Islamic Occasions, A Gate of Opportunity for Religious Education
- Islamic occasions are one of the most fascinating features of the Shi’a school of thought; which provides the people with a good opportunity to hold religious ceremonies throughout the year and it has become an accepted culture. On the other hand, Muslims living in the West, due to their busy lifestyle can only come to Islamic centers on the weekends. Yet again due to the lack of time, their presence is more prominent during Islamic occasions.
- Participating in such occasions convey to us the Muslim and Shia identity; while it can also be considered as a reminder and memorial, and a way for us to be acquainted with religious traditions and teachings.
- Islamic occasions are often associated with the birth or martyrdom of our divine leaders. Participating in these ceremonies, can lead us to further bond with the Prophet and his immaculate Household. That indeed, this relationship is one of the greatest factors of prosperity in this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet (PBUH & HP) said: “Nurture your children to acquire three qualities: the love of your Prophet, the love of his Household, and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.”
- Participating in Islamic occasions and being in the presence of our brothers and sisters in faith, is a great opportunity to have virtuous friends. So, we may get together, by helping one another to have a religious lifestyle in a secular society.
- It should be noted that commuting to Islamic centers may not be easy for some families. Therefore, if the Islamic center can hold a program for adults, children, and adolescents at the same time; it is a worthwhile opportunity for all the members of the family to benefit from a religious education tailored to their needs in one single trip.
Why Children?
- Teaching and the nurturing of children is a priority in comparison with adults; because its certain and definite that a person’s personality develops at a much faster pace during childhood than adulthood.
- Muslim children are more prone to find critical damage done to their faith and spirit in the pursuit of socializing with their non-Muslim friends. These injuries are sometimes profound and persistent.
- Media, video games, and social networks can destruct the pure innocence of children.
- Some parents of these children, have no prior experience in nurturing their children in such environments, and need help in this effort.
- Childhood is a sweet, and an everlasting period. If during this period, children become acquainted with the rational and innate teachings of Islam, and religious teachings through lively yet effective literature; this enables them to follow their religious path with a positive perception of religiosity and not bear in mind any unrealistic thoughts about religion.
The Outline of Islamic Occasions for Children and Adolescents
- One of the concerns of parents is how they may manage their children, so they can easily participate in the program. Hence, the existence of a concurrent program for children, can be the basis for parents to attend the program without any concern. While sometimes children and adolescents are reluctant to attend an event, because they do not perceive adult programs suitable to their interests, and even this may ultimately lead to the absence of the elderly at the program.
- Hence, implementing an enjoyable event for children can be the basis for their continued presence in these programs during their adolescence, and young adult years. Creating an appealing, friendly, and religious atmosphere for children who may have less experience in a religious setting is one of the priorities of implementing these types of programs.
- Official invitations will create an everlasting feeling for children. This sense of honor and belonging in the context of a religious program is itself effective in creating fondness for Islamic culture. The existence of a dynamic and comprehensible program in the form of sincere communication between children and their mentor, all leaves behind lasting lifelong memories.
- Establishing friendship and sympathy between Muslim children and their instructor can be a positive basis for their nurturing. Familiarizing children with positive role models and creating an emotional bond with them against the same ones that are imposed through media, is a valuable achievement of these gatherings.
- One of the goals of conducting a program for adults, is for them to become acquainted with Islamic teachings and beliefs. Therefore, with a comprehensive look, we can provide an educational and nurturing plan for our children. In which with their continued participation in such ceremonies, they will be acquainted with a collection of Islamic life lessons. In this way, the content of the programs apart from highlighting the occasion, should also address other Islamic issues.
The Educational Approach in Islamic Occasions
- As stated above, Islamic occasions can be a golden opportunity for our children to be acquainted with beautiful religious doctrines. Therefore, it is worthwhile to have a comprehensive look at all Islamic teachings and align the content of the ceremonies based on various subjects. Fortunately, this has been done over the years, and a comprehensive list of various topics related to the generation of children and adolescents have been constructed under the supervision of erudite educators and is now being used.
- In order integrate the curriculum, a total of 20 occasions were selected from the lunar year, and the topics covered in the content of these programs were distributed so that each program usually has three topics: one topic is related to the occasion, a topic related to beliefs, and another topic covers the maters of ethical behavior or life skills.
