Amid a festive Ramadan atmosphere and the joyful laughs of children in their traditional attires highlighting the richness and diversity of the Islamic world, the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a celebration day under the theme, “ I am fasting today,” welcoming 90 children from a number of its Member States.

The day, organized by ICESCO on Saturday, April 15, 2023, aimed at introducing the participating children to the role of fasting in consolidating the values ​​of compassion, cooperation and solidarity among Muslim individuals and communities.

The event saw the participation of children between the ages of 7 and 12, from among the children of members of diplomatic missions and expatriates from the Member States residing in the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as children of ICESCO staff members.

The day served as a platform to share insights about the customs and traditions of their countries during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, was keen to attend this celebration and accompany the children in various cultural activities.

He also encouraged them to talk about their artistic and cultural hobbies and shared with them the benefits of fasting such as self-discipline and teaching lofty values ​​and morals.

The program featured cultural, educational and artistic activities, which kicked off with two reciters reciting verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a segment of madih, performed by a group of youngsters participating in the ceremony.

The children were introduced to several religious values, the significance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and the virtue of Laylat al-Qadr.

They also participated in various cultural activities in an atmosphere of fun and joy, notably drawing and coloring workshops, and decorating girls’ hands with henna, in addition to educational games and contests suitable for young ages.

The children also listened to a number of tales and stories related to fasting in the month of Ramadan, narrated by the storyteller Muhammad Soussi Alawi Hashem, known as Baba Ashour, a research professor in heritage in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Following the activities, ICESCO held an Iftar reception in honor of the participating children.

The celebration concluded with the distribution of gifts to the children, including books on the Prophet’s Seerah and copies of the Holy Qur’an.