Ramadan is Coming Soon . . .

Won't be very long! August 31, here in the States, to be exact. For those not familiar with Ramadan, it is a 29-30 day holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the time in the Islamic calender when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SWT). The entire month is meant to be a time of deep reflection and study. Muslims are to fast from food and drink during the daylight hours. We read the Holy Quran from cover to cover, 1 "part" each day. We strive more than ever to make all five prayers everyday. Charity including volunteering to serve is stressed. Ramadan for many Muslims is time of renewal and rejuvenation. You can read more here or just google it.

So I've been researching craft and activity ideas. For the last couple of years, we've done a paper chain and torn off one ring a day. Last year at sundown the children got a sweet treat to celebrate the end of the fasting day. (As a side note, children and nursing mothers do not fast.) This year I'm thinking Trader Joe's organic lollipops. We love those! We have made some sort of card or craft to mail out to our Muslim family across the Nation and one for our home each year. Here's some from the past
Prayer rug magnets
Quranic bookmarks
Charity jar
The Kabah made of popsicle sticks

We also did a really cool puzzle card. We got the puzzles from Michael's and painted them. For this year I'm leaning toward a bookmark or a Shrinky Dink keychain, because they'll be easy to mail. The twins want to do something for their friends so I'm thinking some star and cresent cookies, maybe? I found two good sites, Ramadan Crafts and TJ Ramadan. I plan to use a lot of ideas from them. OK, Muslim moms out there, what are you planning?