30 Meaningful Ramadan Activities for Muslim Families in the West

Introduction: Ramadan – An Irreplaceable Golden Opportunity

Ramadan isn’t merely a month of abstaining from food and drink; it’s a comprehensive educational institution, a magnificent spiritual season, and a golden opportunity to build a conscious and distinguished Muslim generation. For Muslim families living in Western countries amid multicultural environments and challenges, Ramadan becomes an exceptional opportunity to strengthen Islamic identity, fortify family bonds, and instill faith-based values in children’s hearts.

Allah says in His Noble Book:

“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ”

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)

This blessed month is the month of Qur’an, the month of guidance, the month of positive transformation. Muslim families in the West have a pivotal role in investing this month in ways that combine worship, education, and enjoyment, suited to their reality and circumstances.

The Religious Foundation: Virtues of Ramadan in Qur’an and Sunnah

The Merit of Ramadan

Before discussing practical activities, it’s important to understand the greatness of this month as mentioned in religious texts:

From the Holy Qur’an:

Allah says: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)

Fasting isn’t just worship; it’s a path to piety and a means of purifying the soul.

From the Prophet’s Sunnah:

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“إِذَا دَخَلَ رَمَضَانُ فُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ، وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ جَهَنَّمَ، وَسُلْسِلَتِ الشَّيَاطِينُ”

“When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith shows that Ramadan is an exceptional season for goodness and blessing, and an opportunity to break free from Satan’s whispers.

He ﷺ also said: “مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”

“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

The Importance of Raising Children in Ramadan

The Prophet ﷺ said: “كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ”

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Parents are responsible for raising their children and teaching them their religion. Ramadan is a golden opportunity for this upbringing.

Imam Al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The child is a trust with his parents, and his pure heart is a precious, plain jewel empty of any engraving or image, and it accepts everything that is engraved upon it, and leans toward everything it is led to.”

Section One: Worship and Spiritual Activities

1. Family Qur’an Recitation and Reflection Sessions

Religious Foundation:

Allah says: “أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا”

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” (Muhammad: 24)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ”

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Narrated by Bukhari)

Practical Application:

a. Daily Post-Iftar Session:

• Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily after iftar
• Choose age-appropriate short surahs or verses
• Read together and explain meanings in simple language
• Discuss how to apply these verses in daily life

b. “Family Ramadan Khatmah” Program:

• Distribute Qur’an portions among family members according to ages
• Young children: short surahs from Juz Amma
• Older children: specific portions
• Parents: remaining portions
• Celebrate together upon completing the khatmah

c. Using Electronic Applications:

• Qur’an apps with English translation (useful for children studying in English)
• Simplified tafsir apps
• But beware of complete reliance on screens – the paper Qur’an has special blessing

Scholars’ Advice:

Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The reader’s state during recitation should be humble, reflective, and comprehending.”

2. Taraweeh Prayer: A Distinguished Communal Experience

Religious Foundation:

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُرَغِّبُ فِي قِيَامِ رَمَضَانَ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَأْمُرَهُمْ فِيهِ بِعَزِيمَةٍ، فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to encourage standing (in prayer) during Ramadan without making it obligatory, and he would say: ‘Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.'” (Narrated by Muslim)

Practical Application:

a. At the Mosque:

• Take children (even young ones) for part of the prayer
• Explain the importance of this prayer before going
• Ensure teaching them mosque etiquette
• Make it a positive, not forced, experience

b. At Home:

• For families who find daily mosque attendance difficult
• Father leads family in short prayer (4-8 rak’ahs)
• Mother prays with daughters
• This teaches children that worship isn’t confined to mosques

Practical Advice for Parents:

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “We shouldn’t be harsh on children in acts of worship lest they become averse to them; rather, we should encourage and inspire them toward them.”

3. Family Supplication: Teaching Children to Communicate with Allah

Religious Foundation:

Allah says: “وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ”

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'” (Ghafir: 60)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ”

“Supplication is worship itself.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi, authenticated)

Practical Application:

a. Iftar Time:

• Just before iftar (special time for acceptance)
• Each person supplicates as they wish
• Teach children to supplicate in their own language – Allah understands all languages!
• Remind them to pray for their Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine and elsewhere

b. During Prostration in Prayer:

• Teach your children that prostration is one of the greatest times for supplication
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “أَقْرَبُ مَا يَكُونُ الْعَبْدُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَهُوَ سَاجِدٌ”
• “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration.” (Narrated by Muslim)

c. Family Supplication Notebook:

• Create a special notebook for family supplications
• Each person writes what they wish Allah to grant them
• Review it at the end of Ramadan – children will be amazed at how many prayers were answered!

