What does Ramadan mean to you? Does it mean abstaining from
food and drink only until sunset? The
second and third graders at Sunrise Academy will tell you that it is much more
than that. They used the time also for
gaining knowledge which is every Muslim’s duty.
Souzan El-Kest coordinated the program for the month of Ramadan.
On the first day of Ramadan, each child was given his/her
own copy of the dua for breaking the fast.
Each day they were asked to repeat the dua from memory. When they were successful in doing so, a star
was drawn next to their names on the card.
Daily, children signed their names to a card which was then placed in
the pocket of a 30 pocket hanging poster.
They would then tour the hallway to hanging poster. They would then tour the hallway to discover
the posters of the week. Each poster was
related to Ramadan and fasting. Each
child submitted a report on the week’s posters at the end of the week. Children
also submitted a wish list for Eid presents.
Sr. Souzan reminded them that the value of the present would depend on
the effort they put forth in the following ways:
- 1. Number of days fasted successfully
- 2. Number and quality of weekly reports
- 3. Ability to memorize the dua
They were also reminded that the pleasure of Allah (SWT) was
of the utmost importance for future success.
There was one portion of the program which the entire school
took part in. After Duhr prayer, the
students listened to and recited ayat from Surah Baqarah which were related to
fasting. The meaning was explained for
clarification. After the first week,
prizes were given to the children who were able to give the meaning of the
ayat. During the last 10 days of
Ramadan, the focus was on Surah Qadr and its significance.
The Eid celebration at Sunrise Academy is a day that will be
remembered by all who attended. On
Friday before the Eid, the school was decorated by the teachers from the
full-time and weekend programs. The
party was held at the school on the Tuesday following Eid. The parents were invited to take part in this
special day. The children participated
in activities which were both educational and fun. After the first part of the program, everyone
sat down to eat. The children never
forgot to say the dua. Each child was
given a gift at the end of the party.
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