- All children are not at the same level! In this context, and referring to the content of these program files, level one is geared toward ages 4-7, and for level 2 it is geared toward ages 8-11. Indeed, all children in level 1 or 2 are not at the same level. Meaning that there is a profound difference between a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old child, and sometimes the level of intelligence, perception, and ability of a 4-year-old is higher than a 6-year-old. However, these programs are designed with respect to the noteworthy similarities that exists among this group of children. At the same time, the content of the programs is flexible, in a way that it covers matters appropriate for different ages at that level. In addition, it should be noted that a 4-year-old is not yet ready to be taught a lesson; but their presence at the program, and during the craft and or the story segment can be beneficial for them. Particularly in some cases in the West, children enter kindergarten at age 4, and it is appropriate for us to also have a program in mind for them.
- To implement an effective education for our intended audience (children and adolescents), one should use the language and methods that are suitable for teaching. Hence, the content of the programs must have a well-defined outline to be successful in conveying the message to our audience who are children and adolescents. For this purpose, to create the content of the programs we have asked for the help of specialists in pediatric psychology. We also have created the contents in a format so that each mentor and educator can run a program without the need for additional resources.
- In addition, with the use of specialized resources for teacher training, and by benefiting from the experiences of knowledgeable instructors in religious education; we have set up pedagogy classes. This course has been implemented online numerous times and its outcome has been well-motivated, and proficient educators who are ready to hold occasions, and even classes for children and adolescents.
Number and Time of the Programs (Calendar)
1.By looking at the Islamic calendar, we observe the following events that are listed as selected from the beginning of the lunar year, respectively:
- A program for the first ten days of the month of Muharram
- Ashura
- The martyrdom of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba-Peace be Upon Him (6th of Safar)
- The martyrdom of the Prophet-Peace Be Upon Him and His Holy Progeny (28th of Safar)
- The birth of the Prophet-Peace Be Upon Him and His Holy Progeny (17th of Rabi al-Awwal)
- The martyrdom of lady Fatemeh al-Zahra -Peace be Upon Her (3rd of Jamadi al-Thani)
- The birth of lady Fatemeh al-Zahra -Peace be Upon Her (20th of Jamadi al-Thani)
- The birth of Imam Ali-Peace Be Upon Him (13th of Rajab)
- Mab’ath of the Prophet-Peace Be Upon Him and His Holy Progeny (27th of Rajab)
- The birth of Imam Hussain-Peace Be Upon Him (3rd of Sha’baan)
- The birth of the Imam of Our Time-May God Hasten His Return (15th of Sha’baan)
- The birth of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba-Peace Be Upon Him and the Holy month of Ramadan (15th of Ramadan)
- The martyrdom of Amir al-Mu’minin-Peace Be Upon Him and the Holy nights of Qadr (19th, 21st, and 23rd of Ramadan)
- Eid al-Fitr (1st of Shawwal)
- The birth of Imam al-Reza-Peace Be Upon Him (11th of Zil Qad)
- Eid al-Adha (10th of Zil Hajj)
- Eid al-Ghadir (18th of Zil Hajj)
- Friday (2 Times)
- Out of these twenty listed occasions, thirteen of them are celebratory and festive, while seven of them have a mournful, and sorrowful aspect. Certainly, it is not possible for everyone to conduct all these occasions. Some of these occasions are back to back and there is little or no time between each occasion, and it will not be possible for both the educators and child’s parents to implement all of them. In addition, sometimes, some of these occasions may fall during a time when their implementation is difficult, such as the end of the year, summer holidays, travel time, final exams, etc.
- The present plan envisions a comprehensive set of topics necessary for the nurturing of two age groups of level 1 and level 2 and anticipates having content tailored to children’s level of understanding and practical usage for these twenty occasions in four years; a total of eighty programs. And until today about thirty programs have been prepared for each level. The content of these programs is mainly prepared by mentors who themselves reside in the West and implement the produced content for their students. This endeavor, has been possible with the help of volunteers without receiving any salary, with the motivation to serve the Imam of Our Time (PBUH), as well as considering the great need of children who grow up in the West.