Educational Story:

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal used to tell his son: “O my son, when you supplicate to Allah, do so with a present heart and humble soul, and don’t say: ‘I prayed but wasn’t answered,’ for Allah knows what is best for you.”

4. Laylat al-Qadr: Searching for the Greatest Treasure

Religious Foundation:

Allah says: “لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ”

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr: 3)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”

“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Practical Application:

a. Explaining Laylat al-Qadr Concept to Children:

• Use simple analogy: “It’s like your birthday × 1000!”
• Explain that worship in it equals worship of 83 years
• This greatly excites children

b. Family Laylat al-Qadr Celebration:

• On odd nights of the last ten days (21, 23, 25, 27, 29)
• Decorate the house specially
• Gather for supplication and Qur’an
• Teach children the Laylat al-Qadr supplication: “اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي”
• “O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi)

c. “Laylat al-Qadr Box”:

• Each person writes their wishes and supplications
• Placed in decorated box
• Opened on the 27th night and each person prays for what they wrote

5. Charity and Zakat: Instilling the Value of Giving

Religious Foundation:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ”

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Practical Application:

a. Family Charity Box:

• Place a transparent box (so children see money accumulating)
• Each person deposits what they can daily
• At Ramadan’s end, agree on a charity to send it to
• Let children participate in the decision

b. “Ramadan Charity Challenge”:

• Set a family goal (e.g., $300)
• Create a visual meter on the wall
• As you approach the goal, fill the meter
• Celebrate upon reaching the goal

c. Practical Volunteering:

• Help distribute iftar meals at the mosque
• Collect donations for the needy
• Visit Muslim patients in hospitals
• This teaches children that charity isn’t only money

Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Among the best ways to draw near to Allah in Ramadan: giving charity to the poor and needy, feeding people, and providing iftar to fasting people.”

Section Two: Educational and Learning Activities

1. Stories of Prophets and Companions: Living Lessons for Children

Religious Foundation:

Allah says: “لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ”

“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding.” (Yusuf: 111)

Practical Application:

a. “Story Every Night”:

• After iftar, dedicate 15 minutes to storytelling
• Choose age-appropriate prophets’ stories
• Focus on lessons learned
• Ask interactive questions: “What would you have done if you were in Prophet Yusuf’s place?”

b. Recommended Stories for Ramadan:

• Prophet Ayyub’s patience (lesson in patience through trials)
• Prophet Ibrahim’s generosity (lesson in hospitality and generosity)
• Our Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ stories in Ramadan (Conquest of Makkah, Battle of Badr)
• Companions’ stories of generosity and charity

c. Story Acting:

• Let children act out the story
• This helps deeper understanding and better retention

2. “Learn Islam” Workshops: Practical Lessons

Practical Application:

a. “Fasting Rulings” Workshop:

• Teach children:
  • What are the pillars of fasting?
  • What invalidates fasting?
  • When does it begin and end?
• Use drawings and educational games

b. “Islamic Eating Etiquette” Workshop:

• Saying Bismillah before eating
• Eating with the right hand
• Avoiding wastefulness
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ”
• “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi)

c. “Daily Supplications” Workshop:

• Iftar supplication: “ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ”
• “Thirst has gone, veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud)
• Sleeping and waking supplications
• Morning and evening remembrances

3. Motivating Ramadan Competitions

a. Qur’an Memorization Competition:

• Each week a new surah according to age
• Symbolic prizes for outstanding performers
• Most important: encouragement, not pressure

b. “Who Am I?” Islamic Competition:

• Questions about prophets and companions
• Information about pillars of Islam
• Stories from the Prophet’s biography

c. “Daily Good Deed” Challenge:

• Board on wall with children’s names
• Each good deed = star
• Such as: helping at home, reading Qur’an, praying on time, charity

