For western expats in the Gulf one of the most foreign times of the year is Ramadan, especially if you’re new to the country. Regardless of your personal faith, though, it’s a great time to connect with those in your community, both Muslim and non-Muslim. ‘Ramadan is a celebration of the month during which the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received the revelations brought to him through the Angel Gabriel,’ says Amna Baltaji, a native of northern California who converted to Islam 30 years ago and has lived in the UAE for the last 20. ‘These revelations are considered to be the word of Allah and they form the Muslim holy book called the Koran.’
The most noticeable element of Ramadan is fasting; people who are fasting do not allow anything – food, drink, gum, cigarettes – to pass their lips during daylight hours. A greater disruption for children, however, will be the shortened school day. While older children will have to pay attention to dressing more conservatively.
So how can non-Muslim children, both younger kids and teens, show respect for Muslims during this special time? ‘Showing appreciation and admiration for their efforts,’ says Baltaji, who has been studying and sharing her understanding of Islam since her days at university. ‘If you see your friend is tired or hungry, noticing and cheering them on is a great expression of peace and a step towards understanding. My son was so touched when a non-Muslim classmate told him, “Good luck, I guess you’ll feel better at dinner!” and gave him a smile. You don’t have to be Muslim to be supportive and compassionate.’
All children should be encouraged to be more polite, generous and kind during Ramadan. Muslim children will be trying extra hard not to be naughty, deceitful or angry, and non-Muslim children should try not to lead them astray as a sure sign of respect.
Even better than encouraging words is your adherence to the rules of fasting, at least in public. Young children are not expected to observe the fast, but parents can do their part to keep their kids’ public eating and drinking to a minimum. Law requires that adults observe the fast in public during Ramadan; whether or not your teen is considered to be an adult is up for debate. The age a Muslim child will attempt to fast can vary. Though younger children are not required to fast, they may be allowed to go on ‘half fast’ (Asr/mid-afternoon to Maghreb/sunset) for practice, or to stop them from feeling left out. Most are fully fasting by about age 12.
If you were to flout the fasting law, you or your child probably wouldn’t go to jail, but the point of the law is more about respect. No matter what your personal views are, if you’ve chosen to leave your home country and live in a predominately Muslim culture, it’s only fair to show the proper respect, and the holy month of Ramadan is a prime example.
Baltaji suggests other ways to help educate children about the holy month. ‘Ask one of your Muslim friends if you can come to Iftar to break the fast with him or her one day. I always try to encourage my children to invite their non-Muslim friends and teachers over for Iftar. Ramadan is a month of community, and anybody of any age is welcome to ask questions.’
Kids’ camps
Ritz Kidz Summer Camp
Until August 12
This kids’ camp at the Ritz-Carlton offers activities from football to cooking classes and primarily caters for children between five and 12. It takes place weekly from Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-4pm. Each four-day package costs BD119 for non-members (BD99 members). Day packages cost BD35 for non-members (BD29 members). Call 17 589 380.
Fun & Laughter Factory
Until August 20
The RIA Institute’s summer camp runs from 8am to noon every Sunday to Thursday, catering for kids aged two to 11, with music and movement, art and craft, water play, games, face painting, sports, yoga, cooking and weekly parties. BD20 for a week or BD5 per day, until August 20. Call 17 227 777.
Radisson Blu Summer Camp
Until August 20
Basketball, yoga and treasure hunts are among the activities at the Radisson. Summer camps take place from Sunday to Thursday, until August 20, from 9am-3pm. Kids aged five to 12 are catered for, and there’s a range of price deals for members and non-members: one day is BD15 non-members (BD10 members); one week is BD70 (BD65); two weeks BD135 (BD125) and so on. Call the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel on 17 531 666.
EZ Fit Sports Coaching
Until August 31
EZ Fit offers football coaching for children aged three to 12 and cricket coaching for those aged four to 10. Football coaching for under sevens takes place Saturdays from 10am-noon and Tuesdays 3pm-6pm, then for kids aged eight to 12 on Sundays from 4pm-5pm and Wednesdays 4pm-5pm. Cricket is Mondays 4pm-5pm for under sixes, Wednesdays 4pm-5pm for under 10s. Sessions cost BD4 each. Call 17 692 378.
Studio Ceramics Summer Camp
Until August 31
There’s a more creative summer solution over at Studio Ceramics, just off Budaiya highway. Tots aged five to 10 can enjoy ceramic paining, crazy cooking, mad science (with a little help actually from Mad Science – the kids’ party organisers) and various other games and prizes every Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm. There’s an early drop-off option from 8am, too. Call 17 599 026.
