MuslimKidsMatter | Focusing on YOU This Ramadan

It’s finally Ramadan, the most blessed month of the entire year!  It’s the one month of the year when feasting in the middle of the night is normal, when everyone knows the exact time for Fajr and Maghrib every day, and when the Qur’an is recited more than any other time.  For kids all around the world, this Ramadan is conveniently during summer break.  This leaves all the hours of the day free to spend as we choose.  During the weeks ahead, how will you spend your free time?  This Ramadan, will you waste precious time playing video games or will you focus on bettering yourself as you pass through this sacred month?

Controlling Your Emotions

Being without food and drink for so many hours can really get to you when you are fasting.  It’s easy to get grumpy and snap at others.  As we fast throughout the days, we often forget the importance of managing our emotions during Ramadan.  Fasting isn’t simply staying away from eating; it’s also about controlling our anger and manners.  The next time something irritates you or you feel like snapping at someone, remember that it is Ramadan.  Swallow your anger or discomfort and do your best to act pleasant.  Ramadan is supposed to be a happy time as we honor the month in which the Qur’an was sent down.

Using Time Wisely

With so many hours in the day, there are so many beneficial things you can do to take advantage of the blessings of Ramadan.  It can be tempting to spend the day in front of your TV, but think about all the opportunities you are missing out on by playing video games or watching movies.  Every good deed is rewarded so much more in Ramadan than in any other time of the year.  Spend the day performing little acts of kindness to others.  Keeping in mind that Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, dedicate a portion of each day to reading some Qur’an.

Helping Others

A big part of Ramadan is giving to others.  This includes giving of our money, our time and our talents.  With your friends, plan some activities you can do to benefit others.  Work together to feed the homeless, clean a road, visit a sick person, or help someone who is going through a tough time.  These activities will make your Ramadan a much more rewarding experience.

Manage Your Habits

Everyone has some habit they would like to break free from.  Maybe you spend too much time on your phone or watching TV.  Maybe you tend to criticize your siblings a lot or use foul language.  Use this Ramadan to manage your habits.  It may not be easy, but if you take small determined steps to improve your lifestyle, Allah will help you reach your goals.
By encouraging each other, we can all use this blessed month to improve ourselves.  Insha Allah, by the end of this Ramadan, we will all be stronger and better Muslims.