Tips on how to engage youth in the community for a meaningful Ramadhan:
Proud to be a Muslim
Muslim communities need to assure youth that it is never shameful to be a Muslim. This helps them play their part in society with confidence, especially during Ramadaan. In Toronto, Canada local newspapers run feature articles on Ramadaan throughout the month. Youth are encouraged to send food to non-Muslim friends and neighbours, emphasizing sharing during Ramadaan.
Muslim communities need to assure youth that it is never shameful to be a Muslim. This helps them play their part in society with confidence, especially during Ramadaan. In Toronto, Canada local newspapers run feature articles on Ramadaan throughout the month. Youth are encouraged to send food to non-Muslim friends and neighbours, emphasizing sharing during Ramadaan.
Importance of Friends
Having Muslim friends fasting and doing good deeds is important for youth, and Ramadaan is a great time to socialize with other Muslims. Setting up unofficial Ramadaan Clubs in schools provides space for Muslim youth to gather, a place to relax, read the Qur’aan, or study, rather than sit where non-Muslims are eating during break.
Active Body, Active Mind
Youth volunteers run a youth centre in Sydney, Australia with "Learn to Pray" workshop, fun lessons relating to the Qur’aan and a Qur’aan reading competition. Cooking challenges, e.g. requires teens to cook in turns, catering for their fasting brothers and sisters. A youth-hosted iftar at the Musjid or someone’s house is another idea.
Musjid Time
The Sydney Islamic youth centre extends its activities beyond Taraweeh allowing teenagers to let out bottled-up energy with a soccer ball after prayers. The centre’s lounge provides books and Qur’aan translations, allowing teenagers to wind down, learn and socialize, all in an Islamic setting.
In Toronto Muslim youth bring their homework to Taraweeh prayers. Just spending time in the Musjid conjures up a strong sense of love for Ramadaan while fulfilling other duties like schoolwork.
Maria Zain, adapted from SISTERS Magazine
