Ramadan is the perfect time to teach children about charity

The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to cleanse’. In the Islamic faith, Zakat means purifying your wealth for the will of Allah by acknowledging that everything we own belongs to Him and as a means of working towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah (community). Though Zakat is not always financial, and can include everything from volunteering your time to giving an encouraging word to your fellow man, according to Islamic regulations, Zakat is 2.5% of one year’s total cumulative wealth (there are various ways of calculating what should be counted), and when it comes to these financial donations to the less fortunate, it can be difficult to decide which causes speak most to your heart.

Ramadan is also the perfect time to teach your kids about charity.  Use the blessed month to take some time to introduce your children to the virtue of charity. As they say, “Charity begins at home”. Let your kids know what’s happening around the world. There is no need to shelter them from poverty, catastrophes, wars, etc. They must be informed and made aware of crises across the world as they get older. For younger kids, show them examples of the less fortunate and gently help them understand that the world is not an equal place and that some people need a helping hand.

Fasting tips
If you are at home during fasting hours use the time to do something truly productive. Teach your kids a small hadith. Rather than talking on the phone, use the blessed time fo something meaningful.

Words of Wisdom
 “The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters” [Quran 3:60]

Living in a world with endless distractions and confusions can wear one down immensely. This verse tells us that the one and only truth will always be from Allah, and that believing truthfully in the Oneness of God will help us both in this life and the hereafter.

Cuisine
Stock up your kitchen and fridge with healthy snacks and easy-to-prepare foods. Foods like rice, bread, eggs, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fruits, canned fish, barley, cereals, frozen vegetables and baked beans are easy to make and nutritious as well.