Free Ramadan Activities and Islamic Faith Instruction for Children

In the Muslim tradition and calendar, Ramadan is a holy season dedicated to spiritual activities, fasting and prayer. Ramadan typically coincides with the western month of August. The month of Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr (often shortened to Eid or "lesser Eid"). This is a three-day period following the sawm (fast). For 2011, Ramadan begins on Aug. 1 and ends with Eid around Aug. 30 (or when the crescent moon appears). Here are free printable lessons on Islam and particularly Ramadan, for Muslim children and children of other faiths.

As a teacher and home-school parent, I have discovered that children develop skills of tolerance and diversity by exploring the wonderful myriad of cultures and faiths in our world. As the native Americans remind us "the best way to truly understand a man is to walk a mile in his moccasins." Exploring faiths and cultures with an eye to learning from them, is a way of walking in another's shoes. These lessons help Muslim children understand their own faith better, also.

Islam 101: This site presents concise easily understood information about Islam. Ramadan is an Arabic word that refers to a dry, parched season. It is a season for sacrifice and purification, like the Christian Catholic season of Advent and Lent and the Jewish feast of Yom Kippur. Muslims seek to draw closer to Allah by practicing the Five Pillars of Islam. They are: Iman (faith), Salah (prayer, said five times daily, facing the Holy City of Mecca and recited from the Qu'ran.), Zakah (almsgiving, sacrificial giving, pruning back one's lifestyle to honor God and help others), Sawn (abstaining from food, alcohol and sexual relations with spouses), Hajj (pilgrimage, if possible to Makkah, otherwise known as Mecca).

Islam 4 Parents has free printable word searches, mazes, spot-the-differences, worksheets and coloring pages. There are also many interactive online word searches here.

Islam 4 Kids also has free printable Dua supplications (prayers to Allah that guide one through the day). These dua supplications include morning, evening, before and after eating, when entering or exiting the home and even prayers for children with night frights. These dua are taken from the Qu'ran and printable in Arabic, transliteration and English.

Islamic Playground has free printable coloring pages and Arabic letter worksheets. There are also quizzes, worksheets, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, activities and word searches about Islam.

Free Printable Ramadan This link takes you to printable Ramadan instructional materials, including word searches, puzzles, vocabulary builders, writing responses, activities and coloring pages. There are also printable "Ramadan Mubarek" greeting cards which honor the holy season.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.