Get kids excited about Ramadan’s lessons with a fun calendar
Ramadan is almost here, and it’s a great time to do a little advanced planning for how to get kids excited about this special month.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, reflection, and community. Including children in its observance can create lasting memories while deepening their connection their faith.
One of the best ways to engage children is through fun and meaningful activities that they can look forward to each day. At Guidance Residential, one of our favorite ideas is a Ramadan calendar — a fun, interactive way to count down the days of Ramadan while sharing important spiritual lessons as a family.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims around the world. It is observed through fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink, and focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline. It strengthens both physical and spiritual health. Ramadan is also a time to connect with family, perform good deeds, and strengthen one’s faith.
The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous occasion marking the end of fasting and a time to give thanks for the blessings received.
Why Engage Children in Ramadan?
Children do not have to fast like adult Muslims do, but that doesn’t mean they should be left out of this holy month.
As Muslims, we want our children to develop a deep love for Islam, for ibadah (or worship), and for the holy month of Ramadan. Their love for this month stems from the joy and security they feel with their families as children as families journey through this blessed month together. Muslim parents can take additional steps to make this month special for children.
Options abound for Ramadan activities that allow children to develop a deeper understanding of the purpose and values of Ramadan. These fun family activities also help build excitement and festive energy around the holy month. This can strengthen children’s bond with Islamic traditions and foster a sense of belonging within their faith and community.
Additionally, it creates an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, celebrating the blessings of the season.
What Is a Ramadan Calendar?
A Ramadan calendar typically includes 30 spots or spaces — one for each day of the month.
These spaces can hold small treats, a spiritual reflection or prayer, suggestions for a good deed, or even family activity ideas.
The beauty of a Ramadan calendar is its versatility — it’s not only a tool to help children understand the significance of the holy month but also a creative outlet to bond as a family.
You can buy a Ramadan calendar, but making your own adds a personal touch that makes it even more special.
Ideas for Creating a Ramadan Calendar
Ramadan calendars can be made of a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, or wood. They can be flat with pockets, or three-dimensional with drawers. Here are a few ways to make one:
A Poster Mosque with Hidden Surprises
One fun and visually appealing idea for a Ramadan calendar is creating a poster in the shape of a mosque. Each door or window of the “mosque” could lift up or open to reveal surprises like small treats, good deed suggestions, or uplifting quotes from the Qur’an.
This option is perfect for families who enjoy crafts and want to create something colorful and imaginative.
30 Party Favor Boxes
Another option is using 30 small party favor boxes, one for each day of Ramadan. These boxes can be filled with treats, notes, or small toys.
Stack them in a creative arrangement, label them with numbers, and allow your child to pick one box each day.
This idea is simple to assemble and offers plenty of room for creativity when choosing what to include inside the boxes.
Envelopes on a Poster Board
For a simpler option, consider creating a Ramadan countdown poster with 30 envelopes attached. Each envelope can hold a small treat, an encouraging note, or a suggested good deed for your child to complete that day.
This approach is highly customizable and requires only basic craft supplies like envelopes, a poster board, and decorations. With just a bit of effort, you can have an engaging and meaningful calendar ready to go.
A Fabric Version
For those who enjoy sewing or prefer a long-lasting option, a fabric Ramadan calendar is a wonderful alternative.
You can sew 30 fabric or felt pockets onto a larger piece of fabric, decorate it with Islamic motifs or festive designs, and fill the pockets with Qur’anic messages, fun family activity ideas, or small rewards. You can even add loops at the top to hang the calendar on the wall for a decorative and functional piece of Ramadan décor.
If you’re strapped for time, there are plenty of pre-designed Ramadan fabric calendar tutorials to follow online.
Pre-Made Ramadan Calendars
If you’re short on time or prefer a ready-made option, several retailers sell beautifully designed Ramadan calendars to suit different styles and budgets. These calendars often come with pre-filled surprises, making them a convenient choice for busy families.
What to Include in Your Ramadan Calendar
The content of your Ramadan calendar is what makes it impactful for your child. Here are some ideas for what you can include in each spot or pocket:
- Small Treats —These could be candies, chocolates, or healthy snacks that your child can look forward to breaking their fast with in the evening.
- Good Deed Suggestions — Encourage children to take part in actions to take — acts of kindness like helping around the house, donating to the less fortunate, or saying a special dua (supplication) for people in need around the world.
- Daily Quran Verses and Hadiths — Share small, age-appropriate verses or hadiths related to themes of gratitude, patience, and compassion.
- Family Activities — Include ideas for activities like making Ramadan lanterns, cooking iftar together, or reading Islamic stories as a family.
- Charitable Missions — Suggest small charitable acts, like gathering toys to donate or helping to prepare food for neighbors or those in need.
The goal is to make each day of Ramadan feel special and purposeful for your little ones.
A Month of Reflection and Shared Joy
By making Ramadan meaningful and exciting for children, you’re not just passing down traditions — you’re also creating joyful memories they’ll cherish forever. Whether you decide to make your own DIY calendar or purchase a pre-made one, the most important part of the process is sharing the experience with your family.
Ramadan wishes from Guidance Residential
Every Ramadan we’re reminded of the blessings of home. Since 2002, Guidance Residential has helped over 40,000 families celebrate this holy month in their new home. We are so thankful to be part of their celebration, and we wish you a joyful and meaningful Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem!
Guidance Residential remains the #1 U.S. Islamic home financing provider, with more than 40,000 families assisted over more than 20 years. Learn more about our co-ownership model of Islamic home financing, and get started on your home finance journey today.
The team at Guidance Residential is here for you, from the first step of pre-qualification or pre-approval, on through to information on finding the right real estate professional for you and your family — or refinancing a home you already own. We invite you to explore the home buying process with Guidance Residential today. You can also instantly calculate an estimate specific to your personal situation with our finance calculators online.
Your Guidance Residential Account Executive is here to help with any questions. Looking to refinance or purchase? Have a friend or family member who is looking for a home? Call 1.866.Guidance, or start an application today.
