Doing good deeds is part of a Muslim's lifestyle. This is taught to children through a variety of methods. One way is to record good deeds.
Muslims are required to perform good deeds and acts to themselves and others to promote humanity. It is preferred that good deeds are done quietly and with sincerity to promote humbleness amongst each other. Good deeds can consist of smiling to someone to donating money to a charity or cause. Performing good deeds does not know social boundaries. In Islam, a Muslim is required to perform good deeds regardless of social status or ethnicity, as long as they are physically and mentally able to do so.
At young age, Muslim children are strongly encouraged to perform good deeds and acts. It is known that children mimic parents and other adult relatives. Children see how their parents and other adults perform deeds. Depending on the parents and other adults’ experiences and reactions of doing good deeds, children usually want to perform good deeds. Many children enjoy the satisfaction of being to help others.
Although, good deeds are expected to be performed, Ramadan is a special time where Muslims will go extra lengths to perform extra deeds to better humanity, kind of like the atmosphere during Christmas time, where many strangers will donate time and money for the better of humanity. Ramadan is a time where Muslim adults and children fast between sunset and sunrise. Although there are many reasons why fasting is required, one reason is to feel with the less fortunate and to appreciate what is available in the home. Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast. However, all children are encouraged to perform good deeds, extra ones if possible.
A good activity for children to do, during Ramadan, is to record their good deeds in a notebook or journal because this will help them become more aware of themselves and will allow them to see how their actions influence their environment. Explain to the children that they are to record their good deeds done for the day. Set how many deeds the children should perform. Have them write what they did and how they felt when they did their deed. Have them record during the days of Ramadan, which last about 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar calendar. Be sure to discuss with the children the deeds and reactions per day. At the end of Ramadan, have children discuss their notebooks or journals of deeds with their parents. Children will be amazed at how many deeds they have collected within that month.
This activity can continue after Ramadan is over, so that children can be aware of their own actions.
