Andalusia Speech wants to help promote diversity, inclusion and awareness. So we are introducing our religious and cultural holiday series, starting with Ramadan!
Ramadan is an Islamic month full of prayer, reflection, and spending time with loved ones, which began this year on April 12th, 2021 and will continue until May 13th, 2021. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the holiday Eid! Muslims who observe Ramadan do not eat or drink from sunrise to sundown and are generally expected to reduce negative behaviours like lying, cursing, fighting, etc. Fasting and following these practices is meant to allow one to focus on their faith and self-improvement, be thankful for what they have, and be there for others.
Watch these adorable kids explain Ramadan in a video from Islamic Relief Canada!
Even if you aren't Muslim or aren't fasting, you can still be an ally by learning relevant vocabulary and phrases to greet your Muslim friends, family or colleagues during Ramadan. It's important to recognize that Muslims can be from any country and speak any language, and that even if someone identifies as Muslim, they may not participate in all the aspects of it, so it's better to ask than assume.
For kids, get them involved by teaching them the meanings of these vocabulary words and greetings, and then look for them in the word search created by Muslimah Mom:
Vocabulary
Ramadan - the month of fasting in Islam
Fasting - not eating or drinking from sunset to sunrise
Suhoor (suh-HOOR) – the meal eaten before sunrise every day during the month of Ramadan to help sustain a Muslim while they are fasting throughout the day
Iftar (if-TAR) – meal at sunset when Muslims break their fast and eat
Eid (EED) – "Festival of Breaking the Fast", celebrated on the first day of the month after Ramadan, full of a morning prayer, visiting family and friends, and giving gifts
Zakat-al-Fitr (za-KAHT ull-FTR) – a charity donation given by Muslims a few days before the end of Ramadan to help people and causes around the world
Greetings
Ramadan Kareem / Karim (RA-mah-daahn KA-reem) – "Wishing you a happy/generous Ramadan"
Ramadan Mubarak (RA-mah-daahn moo-BA-ruk) – "Blessed Ramadan"
Eid Mubarak (eed-moo-BA-ruk) – "Happy Eid!"
We hope this post was informative and fun, and to all those observing the Holy Month, Ramadan Mubarak!
Sources
Ali, Z. (2021, May 01). Explaining ramadan to your children. Retrieved May 05, 2021, from https://zakeeyaali.com/blog/ramadan-for-children
Calendar Labs (n.d.). Ramadan. Retrieved May 05, 2021, from https://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/islam/ramadan.php
Common things you'll hear During Ramadan, and what they mean. (2021, April 15). Retrieved May 05, 2021, from https://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/guide/faqs/common-things-youll-hear-during-ramadan-and-what-they-mean
Andalusia Speech Therapy has multiple clinics across Ontario and offers virtual therapy to clients anywhere in the world. Contact us more for information.