The month of fasting is quickly coming to an end. Whether you want to get your kids more involved or spend some time reflecting on how to get more out of your month, check out some of the tips below.
In this edition of Saa Nasta you will learn about some things you can do with your family to observe Ramadan at home. Also, learn about Nazmun Nahar, a cake artist who is creating one art piece at a time.
Check out my previous posts about Bangladeshi food and culture here. Follow Saa Nasta on Instagram and Facebook @thesaanasta.
Ramadan Reflections: How I Got The Best of Ramadan with My Children
by Nargis Hakim Rahman
When Ramadan started this year preparing for a month-long fast seemed daunting with kids. However, involving the kids in spiritual and physical growth turned out to be a rewarding family experience. Here are five things we did together to have a memorable Ramadan with kids.
1. We Involved the Children Early
I began preparing for Ramadan at least a month before by purchasing groceries and pre-packing food for meals. The kids helped with making shopping lists and making smaller snacks to freeze, such as samosas.
2. We Started a Ramadan Journal with the Kids
Setting goals, reflecting and making plans is a big part of getting through Ramadan like a pro. While fasting is physical, it is important for kids to “see” the spiritual benefits of participating.
3. Swapped Everyday Activities to a Ramadan Theme
In order to make it a memorable Ramadan with kids, we listened to the Quran on the TV prior to iftar time. The kids also watched Ramadan/Islam themed videos throughout the month instead of their regular cartoons. Some of my favorites are the Inspiration Series on YouTube, Zaky and Friends cartoons such as Prophet Stories and the Qalam Institute Podcasts “Ramadan Reflections.”
4. We Provided Iftar to Neighbors
One easy way to amplify the celebration of Ramadan with kids is to share the foods of Ramadan. We picked one day to make iftar for our Non-Muslim neighbors. I added a little handout that included a menu with a list of ingredients and resources to learn more about Islam if they were interested. The kids helped prepare and pass out the food.
5. I Encouraged The Children to Fast
Children are not required to fast until they hit puberty, but they may show an interest to fast at a much younger age. I encouraged my children to fast half days (fasting from breakfast until lunch or dinner time). If they wanted to fast during school hours, I wrote a note to their teacher(s) to explain that my child(ren) will participate in the Ramadan fasting. It’s great to provide a list of tools or tips to help the teacher empower your child(ren). Here is a sample letter by Sound Vision. MuslimMatters.org also provides this age-appropriate guide for fasting students.
This article was originally published in Brown Girl Magazine.
Nazmun Nahar says art is her escape
Nazmun Nahar is a Bangladeshi cake artist. She was born in Warren, Michigan and grew up in Detroit. Later she attended the University of Michigan without knowing exactly what she wanted to study.
Nahar says she’s a person who enjoys doing what she enjoys. She earned a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience.
Then she opened her online business on Instagram @brownsugar_nazu, named after her nickname Nazu, in October 2018.
“I fell in love with doing my own thing doing art, and creative things,” she says.
Nahar says she originally started by creating desserts for one event and now decorates at least 5-6 wedding cakes per month, and 60-70 event cakes per year.
“Cakes incorporate so much about art…from piping, fondant, clay forming molding, creating colors designs and textures. I was so intrigued,” she says.
She says at the first it was learning the craft, and realizing baking is a delicate process and equation between temperature, process and creating.
She says she’s not a baker, but rather an artist.
“Even with creating petals for flowers. I have been doing that more with fondant. .. getting to a realistic as possible. Something about it and creating something to be almost perfect. Is really rewarding.”
Nahar is the third of four kids in her family.
She says growing up in a South Asian home her parents encouraged focusing on school.
“When I was younger my parents wanted me to focus on my studies more than art and excel in school, and now are 100 percent behind my creative oulets and business because they know it’s what I want to do and support my craft. I did do well in school, but also never gave up on the craft and now it’s a side business (@browngirl_nazu) for me while I also work full-time,” she says.
She says she looks forward to creating more things in the future using her artistic abilities.
“I am grateful to create and to be able to create for people,” she says.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe (SugarHero)
Courtesy of Nazmun Nahar
Takes ~ 25 minutes to prepare
Ingredients:
6 cups powdered sugar
6 fl oz liquid egg whites OR 3/4 cups
24 oz unsalted softened butter OR 3 cups
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs vanilla extract
Instructions:
Place powdered sugar, salt and egg whites in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed until everything is incorporated and no dry areas remain. You may have to scrape powder from the side of the bowl. Then turn the mixer on medium speed.
Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes until the mixture grows and becomes thicker. After 5-6 minutes, turn back to low speed to add butter. Add the butter gradually (1-2 tbsp at a time). Once all incorporated, add in your vanilla extract. Scrape sides of the bowl and turn the mixer to medium speed. You should mix for around 10 minutes until you see your cream stiffening up! Once complete, you should have a frosting that has both a creamy smooth texture and light!
This can be used right away, stored in the fridge for 2 weeks, or freezer for 2 months.
Pro Tip: Add in 1-2 drops of violet food coloring to turn your cream color into white. It's daunting to first try, but it truly works!