Section Three: Social and Family Activities

1. Communal Iftars: Building Bonds

Religious Foundation:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ، غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لَا يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ شَيْئًا”

“Whoever provides iftar to a fasting person will have a reward like his, without that decreasing the fasting person’s reward at all.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi, authenticated)

Practical Application:

a. Weekly Communal Iftar:

• Invite other Muslim families
• Share in food preparation
• Let children play together
• This strengthens the sense of belonging to Muslim community

b. Inviting Non-Muslim Neighbors:

• Wonderful opportunity for da’wah and introducing Islam
• Explain Ramadan’s meaning simply
• Let children serve food – this teaches them generosity
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ”
• “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor.” (Narrated by Bukhari)

c. Volunteering at the Mosque:

• Participating in distributing iftar meals
• Helping organize events
• This strengthens children’s connection to the mosque

2. Maintaining Family Ties: Visiting Relatives

Religious Foundation:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يُبْسَطَ لَهُ فِي رِزْقِهِ، وَيُنْسَأَ لَهُ فِي أَثَرِهِ، فَلْيَصِلْ رَحِمَهُ”

“Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan extended, let him maintain family ties.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Practical Application:

a. Communicating with Family in Home Country:

• Group video calls
• Share iftar moments with them (even via screen)
• Let children talk with grandparents and uncles

b. Visiting Muslim Relatives in Same City:

• Dedicate a weekend for visits
• Take children along – they learn by example

3. Community Service: Showing Islam’s True Face

Practical Application:

a. Volunteering at Food Banks:

• Many Western cities have food banks
• Volunteer as a family for a few hours
• This teaches children that Islam is a religion of mercy for all

b. Cleaning the Neighborhood or Park:

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِمَاطَةُ الْأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ صَدَقَةٌ”
• “Removing harm from the road is charity.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
• Make a sign: “Muslim Family Giving Back” – this improves Muslims’ image

c. Visiting the Elderly:

• In nursing homes or elderly neighbors
• Spending time with them, listening to them
• Providing food or assistance

Section Four: Creative and Fun Activities

1. Ramadan Art Projects

a. Home Decoration:

• Make Ramadan decorations (paper lanterns, crescent, stars)
• Write Qur’anic verses in beautiful calligraphy and hang them
• This creates special Ramadan atmosphere at home

b. “Good Deeds Tree”:

• Draw a large tree on the wall
• Each good deed = green leaf added
• By Ramadan’s end you’ll have a lush tree!

c. Making “Ramadan Cards”:

• Greeting cards for friends and neighbors
• Writing verses and supplications on them
• Distributing them to relatives and friends

2. “Ramadan Kitchen”: Teaching Cooking with Spirituality

a. Involving Children in Iftar Preparation:

• Make it a family activity
• Teach them traditional dishes from your home country
• Say “Bismillah” before starting

b. “Each Child’s Day”:

• Each child chooses the iftar menu for one day
• Helps in preparation
• This gives them a sense of responsibility

c. Trying Dishes from Different Islamic Countries:

• Learn about the Islamic Ummah’s diversity
• Try Indian samosas, Arab kunafa, Moroccan tajine

3. Islamic Educational Games

a. “Pillars of Islam Game”:

• Create a game like “Snakes and Ladders” but with Islamic questions
• Winner: first to reach “Paradise”

b. “Islamic Memory Cards”:

• Cards with images (like: Kaaba, mosque, Qur’an, crescent)
• Matching game for young children

c. “Family Qur’an Challenge”:

• Daily question about Qur’an
• Symbolic prizes for correct answers

Section Five: Building Positive Habits

1. Time Discipline

Religious Foundation:

Allah says: “إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا”

“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (An-Nisa: 103)

Application:

a. Clear Ramadan Schedule:

• Hang a visual schedule for the family
• Suhoor and iftar times
• Prayer times
• Qur’an and supplication times

b. Waking for Suhoor:

• Teach children the importance of suhoor
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً”
• “Eat suhoor, for there is blessing in suhoor.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
• Make it a special family time

2. Breaking Bad Habits

a. Reducing Screen Time:

• Ramadan is an opportunity to reduce electronic devices
• Replace them with family activities
• Scholars said: Fasting isn’t only about food, but about everything that distracts from Allah’s remembrance

b. Improving Character:

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ، فَإِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ صَوْمِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَصْخَبْ”
• “Fasting is a shield, so when one of you is fasting, let him avoid obscene speech and raising his voice.” (Narrated by Bukhari)
• “No Anger in Ramadan” challenge
• “30 Days of Kind Words” challenge

3. Building Reading Habit

a. Ramadan Library:

• Prepare a special Ramadan bookshelf
• Children’s books about Prophet’s biography
• Companions’ stories
• Simplified tafsir books

b. “Family Reading Club”:

• One book each week
• Family discussion about it
• What did we learn? How do we apply it?

