Eid ul Fitr is a festive day that Muslims all over the world celebrate, to mark the end of the month of Ramadan. Eid is a day for happiness and contentment.
Eid gives us an opportunity to strengthen family and community bonds – a chance for children to learn how important these ties are. Unfortunately, in 2020, despite the Pandemic threatening to become the new normal, we all have had to come to terms with our circumstances and adapt as we learn to carry out traditions with precautions.
Our community and family traditions can still be carried out even within the safety norms we are familiar with. Maintaining traditions and explaining them to our children will help establish norms they can anchor on to as part of their identity. The Pandemic does not have to define or displace traditions, we can adapt and create new ways to ensure our children miss as little as possible.
Teaching your children about your religion and culture is a significant part of parenting. The celebrations that you have at home and the numerous experiences that you share with your child will assist him with understanding the values that you attempt to instill in him.
Therefore, keeping in mind the Standard operating procedure and preventives for the virus, we have come up with a list of things you can do this Eid to bring joy to yourself and your children in these uncertain times. Here are the 8 things you can do with your kids to make Eid special:
1. Make Eid cards
Engage children into making Eid cards days before the actual day arrives. You can help them write cards in different languages too, if you don’t know how… GOOGLE! A card making activity can help create anticipation and excitement. This can help you teach your children the importance of increasing love and connection with your loved ones through this activity.
2. Moon Sighting
On the last night of Ramadan, the sighting of the new moon announces Eid. Have your children look for the moon and spend time together while looking for it. Looking for the moon together will allow your kids to know how Eid is announced, and it will promote family time. Upon seeing the moon, the following Dua should be recited:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ وَتَرْضَى رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
“O Allah, let this moon (month) pass over us with blessings, Iman, safety, and in the belief of Islam. Grant us the ability to act on the actions that You love and Pleases You. (O moon) My Lord and Your Lord is Allah”.
[Hisnul Hasin from Ibn Habban]
3. Kiddie Goodie bags
You can advise your kids to make goodie bags for siblings and friends to hand out as Eid wishes. Gifting during Eid shows kids how important it is to show our loved ones we care about them.help you teach your kids the importance of giving gifts (Eidee) on Eid.
The Prophet (SAWS) said: “exchange gifts, as that will increase love between you.”
4. DIY Decorations
Add spark during 2021 Eid celebrations – make ‘Do it yourself’ decorations with your children and hang them in your house. This will again help them understand the significance of the day and get them excited for it. Printables can be used to make decorations such as those from Atlasia Kids. Our DIY projects aim to mobilize children by teaching them how to make a creative craft on their own. The included activities foster motor and cognitive skills, as well as children’s self-confidence.
5. Meal Preparation
Meal prep is the most important part of the day for some households. Asking your children to do small chores such as setting up the table or helping you prepare meals will teach them responsibility and give them a sense of importance as they will feel proud for helping you.
6. Share the joy – charity and giving
Advise your kids to give charity on the day of Eid to the poor and needy. When you teach your children to give Sadaqah on Eid, they will understand special occasions of giving and including everyone in the festivities – even the needy. Ibn Umar (RA) narrated:
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) would order paying Sadaqah al-Fitr before going to Salat on the day of Eid al-Fitr.” [Bukhari]
7. Ghusl and Special clothes
Purity is an important aspect of Islam therefore, it is a sunnah to do ghusl on the day of Eid. Getting your children to wear special clothes and apply perfume on Eid will teach them the importance to be in a state of purification and cleanliness and signify how significant Eid is – besides we only have two holidays
Ibn ’Abbas narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr’. [Ibn Majah]
The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Dress your absolute best (while showing modesty)” [Ibn Khuzaymah]
8. Read them stories and share childhood memories
To make the day special for your kids, help them learn more about the culture and values of Muslims. Tell them stories of how you used to celebrate Eid and read them stories related to Eid. If you are having trouble finding the right stories, our very own Atlasia Kids Magazine comes fully packed with amazing adventures and stories. Take your child to visit heros, learn more about the world, and take part in solving puzzles.
Finally, remember that offering Eid Prayer, listening to the Khutbah, and greeting our fellow Muslims are a Sunnah on Eid.
Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrated:
“Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) used to offer the prayer of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer.” [Bukhari]
Please observe social distancing protocols in your location and be mindful of others’ health and safety.
Wishing you Eid Mubarak. Stay safe and healthy.
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