- Presenting the whole content of each file takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Given that the appropriate time for each performance should be about one and half to two hours, while these files are approximately equivalent to two times the amount of content required. This was because mentors and educators can have the choice to select the content appropriate for their own circumstances and the participants. It should be noted that each file usually has three topics listed above the file and the content of the file covers the three topics, in which each topic appears in at least two parts of the file. Therefore, according to the topics, it is recommended that instructors choose segments that fully covers the mentioned topics.
- Apart from having a program for various occasions, the content of these files may be organized in a way that can be taught during weekly classes.
Introducing the Framework of the Contents
- We have tried to incorporate the following components in each file:
- Warm-Up (Craft or Coloring)
- Beginning (Qur’anic discussion and Introducing the event)
- Story
- Play
- Prezi (Presenting images and the subject matter using Prezi)
- Game
- Competition
- Poem
- Clip
- Group activity
- Animation
- End (Summary, Conclusion, and Du’a)
- Take-Home Activity
- Life Lesson (Level 2)
- Each file contains a table that which each of its rows includes the components listed above. Each row contains the following five columns:
- First column, indicates the number of the program.
- Second column, contains the programs text.
- The third column indicates the estimated duration of that program.
- The fourth column focuses on the objectives of that program. It is imperative to look at this part before the start of any program. In fact, after each performance, instructors should evaluate their presentation, and consider whether if they have been successful to achieve the intended goals set for that segment?
- The final column also describes the methods and requirements for presenting the program, which again is important to consider a few days prior to the program so there is sufficient time to prepare for it. For example, in the case of play, it may be necessary for the actors to rehearse, and find the necessary props for the décor. This holds true for the rest of the segments such as the Prezi, activities, games, and other segments.
- Prezi can be presented online or offline. Clips and animations have been chosen from various websites. God willing, in years to come we have the intention to download these contents and place them on our website that has been designed for this purpose. But for now, the link of each intended video is available in the relevant section of each file.
- The content of each file only includes educational topics. Obviously, children and adolescents need to have fun, be entertained, and relax during the program. Hence, the respected instructors, when needed should also include recreational programs in between the educational subjects they present. At the same time, it should be noted that recreational programs should be performed just as necessary.
- At the beginning of each file there is a table of contents, which makes it simple for each instructor to choose what they wish to perform. Sometimes at the beginning of a program (for example, a story or play), there is reference to the previous program (for example, a Qur’anic discussion). Instructors should take this into consideration before proceeding and if necessary make changes to the program text.
Principles and Fundamentals of the Contents
- The content is prepared in accordance with the following principles and fundamentals:
- Presenting a discussion by benefiting from the teachings of the Qur’an
- A rational approach and striving to express the content based on the participants level of understanding, in a way that they can practice. Hence, a great attention has been given to the usage of vocabulary and the combination of sentences; and the mentors are asked to avoid altering the vocabulary, if the level of the content is appropriate for the participants.
- Benefiting from the teachings of the of the Prophet and his immaculate Household [PBUT], which has been imparted to us through their narrations and moral conduct.
- Special attention is given to our master the Imam of Our Time [PBUH] and seeking to establish a unique relationship between the Imam and children
- Presenting meaningful teachings, with examples that are applicable in life
- The coherence of the content, in a way that learners who participate in different programs, have the possibility of becoming acquainted with a complete set of Islamic education needed for their age.
- Independence between the subject matters discussed in each program, so that if a student has not participated in previous programs, they can still take advantage of the content being taught.
- The presented material is based on the common views of the Shi’a jurists and carried out in accordance with the traditional religious traditions. And avoided from using intellectual or Sufi ideologies, and political figures and ideologies are neither denied nor proven.
- Avoided from discussing any sectarian differences and attempting to adopt a positive approach instead of negating others. Especially considering that children are inexperienced and might mention issues related to the Shi’a and Sunni differences or other sensitive issues in the family, and communities that should not be stated. Therefore, even Sunni children may participate in such programs.
- Considering the general cultural issues related to the people living in the West. Clearly, the custom, culture, and societal standards of every city, state, and region is different; and the respected mentor should take this into consideration and shape the content based on that.
