Introduction

To receive the Ramadhan Patch, Junior Girl Scouts must complete all sections: As-Sawm or Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam.

As Muslims we fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadhan, which is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Fasting is an important part of many religions, including Islam. It teaches self-control, is beneficial to the health, and fosters sisterhood and brotherhood. To earn this patch, the Girl Scouts will learn about these and other aspects and benefits of Fasting in Ramadhan.

Section 1 - Ramadhan and Fasting

Activity 1A: References to Fasting in the Qur'an

There are many references to fasting in the Qur'an. During Ramadhan we thank Allah for the food that we eat and we also learn to respect the intricate food chain which enables us to survive.

Read the following Ayah (Sign from God Almighty) in the Holy Qur’an on Fasting:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it had been prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self-restraint:—(fasting) for a fixed number of days but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number should be made up from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom—the feeding of one who is indigent. But the one who will give more of his own free will—it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast if you only knew. Ramadhan (is the month) in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting. But if any one is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah desires for you ease. Allah does not want to put you in difficulties. Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Allah in that way that Allah has guided you, so that you will be grateful."

— Qur’an al-Kareem 2:183-185

Reflection Questions:

Why has Allah Subhaana wa Ta'ala ordered us to fast?
What should we do if we cannot fast due to an illness?
What should we do if we are on a journey?
What is the special event that took place during Ramadhan?

Activity 1B: Suhoor and Iftar

Sayyedna Muhammad also taught us many things about fasting and how to do it best. From the passage above, we see that fasting was an order from Almighty Allah which many prophets of Allah (SwT) conveyed to their people. The basic principles of fasting include suhoor and iftar. Read these Hadiath (sayings of the Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him) and learn about suhoor and iftar.

"Take meal a little before dawn (suhoor), for there is a blessing in taking a meal at that time."

"The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the Book is eating shortly before dawn."

Section 2 - What is Fasting?

Activity 2A: Understanding True Fasting

We know that we must fast in the holy month of Ramadhan, but what is fasting? Basically, fasting is refraining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. More specifically, a person who fasts must not fight, curse, or lie.

Narrated Abu Huraira (rA) that Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said:

If a person does not abstain from telling lies or doing wrong when he is observing fast, let it be known to him that Allah does not want that he should stop taking his food (fasting).

Activity:

Consider the Hadith above. Make up a little play or write a story about those Muslims who fast and are righteous, and those who lie and fight during their fast.

Section 3 - Why should we Fast?

Activity 3A: Helping the Needy

Another benefit of fasting is feeling the hunger and pain that needy people around the world feel. Almighty Allah wants us to know the pain of hunger so that we appreciate our food and help the needy. As Girl Scouts of the Islamic Faith we must help out in our local, national and international community as much as we can. Plan to serve food at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen, or participate in a food drive for Muslim refugees in war-torn areas, preferably in the month of Ramadan.

Safwan bin Salim (rA) related that RasulAllah (pbuh) said:

Anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah’s cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night.

– Bukhari

Activity 3B: Self-Control

Of course one of the most important concepts that we learn from fasting is self-control. During the month of Ramadhan we get to practice self-discipline.

Option 1

Brainstorm a list of ways that practicing self-control can help in your day to day life. Consider peer-pressure, drugs, and alcohol.

Option 2

Read “A Promise” by Melody Ghandchi from the book Kids Are Muslims Too!, published by The Islamic Education Center. This short story is about a young boy’s promise to fast during the month of Ramadhan.

Activity 3C: Good Deeds in Ramadan

Ramadhan is also a time in which we can 'catch up' on doing good deeds. Although we should strive to be pious all year round, Ramadhan is a time when the sawab (credit or reward) of doing good deeds is ten to seven hundred times greater!

Your troop could do any of the following:

Take part in a beach cleanup
Visit a senior citizens' home
Take part in a food drive
Help out a leader with a younger troop

Section 4 - When should we Fast?

Activity 4A: Creating an Islamic Calendar

Of course, we all must fast during Ramadhan, but it is permissible to fast on other days as well, with the exception of Eid day. As we have learned Ramadhan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

Activity:

Make a calendar including all the Islamic months indicating the dates of the solar calendar. Mark out important days such as Ashura, 12th Rabi-al-awal, 27th Ramadhan, 10th Zil-Hajj, etc.

Include in the calendar timings of the sahoor and iftar in your area for the month of Ramadhan.

Section 5 - Lailatul Qadr

Activity 5A: The Night of Power

Lail-atul-Qadr is an important night in Ramadhan. It is the night when the Qur’an al Kareem was revealed to RasulAllah (pbuh) in the Cave of Hira. We are informed in the Holy Qur’an that praying on the night of Qadr is like praying for a thousand months. Read Surah Qadr (97:1-5) with its translation.

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

"We revealed it (the Qur’an al-Kareem) in the Night of Qadr (Power/Glory/Worth). And what do you understand what the Night of Power/Glory is? The Night of Qadr (Power/Glory/Worth) is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Rooh (Spirit) come down in it by the Command/Will of their Sustainer with every decree. Peace it is, till the break of dawn."

— Quran al-Kareem 97:1-7

Reflection Questions:

How many months is one night of Qadr worth?
What happened on the night of Qadr?
When is the night of Qadr?

Section 6 - When should we Fast?

Activity 6A: Niyaah and Dua

The most important thing about Fasting is having the proper Niyaah (Intention to Fast). Without intention, a fast is not lawful. Intention should be made at the time of Sahoor with the words below.

Learn the following niyaah:

وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

"Bi Saumim ghadin nawaitu min shahri Ramadhan."

The fasting of tomorrow I intend for the month of Ramadhan.

At the time of iftar, there is another small dua (prayer) which is recited. Girl Scouts can memorize it. Have a small iftar gathering with your troop and learn the following: