Helping Muslim children during Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of reflection for young Muslims. It allows them to contemplate the things they appreciate and the impact their actions have on the world. Our Resilient Me service supports the mental health and well-being of Muslim children through group work in London schools. They spoke to a group of Muslim children to find out what Ramadan means to them, and to learn more about how professionals can support children during this time.
A professional approach
As professionals working with young people, Ramadan can be a challenging time. We want to be supportive of young people’s faith and identities but sometimes this can conflict with what we feel is helpful for them.
Most schools have developed healthy practices. Some require parental consent for fasting. Others work with local Islamic organisations to provide guidance on the best foods to eat during sehri (morning meal) and iftar (evening meal) to ensure young people can keep up their energy and concentration for exams.
But we have also seen bans on pupils fasting, forcing young people to participate in vigorous physical activity during Ramadan or encouraging them to break their fast. This is extremely damaging.
Listening to young people
As professionals, youth voice is at the centre of what we do. We worked with a group of Year 7 students in East London to find out more about their experience of Ramadan, and what we can do to support.
A religious experience
Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, so it is not surprising many young people referenced their relationship with God.
'It brings me closer to Allah.'
Spirituality and religion are documented as having a positive impact on well-being.
Prayer is a form of mindfulness. Religion can give young people purpose in life and a lens through which to understand the world.
‘Ramadan makes me feel Allah loves me.’ ‘Ramadan makes me feel Allah loves me.’
Negative opinions
It isn’t about giving yourself punishment. It is about remembering.
Young people are aware of the negative opinions some people hold of them participating in Ramadan. But they made a clear connection between participation in Ramadan and positive well-being, describing it as a time that makes them feel ‘relaxed’ and creates a ‘state of peace’.
'A very holy and special month.' 'A very holy and special month.'
Finding ways to well-being
‘I think of how the poor struggle, while we have everything.’ ‘I think of how the poor struggle, while we have everything.’
Finding ways to well-being
The Five Ways to Well-being are one of the tools we use day-to-day. They offer a framework for children to improve their well-being.
One of the ways we often explore is ‘Take notice’, which includes awareness of yourself, your surroundings and the wider world. Young people told us Ramadan helps them build this awareness.
The ability to appreciate and recognise good things in life is a practice that professionals encourage. It is beneficial to well-being by developing an appreciation of all the things the young person has accomplished.
The importance of connection
Connection is an important aspect of well-being. And improving relationships was another theme highlighted. A sense of belonging and acceptance in a community prevents feelings of disaffection and alienation.
It brings us together as a community and family
Lasting impact
Young people described the benefits of taking part in Ramadan extending beyond the month itself. Some found strength in the practice of fasting.
'Ramadan teaches your body to withstand temptation.'
Others described how the lessons learned during Ramadan have a positive long-lasting effect on their character.
Ramadan makes me empathetic.
Finding a way that works
‘It’s a month of peace and testing.' ‘It’s a month of peace and testing.'
Professionals working with young people need to acknowledge the positive feelings young people associate with Ramadan. For many being Muslim is an important part of their character. To criticise this can damage a child’s sense of self.
Through our conversations, we can see the positive and lasting impact participating in Ramadan can have on children’s well-being, resilience and behaviours.
As professionals, we need to appreciate the value of Ramadan to the young people we work with.
