These Afghanistan art activities are wonderful for getting to know Afghan leaders and creators, and learning from their gifts and style. Keep reading until the end for some virtual field trips to some amazing museums in Afghanistan!
Featured Afghan Artist:
Other Afghan Activities for Kids: Afghanistan STEM and Craft Activities
- Learn about different mosques in Afghanistan and build them out of LEGOs, using the unique colors
- Watercolor tiles
Nature in Afghanistan
- Decades of war, hunting, and years of drought have reduced the wildlife population in Afghanistan. Tigers used to roam the hills, but they are now extinct. Bears and wolves have been hunted nearly to extinction as well.
- Endangered snow leopards live in the cold Hindu Kush, but rely on their thick fur to stay warm.
- The rhesus macaque and the red flying squirrel are found in the warmer southern areas of the country.
- The country is rich in the vibrant blue stone, lapis lazuli, which was used to decorate the tomb of the Egyptian King Tutankhamen.
Holidays in Afghanistan
Ramadan (Check out my post all about Ramadan!) is the Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims taking part in Ramadan give up anything considered impure to the mind and body, including food, drink, and any thoughts. They abstain from these things during all daylight hours so they may focus on prayer and connecting with Allah. It also is a time for adherents to remember those less fortunate and better understand those suffering from hunger. I hope this guide to learning through Ramadan activities for kids helps with greater cultural understanding and appreciation.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, which is a time of great celebration and feasting.
Prophet Muhammad
Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad was on a retreat to reflect and meditate in a cave called Hira, near his hometown of Mecca. While there, around the year 610 C.E., the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him to “Read!” (“Iqra!”) Muhammad responded that he could not read, at which point Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Qu’ran to Muhammad. He later had another encounter with Gabriel.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a commemoration of this spiritual experience of Muhammad receiving the Qu’ran. It is observed as a month of fasting during daylight hours to remember those less fortunate and to connect more deeply with Allah. It is the name of the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and is one of the holiest months. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan is celebrated based on the lunar calendar, which means the exact dates shifts by about 10-11 days each year. Muslims are also expected to refrain from any other sinful or tempting behavior during Ramadan.
There are 5 pillars of Islam; Sawm is the process of fasting during Ramadan. Those who are in good health are expected to participate.
Laylat al-Qadr is the Night of Destiny and the holiest night of the year. It takes place during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Afghan Craft & Culture Activity for Kids: Ramadan Activities
Here are a few ideas for some kids crafts!
- Origami star Eid necklace
- Eid greeting card
- Ramadan sun catcher
- Papier mache kaaba
- Ramadan calendar
- Recycled can Eid lantern
