It’s that time of year again…from 4:30 am until 8:00 pm each day no food or water will pass my lips. I will spend the day praying, reading Qur’an, teaching my son about Islam, and doing good deeds. And I won’t say anything bad about anyone, swear, complain, or shout.
Well, that’s the plan anyway.
As a bit of background info, for anyone wondering, I came to Islam nearly 15 years ago (pre hubby). It all happened seamlessly. There was no big revelation, I didn’t agonise over the decision, or even just ‘decide’ to do it one day. I had a friend in high school who was a Muslim and introduced me to Islam (purely by example). I began reading about it, it appealed to me, and I adopted it slowly as my religion.
Anyway…
I have to admit, I’ve been a bit relaxed when it comes to teaching my son about his religion. I just didn’t know where to begin. It’s all so abstract and difficult for young children to understand. I’ve been trying to explain who God is and all that…but how can a 4-year-old understand? I guess I need to approach it from a classical education perspective: right now it’s about fact finding, and not necessarily understanding. So, for now I’ll read to him about Islam, have him learn Arabic, and memorise verses from the Qur’an and the prayers. The understanding will come with time.
So that’s what I hope to begin this Ramadan. I plan to use the Talibiddeen website, which is a homeschooling website (great for Muslims and non-Muslims). They have some great activities for Ramadan here.
The plan is to do the daily lessons, a craft, some cooking together, and Qur’an reading. (English translation) Of course, he’s only 4, so he won’t be fasting. But I want him to learn why we fast, the importance of charity and helping others, which is also a big part of Ramadan.
If you’re not a Muslim, but would like to do a little unit study or a quick lesson on Islam, check here, here and here.
For info on Ramadan, check this out. For something slightly more in depth, see here.
Check out Muslim contributions to the world. (with info on 1001 inventions)
Find out where Algebra, originally invented to figure Islamic inheritance came from. (See here as well)
And, some Islamic history (scroll down some)
Read and listen to the Qur’an here.
More info on Islam here.
Whimsyway, House of Learning and Play 
Frankie
September 5, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Hello…thank you for stopping by my blog. I’ve decided to check yours out, too.
I know so little about your religion, it’s just sad. So I am glad to see all the links, so I can learn…and share that knowledge with my son.
Frankie
September 5, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Hello, thank you for stopping out my blog. I decided to come check yours out as well.
I very little about your religion, sadly. I am glad you have provided links so that I can learn more and share that knowledge with Thomas.
Nice to meet you.
sheri
September 9, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Thank-you for all of the links and the description of what Ramadan is. It’s one thing to read it out of a text book, yet something completely different to read someone’s personal relationship with.
Naimah Umm Khadijah
December 27, 2008 at 11:47 am
I’ve just read this post, after reading the last one, and asking you how long you’ve been muslim for, now I’ve got the answer masha’Allaah, you’ve been muslim for a long time.
With younger ones, it’s best to start with Tawheed (the oneness of God) just reminding that we pray only to Allaah, we recieve our blessings from him alone, and about his names and attributes, in child friendly language, Allaah is the most merciful, kind etc…
You can teach alot through your actions, and reading islamic books for his age etc…
The website you mentioned Talibideen Jr, is excellent masha’Allaah, and contains sooo much useful information.