- Considering the issues related to the children’s psychology. Many of these files have been prepared in coordination with pediatric psychologist and experts in child development, and ultimately with their evaluation and final approval.
- The content in each content package has been compiled in two levels: lower and higher. This enables the instructor to select and present the content that they deem appropriate based on the audience’s needs and circumstances.
- The content of these files, are considered as the first version of the file, and it is still being tested and implemented in various centers across the globe. God willing, after receiving feedback from instructors; we will then proceed to implement those changes and prepare the second version of the file. But, until then the same version will be valid.
- The presented content is designed to be simple and not obscure. In other words, to convey the content to children, the use of complex and indirect language has been avoided. The contents are designed based on the following factors:
- Content is easy to understand, tailored to the comprehension level of the participants
- Engaging the learners and inspiring them in the learning process or by posing a question
- Presenting the educational materials during the play in a tangible way, which recounts how the teachings are applicable in lives of the same people and their age.
- Narrating the stories of the predecessors and highlighting the useful life lessons
- Narrating fiction stories but within the framework of a normal life
- Presenting the content by animal and doll figures for level 1
- Craft or coloring appropriate with the themes presented in the file. Not with the aim of strengthening the child’s ability in making crafts, but rather to convey religious teachings and morals. The procedures for the craft as well as the images needed are provided at the end of the file, in scale of 1:1.
- Expressing the content in a form of a group activity; aimed at strengthening children’s social skills, spirit of cooperativity, team-work, and friendship
- Reiterating and emphasizing on some of the content taught to children at home and conveying the materials to the parents by doing related activity at home. Believing, that the relationship between parents and educators and allowing the parents to be aware of what has been taught to their child; has a significant impact in maximizing children’s learning abilities.
- Giving children simple tasks as simple as cultural activities, such as holding a small celebration amongst their families. With the aim of enhancing their religious fervor, and missionary skills.
Planning and Inviting for an Occasion
- If an occasion has never been held before, meaning that in the previous program it was not discussed with parents; then it is necessary to invite the participants a week in advance. To invite, you may use various techniques that have been explained in the course: “The Skills Necessary to Conduct a Ceremony”.
- To conduct the ceremony, the person who is going to take the lead in terms of planning for the ceremony, must consider the following points:
- The location of the ceremony
- The time of the ceremony
- Invitees
- The content of the program
- The hosts
- The needed facilities for the implementation of the ceremony
- Funding the cost
For each of the following items, further explanation has been provided in the course: “The Skills Necessary to Conduct a Ceremony”
- It is imperative that before the program the hosts are fully justified about their role, the content of the program, and are coordinated with each other. They should practice their role beforehand and evaluate the necessary facilities needed for a successful implementation.
The Method of Conducting a Ceremony
- The location of the program, must have the necessary amenities for a successful implementation. For example, if the program for level 1 and level 2 is to be held simultaneously, it is necessary to prevent the noise interference that might occur. Otherwise, you may proceed to hold the program for each level separately, or have each level become the viewer of the other level.
- Preparing the setting, includes cleaning, decorating with items such as balloons, decorative items, string lights, amenities necessary to play audio, and video, a place suitable for performing the play, and ideally to set up chairs for the audience. Seating children on chairs will establish orderliness and make the program more organized.
- Greeting the participants at the beginning of the program is essential. If the child is brought to the program by their parents, this greet means that they are entrusting their child[ren] to us. Hence, we must ask the parents about their child’s desires and wishes. We must consider their personal belongings and place them in an appropriate place. Greet the child with warmth, accompany them to the program and let them know what is going on, so they may fully benefit from the program.
- Note that the programs appearing in each of the files for that respected occasion, are all educational content in line with the topics listed above the file. But one should also consider that along with these educational materials, we need to allocate a time for fun activities for children that are not educational and are not associated with the subject of the program. In some ways, its serves as a “recess” time in between the planned programs.
- The programs for the recesses time can be of the following types:
- Physical activities such as exercise and running race…
- Fun contests such as pantomime, and…
- Group activities such as musical chairs, three-legged race and …
- Serving healthy refreshments that children will enjoy
Token of Remembrance, Gift (and Prize)
Tokens of remembrance and gifts are usually part of children’s programs. In preparing them, one should pay attention to the following points:
- Expensive gifts should be avoided, because usually buying gifts are supposed to be a token of remembrance and it’s not ideal for children to have high expectations.
