Celebrating EID
Zenifer Khaleel speaks to a few families in the UAE on how the children observed their first fast and how they plan to celebrate the festival even while staying at home
Muslims across the country are lamenting the loss of the communal spirit during this year’s Ramadan amid movement restrictions. But for parents of first-time fasters, this month has provided a great opportunity to initiate their kids into the fasting process. With the children not having to travel to school, with outdoor activities curtailed and with parents working from home, mums and dads have been able to spend more time in inculcating the values of the holy month in their little ones.
Imbibing the spirit
Nine-year-old Livia Kaati is feeling all grown up now that she has successfully completed her first fast.
Her mother, Canadian expat Lana Kaati, has tried to teach her children that Ramadan is not just about forsaking food but rather about being on your best behaviour, treating others well, helping others and curbing vices such as anger.
This has helped Livia go through Ramadan with renewed vigour. ‘By around 3pm, she gets tired and starts checking the clock for the countdown. Sometimes when she gets really frustrated she keeps asking when Ramadan will end, but a little pep talk puts her back in spirit,’ says Lana.
Due to being indoors, Lana says it is definitely easier for children to fast as they can sleep a bit later into the day and are not exposed to the heat and humidity outside.
One of Livia’s favourite pastimes is to complete the activities in a Ramadan calendar that she received recently – one activity set for each day. But the main attraction is the four-course meal her mum prepares every day, which include her favourites such as lentil soup, kibbeh and pasta. ‘Sometimes she helps me out in the kitchen and helps set the table. Every day she looks forward to the dessert, which has to be special,’ says Lana.
Livia missed a few fast days. ‘We have explained to her it is a learning curve that becomes easier with more practice. It is important for kids to know that God is merciful and will not hold them accountable for not being able to complete it,’ says Lana.
Lana says Livia experiences a sense of pride after every fast. Her brother, Liam, seven, is still in a fasting trial phase.
Lana plans to make this stay-at-home Eid special by decorating their home with balloons, buying gifts and organising Zoom meetings with family. ‘I have already bought their clothes online. On Eid day, I will make their favourite breakfast of pancakes, eggs and manakeesh. Later we will make maamoul (date cookies).’
A Ramadan of determination
Eleven-year-old Kareem Zayed was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and was homeschooled till grade five. Last November his parents decided to enrol him in the mainstream Next Generation School.
At school, he struggled to socialise with his peers and on the request of the Inclusion Department, Kareem did a full assessment and was diagnosed with autism.
Since the age of five, Kareem had often tried to fast for a few hours at a time, but this year he was determined to observe the fast for the entire day. ‘Kareem loves routine and my first task was to explain how the routine would change during Ramadan so that he could mentally prepare himself,’ explains his mother Gina Broodryk.
Although he had been homeschooled before, it was still a challenge to get Kareem into the rhythm of distance learning. The schedule of lessons had to be adapted to balance home life and emotional well-being while being stuck at home.
But Gina says Kareem is now adapting extremely well. ‘Since Ramadan started Kareem is doing as much work as he can, but still making time for Ramadan activities. We are so fortunate to have this time as a family and we are making the most out of being stuck at home, not having to rush anywhere. Honestly, I think the kids would like Ramadan to be year round! They now get to stay up later (9.30pm) and wake up in the night for suhour, and sleep late!
‘An added bonus is that the workload for the kids reduced during Ramadan, especially since Islam forms the basis of education at NGS,’ says Gina, who is a graphic designer.
The first day of fasting was hard for Kareem and he couldn’t make it through the whole day. It was a few days into the month that he completed a whole day of fasting. ‘His reaction of satisfaction after taking that first sip of water, breaking his fast; it was priceless and I will cherish it forever,’ says Gina.
On Fridays, he prays together with the family and listens to the English khutbah. Before iftar everyone works together to set the table, prepare the drinks’ tray and bring the food to the table.
His kid sister Noor, six, is also trying her hand at fasting.
Now that it is stay at home, is it difficult to make kids observe the fast? Gina asserts it is definitely easier. ‘With Ramadan being in summer, it would be harder going out and experiencing fasting in the heat. We are blessed to sit in a cool house, we can rest when we feel tired and spend time in prayer,’ she says.
Kareem is a fussy eater. He loves Egyptian toasted bread sandwich with mince and pesto, homemade chicken nuggets and pasta with Parmesan and mince, burger patties or kofta. ‘This Ramadan was a breakthrough because he is trying new stuff like yoghurt. It is very difficult to get him to try new food,’ she says.
Gina realises that Kareem has been struggling to observe full-day fasts, but he has skipped only three days so far. She has created a Better Self Ramadan Journey chart for the kids, where they do small tasks to strengthen their relationship with Allah.
Noor is partaking in the spirit by gifting her most-loved dresses to a few girls in need in Jebel Ali Village, and has made a care package for another girl.
Kareem is pushing himself outside of his comfort zone and trying new things such as gardening and preparing food. ‘He mopped the floors yesterday to help me.
‘He is also spending extra time in prayers and practising his Quran recitation,’ says Gina.
Kareem is not very vocal with his feelings, but Gina knows that he feels extremely blessed for having food and water, a roof over his head and a bed to sleep in, under these circumstances. ‘Every iftar, taking that first sip of water actually makes him emotional, remembering those who are less fortunate without food or water. It’s an enriching experience,’ she says.
The family is planning to make Eid cookies and distribute it to neighbours during Eid. ‘Contactless delivery, of course,’ smiles Gina. ‘Although my husband’s family is nearby in Dubai, we won’t be able to see them as some are immunity compromised.
‘So maybe the rest of the day will be spent watching a movie with the kids in our living room, with closed curtains, popcorn and Eid cookies!’
Every iftar, taking that first sip of water actually makes him emotional, remembering those who are less fortunate without food or water. It’s an enriching experience’