The month of Ramadan exudes a spirit that is felt by all Muslims, but its beauty is that everyone can experience it differently. For many, the reward of Ramadan is attained by fasting, reading Quran, praying taraweeh, and other spiritual acts. While these acts are hugely important, it is crucial to remember that not everyone in the community has the capacity to participate in them. Masjids should ensure that none of their members feel left out, including new Muslims, children, elderly, parents with young children, women on their period, and people who may struggle in any aspect of their deen.
This is especially true as we enter the last 10 nights, when the atmosphere becomes even more charged with anticipation and devotion. Though it looks different from person to person, everyone is striving to make the most of every moment in hopes of catching Laylatul Qadr. While our collective goal throughout Ramadan, and especially during these last 10 nights, is the same – to strengthen our connection with our Creator – the means to achieving this connection vary greatly.
In this blog post, we go beyond the debate over the number of rak’ahs in taraweeh to help masjids create a supportive environment for everyone seeking to strengthen their connection with Allah and make the most of this special time.
So, what can masjids do to accommodate the diverse needs of their community?
A good first step is to offer alternative programming after 8 rak’ahs of taraweeh for those who can’t pray or have trouble praying 20 rak’ahs. This allows for those who are able to pray 20 to do so while also ensuring that those who can’t or don’t want to have other options for worship in the masjid. We’ve gathered a few ideas to get you started:
1. Suhba Series
A halaqa-style talk with snacks and refreshments is a great option for adult Muslims to socialize, share ideas, and learn something new, all while in an Islamic environment. It is also ideal for high school and college students who want to both pray taraweeh and participate in a social activity that gives them inspiration and cause to reflect. Remember: seeking righteous companionship is also a form of worship that can feed the soul long after Ramadan!
2. Workshops or Lectures
There are so many topics that could be covered! A few ideas: a mini series focusing on the virtues of the last 10 nights, tips on upholding the habits we developed in Ramadan, tadabbur of the ayahs being recited that night in taraweeh, lessons in adab, and so on. This is great for new Muslims, youth, and anyone looking to brush up on their Islamic knowledge.
3. Mini Service Projects
These enable community members to easily participate in some form of sadaqah on each of the last 10 nights, while also strengthening communal bonds. Collect items for a food drive, assemble hygiene kits to deliver later, organize a cleaning crew to upkeep the masjid on these especially crowded nights (bonus: immensely helps those who are participating in i’tikaf!), coordinate nightly groups to visit the sick or elderly community members who may be feeling isolated and alone, and so much more.
4. Children’s Programming
This makes it easy for parents to peacefully worship however they want, while also keeping children involved in the remembrance of Allah in ways that cater more to their age/level of understanding. While the tried and true method includes Islamic storytime + a relevant activity + a sweet treat to accompany the fun, here are a few more focused ideas for these special nights: demonstrate the meaning of the du’a for Laylatul Qadr through a story/skit/puppet show, memorize it in a fun way, paint or create calligraphy art for this du’a or other favorite du’as and ayahs, learn Allah’s names through a card matching game. (Extra bonus points if sleep accommodations or babysitting are available for the really little ones!)
5. Contests and Tournaments
Who said a little fun isn’t allowed at the masjid? Undoubtedly, most people’s favorite childhood memories at masjids are basketball tournaments, water fights, art competitions, Islamic trivia nights, and so on. Taking a hobby, adding an Islamic “touch” to it, and offering it as a masjid program will bring the youth to the masjid in crowds. This could look like an Islamic art competition, a Nasheed rap battle, or an Islamic Jeopardy game.
Let’s move forward together!
No program or service is a one-size-fits-all; by being open to different perspectives and the needs of our community, we can work together to create a more supportive environment during these last 10 nights, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and accepted at their own personal level of iman, knowledge, and physical ability. At the end of the day, the goal of Ramadan is to strengthen our connection with Allah, and if we can achieve that, then we have truly succeeded.
Have more ideas or need support with implementation? We’d love to hear from you! Talk to us in the comments or contact us here.
These are great suggestions beautifully written, may Allah reward you, Aameen