Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 (depending on moon sighting) – about three months from now. For children, Ramadan can be the most exciting time of the year, or a confusing and difficult one. The difference often depends on how well we prepare them. Here is how to start early, gently and joyfully.
1. Talk About Ramadan with Excitement
Children copy our feelings. Tell them stories about why we fast, about the night the Quran was revealed, and about Eid. Allah says: "The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for the people…" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
2. Practise Fasting Before Ramadan
Voluntary fasts are the perfect training:
- Mondays and Thursdays – Sunnah fasting days.
- The White Days – the 13th, 14th and 15th of every Islamic month.
- Sha'ban – the Prophet ﷺ used to fast a great deal in Sha'ban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1969, Sahih Muslim 1156).
Younger children can practise "half-day fasts" until Dhuhr. Winter days are short in North America and the UK, making it easier.
3. Build the Quran Habit Now
If your child reads a little every day now, they will be able to read more during Ramadan. Set a goal: finish a section of the Noorani Qaida, memorise a few new short surahs, or read a set number of pages each day.
4. Teach the Basics of Fasting
- What breaks the fast and what doesn't
- Suhoor and iftar – and their Sunnahs
- The du'a for breaking the fast
- That fasting includes good manners: no fighting, lying or bad words
5. Create Ramadan Traditions
- Make a Ramadan countdown calendar together.
- Decorate the house with lights and crescents.
- Plan a "good deeds jar" – one deed for each day of Ramadan.
- Decide on a family charity project.
6. Talk to Their School
For children who will fast at school, talk to teachers in advance. Many schools in the USA, Canada and the UK are supportive – offering a quiet place during lunch or understanding during sports.
7. Be Gentle and Encouraging
Fasting is only obligatory once a child reaches puberty. Before that, the goal is to build love, not pressure. Praise every effort and never shame a child for breaking a practice fast.
Prepare Their Hearts with the Quran
The best preparation for Ramadan is a strong connection with the Quran. Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy offers fun, patient, one-on-one online Quran classes for children – Noorani Qaida, Tajweed and Hifz – in your time zone. Book a 3-day free trial.