- Gifts should be useful for the life of the participants. Therefore, if there is variety of gifts, it is befitting that each winner is awarded a gift based on their age and circumstances.
- Young children (level 1), do not have an adequate understanding of losing and expect to receive a prize in any case. Therefore, if they do not receive a prize it will leave behind bitter memories about the program. There is no requirement that there should be a competition in all the programs, but if there is a competition, it should be in a way that everyone is a winner and not just one person. And if necessary, they can receive a spiritual gift, such as applauding other participants and doing things that would make them happy. Or, in the last resort, winners can receive better prizes, if everyone has received a token of remembrance.
- The craft or coloring at the beginning of the program can itself be treated as a memorable gift. It is befitting that by explaining this, educators can convey this concept to children.
Refreshments
- Refreshments can be served as follows:
- At the time of welcome
- In between the program without allocating a time for it
- Allocating a time for it
- In a form of food served at the end of the program
- Special refreshments, such as cake along with a program for cutting the cake
- It is good to serve the refreshments with the help of children from that same level or higher level, so they can learn to take responsibility and consider themselves as part of the program.
- Observing the following principles and selection can be convenient in serving refreshments:
- To be prepared by considering what children like and dislike
- Should be prepared enough per person, and nothing is wasted
- Healthy snacks should be served
- Preparing luxurious foods and refreshments that are beyond the budget of the participating families should be avoided
- Asking parents before the program about their child[ren] diet restriction and food allergies
- Participants should observe cleanliness while eating, and make sure drinks are not spilled on the rug or carpet.
Executive Points
Checklist Before the Program
- Location of the Ceremony: Special attention should be given so there is no noise interference between the two levels, avoid causing disturbance to the neighbors
- Preparing the Location: cleaning, decorating with items such as balloons, decorative objects, string lights, amenities necessary to play audio and video, suitable place for the play to be acted, chairs (if possible)
- Time of the Ceremony: preferably to be concurrent with the adult program, or on a weekend
- Invitees: prepare and send invitation cards, announcing the rules of participating
- Hosts: determining the hosts and their role, announcing the timetable to them
- Content of the Program: sending the content of the lesson plan to the hosts of the program
- Facilities: accommodating the needed equipment such as projector, speakers and microphone
- Fundraising: speaking to charitable sponsors before the program, planning for receiving parental funds for the cost of the ceremony
Welcome Checklist
- Welcoming is the most imperative part of the program and should be done with warmth and sincerity. So that the first encounter leaves a sweet and pleasant impression on the child’s mind
- The Welcome Table: Parents have entrusted their children to us, asking about their specific needs
- Grouping children based on their age and providing them with name tags
- As much as possible, preventing children from carrying their cell phones, cameras, tablets or laptops.
- Pay special attention to the entertaining activities such as games, and the refreshments served before the official start of the program
- Avoid causing any disturbance to the neighbors (excessive noise during the program, the location of where vehicles are parked, making noise in the hallways etc.)
Communicating with Parents
- Before the start, briefly introduce the program to the parents such that in this program we will make a craft, have a story regarding this topic, and play an animation with this subject, and a poem etc.
- Provide the take home activity to parents
- If there is a specific problem regarding a child, report it to their parents at the end of the program. For example, if they got in an argument with another child, their clothes became dirty, or they went to the bathroom etc.
Obstacles Faced During a Children’s Program
- The need to address the physical needs of young children during the program is a must for level 1. The educators must give immediate attention and care to issues such as fatigue, hunger, thirst, the need to go to restroom, help with eating and drinking of children during the program.
- Usually, children do not observe order and the rules of the program’s location. Therefore, during the program, educators must be careful about the cleanliness, and neatness of that place and its equipment. And convey this need and sense of responsibility to children so, that they themselves feel responsible about this issue and about their program’s location. And after the program, make the location like the way it was originally.
- The spirit of girls and boys are different. This difference is less pronounced at level 1, but at level 2 is more serious. Besides prioritizing the need to observe issues associated with non-mahram; to have a successful program for level 2, if possible have a separate program for girls and boys. However, sometimes due to certain restrictions some segments can be done together while other segments can be done separately.
