7 ways to add a fun twist to Ramadan

Ramadan is a season that comes every year and we all strive to make each year a memorable one. The period is usually a festive one, though it was secondary to the whole essence of Ramadan especially when it comes to seeking forgiveness and seeking to be closer to God. Notwithstanding, Ramadan is one that […]

Ramadan is a season that comes every year and we all strive to make each year a memorable one. The period is usually a festive one, though it was secondary to the whole essence of Ramadan especially when it comes to seeking forgiveness and seeking to be closer to God. Notwithstanding, Ramadan is one that should be celebrated. We will be offering creative ways in which the Ramadan can be made even more fun. 
1. Host a community Iftar where every family can bring a dish/meal
This way new acquaintance is made and families get to know each other in the community. Take note that it must not be only the Muslim families that are invited. It would be fun having a large gathering at a park with parents eating and chatting and children having fun too.
2. Iftar Invitation cards
This will be fun for you and children. While organising the general iftar, you can get the children engaged in making invitation cards for neighbours. While sending the invites a gift of a jar of dates or biscuits can be attached.
3. Light up the house
To give the home ambience, and a look different from normal days, you can always find little candles or lanterns to place around the house. You can also print different verses from the Quran and place on the wall or dining table so everyone can read and be encouraged to strive harder this season. Celebrate Ramadan by decorating your house with lanterns, lights, banners, Ramadan wreath, Ramadan placemats and sadaqah boxes, all of these kids can make.
4. Play Ramadan trivia
Come up with fun questions and find out who knows the most about the holy month. This can be a fun way in learning new things about the religion. For many it also helps take their thoughts off hunger pangs.
5. Watch your favorite TV series.
Wholesome TV shows abound, but don’t watch too much. Pick one or two and watch the rest on reruns later. This can be done after tafsir. Islamic documentaries and movies about Islam can be enjoyed by groups. Watching such with lots of people can be fun especially if it’s done in an open space.
6. Have a switch day in the kitchen
This one activity that will be fun. Have the men take over the kitchen for a day. It will be fun to hear them talk about all the blunders and they made in the kitchen to get delicious dishes on the table. To make it more fun, get your husband with some of his friends to try this out while the women spend their day shopping. (This is one activity many women should try)
7. Turns at Tarawih
This last one will be fun especially for children. Give a well learned child the chance to lead a congregation in Tarawih. Children (male) who are good in Ramadan prayers should be encouraged by allowing them lead congregational prayers. This will leave an everlasting impression about Ramadan in the heart of such child. And will also encourage other children to learn the Quran. An example is the buzz on social media a young lad from Kaduna who led Tarawih prayers is already making.