Muslims all around the world are taking part in the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan, which will draw to a close next week with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Over this last month, Ramadan is a time for prayer and reflection, it’s also a time for doing good deeds, and making a special effort to reach out to those who need help as well as spending time with friends and family. Muslims fast and do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset during Ramadan. This is important as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and came close to Allah, or God. Fasting forms one of the Five Pillars of Islam which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. A meal is taken just before dawn known as Suhoor and another after sunset when family and friends get together for iftar to break the fast. There are a range of activities that children can use on Purple Mash to find out more about Ramadan. Using this template children can write up their research into Ramadan and create a poster detailing the Five Pillars of Islam. Children can also plan a meal for Iftar, during Ramadan, Muslims try to give up bad habits, children can think about the bad habits that they would try to give up.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan when Muslims break their month-long fast, it doesn’t fall on a specific date as the date varies in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr means festival of the breaking of the fast and this year will begin on the evening of the 23rd May. The day includes special morning prayers, homes are decorated, and sweet dishes are prepared at home, the day is sometimes referred to as the Sugar Feast because of the sweet treats that are eaten after fasting. Gifts are given to children, new clothes are work and it is a time for communities to come together. Charity is one of the five pillars of Islam and during Eid, there is a specific type of giving called Zakat al-Fitr to help those in need.  ‘Eid Mubarak’ is one of the most common things you will hear, it means ‘blessed Eid and is a way of expressing celebration. Children can use 2respond to write an email to a friend explaining what Eid al-Fitr is, they can also use their senses to write a description of a festival or special day that they remember and can design an Eid card to celebrate the festival.

Wishing all our schools and children who are celebrating a Happy Eid Mubarak.