Final Tips for Parents in the West

1. Balance is Key

Don’t overburden yourselves and your children. Choose activities that suit your circumstances:

• Family with young children: focus on basics (Qur’an, prayer, daily story)
• Family with teenagers: involve them in planning and execution
• Working family (both parents work): quality over quantity

Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The best deeds are the most consistent, even if small.”

2. Make Ramadan a Positive Experience

Avoid:

• Forcing and excessive pressure
• Comparing between children
• Focusing only on haram and forbidden

Do:

• Encourage and reward
• Celebrate small achievements
• Show love and mercy
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ مَكَارِمَ الْأَخْلَاقِ”
• “I was sent only to perfect noble character.” (Narrated by Ahmad and Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)

3. Early Preparation

Two Weeks Before Ramadan:

• Start talking about Ramadan
• Teach children about fasting gradually
• Prepare materials and tools needed for activities

First Week of Ramadan:

• Focus on adjusting to new routine
• Be flexible and kind
• Prioritize basic acts of worship

Last Ten Days:

• Increase diligence
• Search for Laylat al-Qadr
• Finish Ramadan strong

4. Dealing with Western-Specific Challenges

a. Long Fasting Hours (in summer):

• Encourage children to fast for specific hours
• Gradually increase according to their ages
• Scholars said: when a child can endure fasting, it’s recommended to train them

b. School and Work:

• Communicate with school in advance
• Request accommodations (such as: exemption from sports, rest area)
• Teach your children how to explain Ramadan to classmates

c. Social Pressure:

• Teach your children confidence and pride in their religion
• Train them to answer questions simply and confidently
• Example: “We fast because it teaches us patience and gratitude and brings us closer to Allah”

5. Documentation and Memories

a. Ramadan Album:

• Photograph special moments (iftar, taraweeh, activities)
• Create a special album
• In coming years, children will love reviewing it

b. Ramadan Diary:

• Each child writes/draws what they learned and felt each day
• At Ramadan’s end, read them together

c. Family Video:

• Record a video message for the future
• Each person says what they loved about Ramadan and what they want to improve

Conclusion: Ramadan… A Journey That Continues All Year

Ramadan isn’t just a month that passes and we forget; it’s a station for spiritual recharging, an educational institution, and the beginning of real change in our lives and our children’s lives.

Allah says: “وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ”

“And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).” (Al-Hijr: 99)

Worship is continuous, and Ramadan is the intensive training that prepares us for the rest of the year.

To Fathers and Mothers: You are building a generation. Every activity you do, every story you tell, every supplication you teach your children, is an investment in the Hereafter.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِذَا مَاتَ الإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ: إِلَّا مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ”

“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Narrated by Muslim)

A righteous child is among the greatest investments. Ramadan is your golden opportunity to build one.

We ask Allah to let us reach Ramadan, to accept from us and you righteous deeds, and to make our children a comfort to our eyes in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah accept from us and you, and Ramadan Kareem! 🌙

Sources and References

From the Holy Qur’an:

• Surah Al-Baqarah: 183, 185, 189
• Surah Muhammad: 24
• Surah An-Nisa: 103
• Surah Ghafir: 60
• Surah Al-Qadr: 3
• Surah Al-Hijr: 99
• Surah Yusuf: 111

From Prophet’s Hadiths ﷺ:

• Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
• Sunan Abu Dawud
• Sunan At-Tirmidhi
• Musnad Imam Ahmad

From Scholars’ Statements:

• Imam Al-Ghazali (Ihya Ulum Ad-Din)
• Imam An-Nawawi (Riyadh As-Salihin)
• Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani
• Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
• Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Baz
• Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin