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Ramadan August 22 to September 20, 2009

This page will include archived materials. It will be updated and expanded every year.
• About Ramadan • Ramadan Puzzles • Making a Ramadan Lantern • Other Ideas & Resources

About Ramadan

How much do you know about Ramadan? Share the following information with your group.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special month of the year for Muslims throughout the world. Ramadan marks the day the Quran (Koran) was sent from Allah via the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E.). Every day during this month-long celebration, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. They abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. It is sometimes referred to as the "Islamic Month of Fasting."

As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. It is a "month of blessing" that is also marked by prayer and charity. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives, make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, and do away with bad habits - essentially to clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

When is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar - that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2009, Ramadan begins on August 22 and ends on September 20.

What are some Ramadan traditions?

Sawm - the Arabic word for "fasting" literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Quran is recited each night in prayers known as Tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.

Each morning of Ramadan, people get up before dawn for Suhoor – the pre-dawn breakfast meal eaten before beginning the daily fast. Iftar, the evening meal, is taken after sunset to break the daily fast. The Prophet Muhammad recommended breaking the fast by eating dates. People are urged to invite others to break the daily fast with them. These gatherings are called "Iftar parties."

After the end of Ramadan, a very festive and joyous holiday is celebrated by Muslims, known as Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." It begins with Muslims attending special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their nicest clothes. During the three-day event, gifts are exchanged, large meals consumed, and the company of family and friends are enjoyed.

Ramadan Puzzles

Make copies of the puzzles below and pass them out during Ramadan. Muslim or not, people can enjoy solving them.

A Fitting Ramadan - word fit

Ramadan - challenging word search

Searching for Ramadan - easier word search

A-Mazing Ramadan - maze

Making a Ramadan Fanoos (Lantern)

A Fanoos is a Ramadan lantern. Of all the Islamic countries, Fanoos is most common in Egypt. The tradition goes back all the way to the reign of the Fatimid Caliphate. The night before Ramadan, the leader would go outside to look for the moon, signaling the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The children of the town would go out and light the way for him. Each child would carry a fanoos and sing songs to welcome in the new month of Ramadan. Since then, the Fanoos has been known as one of the main symbols of Ramadan and most of the people own it and light it in Ramadan, especially children.

The traditional fanoos contained a candle, while today they are lit with batteries and LED lights. They come in different sizes and colors and even different shapes. Some manufacturers even make modern shapes - such as cars, rockets, airplanes, etc. - in addition to some old-fashioned shapes of a minaret, tree, crescent, etc.

Resource with Pattern

To make your own Fanoos this month, check out the following where you can print a Fanoos template:

Make a Decorative Fanoos

Ramadan Fanoos template

Instead of a candle, light the lanterns with battery-operated tea lights.

Another Lantern

See this month's Crafter's Cove page and make a "Flameless Craft Stick Lantern" this month.

Other Ramadan Ideas & Resources

Suggested Activities:

Interview a Muslim who is fasting. Ask him or her how they feel about fasting and how it helps them in their life.
Invite a representative from the local Islamic Center or Masjid (mosque) to speak about the spirit of Ramadan.
Plan your own Eid celebration. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr - literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." People dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
Plan a special Ramadan meal. For some recipes, check out Ramadan Recipes and A Ramadan to Remember.

Additional Resources: