In a nutshell, the month of Ramadan is a time of introspection, self-reflection, family, community, and an increase in acts of worship, such as charity and being more compassionate. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims are obligated to fast right before dawn to sunset for 30 days:
“O, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Quran 2:183)
It is a very blessed time for Muslims around the world as everyone abstains from food, water, and anything that is not pleasing to the Creator, such as foul language and behaving angrily. Many Muslims set Ramadan goals to reap the many rewards during this month, and our children are no exception. Here are some of our children’s goals during this blessed month:
Shahida Akther Sumaiya is 14 years old and has been living in the GiveLight Bangladesh home for seven years. She first started fasting when she was 10 years old.
“In Ramadan, my goal is to finish reading the Quran, to fast all day for 30 days, to do sehri and iftar, and to pray Taraaweeh in jamaat together. Also, I want to cry to Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness.”
Lina Belfdil is 15 years old and has been in the GiveLight Morocco home for three years. She has been fasting since she was 13 years old.
“I love the Ramadan night prayer (Taraweeh). My goal is to complete the recitation of the Holy Quran during Ramadan inshaAllah.”
Enda Dwi Sitepu is 13 years old and has been living in the GiveLight Indonesia home for one year.
“I’m very happy, because I can eat sahur with my brothers and sisters. My sisters wake me up to eat sahur, and I love the special talks after taraweeh prayers. The special thing about Ramadan is that there are so many foods in iftar time. My goal is to do khatam al-Qur’an during this ramadan.”
Manal Belhadj is 18 years old and she has been living in the GiveLight Morocco home for three years. She started fasting when she was 12 years.
“The special parts of Ramadan for me are the Taraweeh prayer and a walk after Iftar. My goals for Ramadan are to complete the Quran reading, prepare for exams, and learn some new skills.”
Muslims end Ramadan with a bang! Eid al-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It is a day of celebration, joy, generosity, happiness, family and community. People wear new clothes, visit one another, serve delicious treats, exchange gifts, and remember the blessings in their lives. Our children share their experiences of Eid since they have been part of our family:
Shahida Akther Sumaiya loves wearing new clothes and visiting relatives.
“Eid is different for me now because everyone here is very happy on that day, everyone wears new clothes and prays Eid in congregation.”
Jannatul Nafisa loves to see people so happy. She loves praying the Eid prayer together, wearing new clothes, and visiting relatives.
“Here Eid is different for me because on that day of Eid, everyone wears new clothes and eats special food together. It’s nice to see everyone smile.”
Enda Dwi Sitepu loves being with the GiveLight family.
“Now, I have new friends, brothers and sisters. It’s nice to be together.”
Lina Belfdil loves family gatherings.
“I used to spend Eid with my small family, now I feel that I have a big one with GiveLight. Eid day has a special joy for me because I celebrate it with so many people, and of course, I love the gifts I get from both my families, GiveLight and my small family.”
Manal Belhadj loves to eat Eid cookies and sweets.
“Eid has been amazing now, it’s so nice to be part of such a big family, and know that there are people remembering you, thinking of you, and trying to make our days better.”
