15 Things to do While You are at Home – Part 1

With the current circumstances, chances are that you are at home for the next couple of weeks. With that in mind, you may feel like there is not enough to do at home. It doesn’t have to be that way! With these fifteen things you can do at home during this time of social distancing, you’ll find plenty to fill up your days, Insha’Allah. Besides, as Muslims, our success in this world and the Hereafter is gaining knowledge and acting upon it!

1. Write a book review on your favorite Islamic book!

If you have an Islamic book that you absolutely love, why not write a review on it? You can use the template below to write your review. If you would like, you can send it to us via email, for a chance to be featured on the website! No matter what age you are, get writing! It doesn’t just have to be one review, you can do as many as you like!

You can use this template if you would like to.

For more inspiration, you can check out these book reviews as well: Women Around the Messenger and Golden Seerah.

2. Start preparing for Ramadan

Ramadan is just around the corner! Why not start preparing now? Try making arts and crafts, reviewing your Surahs, making up your fasts (if you are old enough), and reading the Qur’an. If you would like, you can learn some new dishes to make that will come in handy in Ramadan. You can check out the recipes on COTU’s Kitchen such as homemade cereal, sattu flour, and yogurt. You can also create a list of ten things you would like to achieve this Ramadan.  You can also find an Ibadah tracker below as well that will help you keep track of your fasts and worship. These are all things that will help us to prepare for Ramadan, Insha’Allah.

Here are some recipes that you can try out: Homemade Cereal Recipe and Homemade Sattu Flour

You can also print out this Ibadah Tracker.

3. Review an Islamic movie or show

As you may already know, we have COTU TV on our website. There you will find Islamic movies, shows, and videos. If you would like, you can write a review on the video and post it in the comments of the video you are reviewing. We would love to hear all of your feedback and opinions. Also, check out our YouTube channel where you will find recipes, crafts, Qur’an, and Islamic videos. 

4. Learn something new around the house

While you’re at home, why not try to learn something new? Some examples could be, cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, building, sewing, sports, and gardening. Maybe you can even think of more! Ask your parents for help and start learning something new! Again, you can find some content on our  YouTube channel. Also, if you would like to contribute to our YouTube channel with an original video, please feel free to contact us!

5. Review your skills

If you are struggling with any of your skills such as writing, reading English, and reading Arabic, ask a parent or an older sibling to help you practice your skills. If you would like to access an online Arabic version of the Qur’an, click here.

6. Start learning Arabic

If you are looking for a real challenge, try learning a new language. For Arabic, you may already have books at home to learn from. Start reading these books and slowly build your vocabulary. If you don’t have books, ask a parent to help you find some arabic material online. 

For a popular and interactive introduction to Arabic using resources from Medina, check out this course by LQ Toronto.

7. Write about something you are passionate about

If you have any Islamic topic that you are interested in, start writing about it. This will help you develop your reading and writing skills. It doesn’t have to be too long. Again, if you would like, you can send your work to our email for a chance to be featured on the website.

Some examples for reference: Why am I Muslim and I Love You, O Prophet Muhammad (SAW)! are some blog posts you can check out.

8. Try to avoid screens 

It is most tempting to sit down in front of the television, laptop, phone, or tablet, especially when you have the whole day to use them. Try to avoid screens and spend some time with your family. Try to make crafts, play board games, listen to lectures, or at least watch Islamic movies and shows with them. Try to get up and be active while at home as well. Don’t forget to still get in some daily physical activity even if it has to be indoors!

9. Prepare for the spring.

I know that this probably sounds so boring!  While you are at home, why not start cleaning for spring? Tell your parents that you would like to help and start spring cleaning. Help with cleaning out your room and taking away any old, unused, or pointless items. If you would like, you could ask your parents if you could rearrange your room for a change. This will give you a fresh start before Ramadan. You can even decorate your room with your Ramadan crafts. 

10. Learn Something with Your Parents

If you are younger and want to learn something about Islam such as learning how to do wudhu and pray, then ask your parents for help. Have some family discussions on your favourite Prophet story, or any questions you may have. 

11. Study the Quran in depth

If you are younger, you can ask your parents to sit and read the Qur’an with tafseer with you. If you are older, you may not find it difficult to read and understand, but should still ask your parents when you have questions. Take small Surahs at first. These could be ones that you already know. It will be enjoyable to know what the verses mean, especially when you already know them in Arabic. Finding out the circumstances at the time of revelation will help to build on your knowledge of Seerah.  This will bring more khushoo (concentration/spiritual awareness) in your Salah as well since you will understand what you are reciting. 

12. Study the Seerah

No matter how many times that you have studied the seerah, any time that you go back and read it again, you will always find something new. Studying the seerah will strengthen your Iman, and help you understand the Qur’an. Knowing what was happening at the time of revelation will help you connect topics. Do you know why Surah Al-Falaq was revealed?

13. Study one Sahabah or Sahabiyat of your choice

There are so many monumental, great, and strong Islamic figures that you can choose from. You can study the lives of great men like the ten promised Jannah, or the great women like the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Knowing their stories will help you to understand the seerah better, but also understand the sacrifices and unshakeable belief of the Companions RA of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). 

14. The 5 Book Challenge

If you want a real challenge, take five Islamic books that you really have been wanting to read for a while. Read them all, and again if you want, you can write a review and send it to our email. Reading is always relaxing and a real adventure! 

15. Creative Submissions!

Other ideas that you can work on and submit are Islamic poems, articles, essays, reviews, studies, opinion paragraphs, reports, or even recipes. If you want, you can send a picture of your completed Ramadan artwork to our email [email protected], so that you can inspire other kids to also get into the Ramadan spirit as well! All artwork will be featured on the Children of the Ummah Instagram page. 

Part 2 – Coming Soon!