- One of the obstacles faced during the children’s program, is the disagreements that happen among children. Sometimes we see fights and disputes between small children (level 1) or children (level 2). Sometimes, this disagreement is due to an event that might have happened during the program, and sometimes the root cause of the problem is due to past problems or interactions outside the program. In such circumstances, the instructor should not judge or interfere with matters they are not aware, but rather try to attract their attention to other matters, so they forget about their disagreements and successfully handle the problem.
- Give the older or active children a responsibility in a way that their energy is better spent.
- One of the priorities of such programs is to create lasting memories for children. So, even if a child is being noisy and loud, it is not right for us to punish them, but rather with patience we must invite them to cooperate. If the behavior of this child is causing harm to other children, we must remind them of this matter and provide them with their favorite entertainment.
Games
- Islamic occasions both have an educational and nurturing aspect. A portion of this aspect has been included in the text of the program which will be conveyed to children during the performance. In addition, you must arrange other engaging activities such as games, physical activities, discussions, and group activities. These activities are in fact the second aspect of these educational and nurturing contents. Therefore, the instructor with their virtuous and good behavior, and by correctly managing children in that game or activity, in practice, can nurture authentic Islamic values and behavior.
- Here games are meant to be group games in which children can become acquainted with Islamic morals and values such as observing politeness, fairness, compassion for friends, honesty, patience and so forth.
- Games that are common in the culture of the intended audience can be a good platform to inculcate and practice these moral values. And the priority here is not to introduce novel games.
Tips the Educators Must Follow (1)
- Neat and clean clothes appropriate for the celebration
- Hair and facial hair well groomed (Men)
- Sincere and friendly communication with the audience without going overboard
- Careful attention and care about your responsibilities
- Be punctual (Be present at least two hours before the celebration)
- Leave the site on time (After everything is put away)
- Avoid using foul and disrespectful language
- Avoid promoting or approving the media
- Jokes appropriate for the occasion
- Care for the physical and mental health of the audience
- Sincere and friendly cooperation with the coordinators of the ceremony and conveying your written feedback to them
- Avoid the use of cell phones during the program
Tips the Educators Must Follow (2)
- Treat all children fairly
- Making sure the celebration is jubilant, while maintaining order
- Avoid altering the program schedule without notifying the coordinators of the celebration
- Modesty and decency are essential, both for the audience and the respected mentors
- Necessary to exercise prudence when using tools such as scissors, glue gun and other cutting appliances
- Seize the moment and use indirect instruction as much as possible
- Consider the sick, the different ability of humans, shy people etc.
- Consider the age range and features of this age group: self-promoting and promoting their work, attracting the attention of the mentor and others, sensitives, feelings etc.
Tips the Educators Must Follow (3)
- Record your experiences, and if needed share it with the coordinators of the ceremony
- Be diligent in keeping a good care of the educational tools of the group
- Avoid parking your cars at a place that can cause disturbance to the neighbors or others
- Divide your energy accordingly from the start to finish
- Avoid unnecessary and unrelated conversations with friends
- Keep in mind that the participants will emulate your conduct, the way you dress, jokes and encounters
Four Important Points
- Children are the delicate and flattering flowers of our lives. The encounter with them must be accompanied with kindness and endearment. When we are facing them with the role of a religious educator, our master the Imam of Our Time excepts us to treat them with kindness and show admiration. And in a way, represent and depict the Imam’s sympathetic character to our children on his behalf.
- Look at the learners in a way that over the next few years they are going to continue your path, and wherever they might live across this globe they are competent to lead this work and work in the path of nurturing their children.
- Before anything, it’s crucial to bear in mind that implementing such Islamic occasions, are an example of service to our master the Imam of Our Time [PBUH] and aiding his Eminence. Hence, it is appropriate to seek refuge in the Merciful God from Satan, in every step of our service and help, and speak to our Master and Imam and ask for his assistance and avoid being selfish and hypocrite.
- Happiness, affection, friendship, and empathy are the best principles that play a substantial role in the health of children. So, let’s teach our children this peaceful religion with its principles and let them leave their program with joy and sense of affection and create lasting memories for them.