For the first time in our current history, Muslims all around the world are observing Ramadan at home.
As the new hilal (moon) was sighted around the United States, Muslim families began decorating their homes and re-creating their spaces in anticipation of a month at home.
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“When my two year old granddaughter saw what her mom had created in the home, she couldn’t say anything except Allahu Akbar, which just confirms that the world is our masjid,” Mumina Ali spoke to AboutIslam.net.
In addition to redefining spaces for prayer, families are forced to examine their roles and obligations in the home.
Khadijah Abdullah from Marietta, GA decorates her mantel with a Ramadan baber and flowers Fatimah Abouharb from New York, NY decorates her living room with balloons and crescent moon cut-outs
Khadijah Bint Ayoob from Texas decorates her living room with banners and lighting
Courtesy of Little Homeschoolers on the Prairie
“And how, indeed, this Ramadan would be different but not just because those who departed this world wouldn’t be with us in the masjid, but because none of us would be together in the masjid,” Shaza Khan beautifully told AboutIslam.net.
“My dear neighbors, the aunties who— no matter how bad their arthritis— still made it up the ridiculously steep steps of the masjid before isha ikamah was given, and all the others you only see during Ramadan, none of them. None of us.
“I had that moment. And then, I had that moment when Ramadan ushered in and it was just our family sitting together trying to figure out how we would do taraweeh at home. We decided that both of our sons would both lead taraweeh. Mashallah, having my twelve year old lead was beautiful. It will be a different Ramadan. And I think it won’t be all bad.”
Decorate your home
Decorating your home for Ramadan is a common tradition for Muslims around the world, but this year it is even more important. Muslim families understand the value in cultivating spaces in their home that symbolize the presence of Ramadan.
The way your home looks can determine the mood of you and your family. As a result of Ramadan being at home this year, it is critical for families to understand the value of creating aesthetically pleasing spaces which promote peace and desire to increase one’s worship and service to Allah.
Create Meaningful Activities
Ramadan inspires us to think beyond our acts of worship to create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
For parents of children, Ramadan activities are extremely important to help facilitate a basic understanding and grasp of the concept of spirituality during Ramadan.
American Muslims share their inspirational stories, pictures and stories of their activities during the first few days of this blessed month.
“I created a room for my children’s activities during Ramadan. We have created crafts and we will be keeping track of our acts of service in the household using colored jars,” Kamilah Naim told AboutIslam.net.
“I decided to listen to a meaningful podcast and paint a picture of what was on my heart, which was Allah swt,” Verinque Cooper added.
Little Homeschoolers on the Prairie created Good Deeds Jars for the family Paint project completed by Verinique Cooper from Rockford, IL Khadijab Bint Ayoob’s Ramadan calendar, which she re-sales on ezCelebrations.com
Re-defining Household Spaces
One of the most significant differences with this approaching Ramadan is the need for American Muslims to re-define the spaces that already exist in their own homes.
Typically, American Muslims have a culture of attending the mosque for communal prayers and iftar meals during the month of Ramadan.
Families are re-examining family roles and creating an environment which mirrors the mosque in their own homes.
This Ramadan is of historic importance and it is essential for us to understand the significance of creating a Ramadan for our children to remember. Ramadan at home will be different but special for many of our families around the world.
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” (Q. 2:155-157).