When you’re a {young} child, Ramadan and Eid are about the lights, and gifts, and cash, and sweets, and paaaaaaaaaaaaarties!!!  Right?

Only if that’s what we make it out to be.

Oh no, I’m still the same Amnah that loves lights, gifts, cash, sweets, and paaaaaarties. But I’m about balance as well.

Along with fun, materialistic traditions (which we will eventually ween off of), I want my daughter’s to have a desire to serve and share with their community and those who have less.  When Ramadan comes along, I hope that they will first raise their hands in prayer for the success of others before they put in their requests for new clothes and shiny gadgets.  As Eid creeps closer, will they think of those that can’t afford a new dress and do something about it?

They will if I encourage it and set that example.

We’ve been saving our loose change for a long time.  At first we referred to our huge coin vessel as our “family fund” that we would use for whatever we decided on.  It bounced from a family vacation to putting the money towards a down payment on a home.  All unloved coins found their way into the jar.  Pockets, under sofas, on the floor in the car, wherever we found some change, I’d have the girls drop them in.  I thought I was teaching them about saving for a bigger goal.  That the things we want most in this world take time to afford.

Then I thought about it.  We’ve been on family vacations.  Owning a home didn’t seem necessary (though I wouldn’t mind).  After all, we’re renting a nice home with more than enough space for us.  I decided that our coins would now be used to change the life of someone in need.

We’ve been saving our coins and bills now for the sake of giving to the needy.  Instead of holding on to larger bills for our family fund, they now readily find their way into the jar.  The girls’ first reaction upon finding money is to give it to the needy.

For Ramadan, I wanted them to know that their reward for good deeds and giving to others increases tremendously.  Just simply telling them wasn’t going to be very fun, so I had them decorate a new jar specifically for their Ramadan donations.

Will this really have an affect on them in the long run and turn them into compassionate individuals after the greater good?  I have no idea.  The point is that I’m trying and that’s the best that I can do.

The idea of a sadaqah, or charity jar is not a new one.  It is a fun project that the girls enjoyed and took pride in the end result. Plus it’s a green craft by recycling old jars.  See what I did there? Slipped in a lesson about saving the earth too.

Before the end of the month, I’ll have each girl donate to the charity or cause of their choice.

Then once their jars are empty, we’ll re-purpose them as Eid lanterns.

DIY Ramadan Lantern

Print

Materials

• Glass jar
• Multi colored tissue paper
• 2 Tablespoons of glue thinned out with 2 tablespoons water
• Foam brush

Instructions

1. Cut or rip pieces of tissue paper in various colors. Avoid pieces that are too small - less than one inch, or too large 4-5 inches.

2. Lightly brush a layer of the thinned out glue on the outside of the jar. Aim for a thin layer. The foam brush tends to soak up a lot of the glue. We resorted to using our fingers to apply and spread the glue.

3. Apply the pieces of torn tissue paper onto the glue, piece by piece. Cover entire surface. Repeat with another layer or two.

4. Using the brush or your fingers, apply a thin layer of thinned glue over the last layer to fully seal it. Let dry completely.

5. Adults: Cut out a slit in the top of the lid. I don't have the best advice for this method. I ended up with sharp edges, so I used tape to cover them to avoid potential cuts or scratches. If desired, paint the lid.

Notes

Line your work surface with newspaper. Other wise you'll be cleaning up the mess longer than it took to make the craft.

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