Ramadan

Ramadan: The Month of the Quran, Not the Month of TV Shows

A gentle reminder for families to prioritize their time in the blessed month of Ramadan. Let's make a conscious effort to turn towards the Quran and away from the screen.

March 5, 2024
4 min read
UUmm Al-Usama
Ramadan: The Month of the Quran, Not the Month of TV Shows

The irony of Ramadan is painful. In the very month revealed to celebrate the Quran, a multi-billion dollar television industry works tirelessly to pull our hearts away from it. Special Ramadan series, dramas, and comedy shows are produced specifically to capture our attention during the precious nights of this blessed month.

As parents striving to raise a righteous generation, we must ask ourselves a tough question: In our home, is Ramadan the month of the Quran, or has it become the month of TV shows?

It's a battle for our attention, and the attention of our children. And it's a battle we must consciously choose to fight.

أهم النقاط

  • Time is the Currency of Ramadan: Every minute is precious and irreplaceable.
  • TV Creates Passive Consumers: It disconnects us from the interactive nature of worship.
  • The Quran Requires Active Engagement: Recitation, reflection, and implementation.
  • Set Clear Family Rules: Agree on screen time limits before Ramadan begins.
  • Create Better Alternatives: Fill the time with engaging, spiritual activities as a family.

The Hidden Cost of Ramadan Entertainment

It's not just about "halal" or "haram" content. The issue is more subtle. An evening spent watching a TV series, even a seemingly harmless one, is an evening not spent in Taraweeh, in recitation, in dua, or in reflection.

The hours after Iftar are among the most blessed times of the day. They are a time for gratitude, for family connection, and for turning to Allah. When we fill this time with screens, we are telling our children that entertainment is more valuable than worship. We are training them to seek comfort and relaxation in a screen, rather than in the remembrance of Allah.

Allah tells us in the Quran: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28). Do our actions reflect this belief?

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Family's Ramadan

This isn't about banning all forms of relaxation. It's about a conscious shift in priorities.

  1. The Family Meeting: Before Ramadan, have a family meeting. Explain gently and lovingly that this year, you want to make the Quran the center of your Ramadan. Agree on clear, simple rules. For example: "No TV/screens for one hour before and one hour after Iftar." Or, "On weekends, we will watch one family movie together, but weeknights are for worship and family time."

  2. Create Engaging Alternatives: You can't just take away screens without offering something better.

    • Family Quran Time: A short, 10-minute session after Iftar where everyone reads, even just one verse.
    • Story Time: Read a story of a Prophet or a companion of the Prophet (PBUH).
    • Islamic Games: Play a board game about the Seerah or other Islamic topics.
    • Prepare for Taraweeh: Listen to the verses that the Imam will recite in Taraweeh that night and briefly discuss their meaning.

  3. Lead by Example: If you are secretly scrolling through your phone while telling your kids to get off their devices, your message will be lost. Be the first to put your phone away. Be the first to open the Quran. Your actions are the most powerful sermon.

هل أنتِ مستعدة للخطوة التالية؟

دورة نهج هي الخطوة الأولى نحو قراءة سليمة ومتقنة، وثقة أكبر في التعامل مع اللغة العربية والقرآن الكريم.

سجّلي ابنتكِ في نهججرّبي أداة النطق

Reclaiming Ramadan from the grip of screen culture is a form of jihad an-nafs (struggle against the self). It requires intention, planning, and commitment. But the reward is immense: a home filled with the light