Do you want your Muslim teen to enjoy Ramadan?
Here are 12 Ramadan ideas and activities that even parents can take part in!
Ramadan is a sacred month of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth. For high school-aged Muslim teenagers, it’s also an opportunity to deepen their connection to their faith while embracing activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable. If you’re looking for creative ways to make Ramadan engaging for the teens in your life, this guide is for you. Here are some thoughtful and fun ideas to help them connect with the spirit of Ramadan while fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
Here are some ideas to help you connect with the spirit of Ramadan while keeping things fresh and fun:
1. Ramadan Challenges and Competitions:
Teens thrive on friendly competition and achievable goals. Why not channel that energy into spiritual growth?
Qur’an Reading Challenge: Set a monthly goal, such as completing a specific number of pages or chapters (juz). Track their progress and celebrate milestones with small rewards.
Salah Streak Challenge: Encourage consistency in prayer by creating a tracker. Reward them for maintaining a streak of daily prayers.
Good Deeds Competition: Create a leaderboard to track acts of kindness, charity, or community service. This not only motivates them but also reinforces the importance of giving back.
2. Interactive Iftar Nights:
Iftar is a time for community and connection. Make it memorable with these ideas:
Themed Iftars: Host iftars with themes like “Around the World” (featuring dishes from different Muslim cultures) or “Qur’anic Foods” (highlighting foods mentioned in the Qur’an).
Cooking Competitions: Challenge teens to prepare their best dishes for iftar. Let the group vote on the most creative or delicious entry.
3. Ramadan Journals and Reflection Prompts
Encourage self-reflection and spiritual growth with a Ramadan journal. Provide daily prompts that focus on gratitude, personal goals, and challenges. This practice helps teens track their progress and stay mindful throughout the month.
4. Creative Arts and Crafts
Unleash their creativity with Ramadan-themed projects:
DIY Decorations: Have them create lanterns, moon and star garlands, or calligraphy art to decorate their homes or community spaces.
Ramadan Vision Boards: Let them design vision boards that include their spiritual, personal, and community-oriented goals for the month.
5. Islamic Trivia and Games
Learning can be fun! Host a Ramadan Quiz Night with questions about Islamic history, the Qur’an, and Ramadan traditions. This is a great way to engage teens while deepening their knowledge.
6. Community Service Projects
Ramadan is a time for giving. Organise activities that allow teens to contribute to their community:
Food Drives: Collect and pack meals for those in need.
Visit the Elderly or Sick: Arrange visits to elderly community members or those in hospitals to spread kindness and compassion.
Neighbourhood Clean-Up: Plan a community clean-up day as a form of sadaqah (charity).
7. Ramadan Book Club
Foster a love for reading and discussion with a Ramadan-themed book club. Choose books on Islamic history, the life of the Prophet (PBUH), or novels with Muslim characters. Hold weekly discussions to explore the themes and lessons together.
8. Nightly Taraweeh Outings
Make Taraweeh prayers a social and spiritual experience. Organise group trips to the mosque, followed by a discussion or snack afterward. Encourage teens to invite friends, creating a sense of camaraderie.
9. Ramadan Scavenger Hunt
Add an element of adventure with a Ramadan-themed scavenger hunt. Create clues related to Islamic teachings, Ramadan traditions, or mosque landmarks. Offer small prizes for participation and completion.
10. Youth-Led Workshops
Empower teens to take ownership of their learning by leading workshops on topics like time management during Ramadan, making the most of the last 10 nights, or the science of fasting. This not only builds confidence but also fosters a sense of responsibility.
11. Ramadan Fitness Challenges
Encourage physical activity with pre-iftar or post-Taraweeh workouts, yoga, or sports. Focus on maintaining health and energy levels while fasting.
12. Focus on the Last 10 Nights
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are especially sacred. Create a special program that includes nightly reflections, Qur’an recitation, and dua workshops. Encourage teens to stay up together for Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayers) and share their experiences.
BONUS TIP: Plan for Eid
Involve teens in planning an Eid celebration. Let them take charge of decorating, organising games, or preparing gifts for family and friends. This not only builds excitement but also teaches them the value of teamwork and celebration.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth, community, and reflection. By incorporating these activities, you can help high school-aged Muslim teens connect with the essence of Ramadan in a way that’s both meaningful and enjoyable. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where they feel inspired, engaged, and connected to their faith. Check out our store to get access to helpful tools perfect to use during Ramadan and beyond!