also realise the value of food they have. Children learn to spend less time on television and games.
A recent study has found children sleep well, get better grades and behave better when their TV time is reduced.
Enhancing love for Quran
The most significant purpose of this month is to build taqwa (piety). Says Holy Quran: “Oh you who believe! Fasting was prescribed to those before you so that you may become righteous (achieve taqwa).”
Aseela Al Rubaei, a mother and a teacher, said: “Ramadhan is about revelation of the Holy Quran, and we all should use this as a starting point of building the love for Allah. I devote a lot of time on giving children Quran Tafseer (Quran interpretation), Tagweed (intonation), tadabur and memorising lessons.”
Replace bed-time stories for your children with games related to Quran, take them to mosques to pray or recite Quran, promote love of Allah and make a strong connection to Islam.
Make a commitment to make this month special for children. Then they will look forward to the month next year the same way as you do.
If you are a good role model for your children, they will be encouraged to be better than you.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
