Last week, Ramadan began for Muslims around the world. As the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, it is the holy month of fasting. It happens at a slightly earlier time each year, due to the Muslim calendar year being based around the moon cycles, making it shorter.
During Ramadan, adults will not eat during daylight hours. It is a time of introspection, communal prayer, and reading of the Quran. It is also a period of restraint; as well as not eating during the day, any forms of immoral or impure behaviour and thoughts are intended to be refrained from during daylight hours.
Before dawn, a meal called Suhur is eaten. Then, when the sunsets Muslims will break their fast by eating dates, the start of the evening meal called Iftar. Both meals are traditionally done as a family, although children are not expected to partake in fasting until they are older.
Ramadan will end when the next new moon appears, bringing Eid al-Fitr. Eid is a time of celebration, where Muslims share presents and enjoy a feast of food.
Whether you celebrate Ramadan or not, it is important for children to learn about other cultures and religions from a young age. That’s why here at Angels, we celebrate holidays from all around the world! If you would like to learn more about Islam (or other religions) with your child, we have e-books available to parents for free on our website.
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