How To Celebrate Haq Al Laila At Home This Year

As we approach the month of Ramadan, we’re getting ready to celebrate Haq Al Laila. And though our kids may not be able to celebrate it the way that they’re used to, we can certainly still keep the spirit of Haq Al Laila alive at home.

What is Haq Al Laila?

Haq Al Laila (which means For this Night) is an annual tradition that falls in the middle of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. On this night, children usually dress up in their traditional clothes, carry colourful woven bags and go from door-to-door to sing and collect sweets and treats from their neighbours.

More so than anything else, the celebration embodies the spirit of giving and tolerance and helps children understand the importance of community and generosity ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

How can we celebrate at home?

Going from door to door is a no-no this year, but there are other fun things we can do instead:

Dress-up your boys and girls in their traditional clothes. They might not be going outside but getting dressed up makes it feel like it’s a special occasion.

Make paper lanterns together. These are super easy to make and you can decorate them with stickers, glitter, colour markers and more.

Make sweets together. Teaching your kids how their sweets and treats are made is great for bonding. Try out these recipes for Luqaimat or No-Cook Date Truffles.

Set up a "sweet-hunt". Make it extra fun for your littles and hide sweets and treats around your home. Then watch as your boys and girls explore every room to find them.

--Easy hiding places for young children--

Behind sofa cushions
Behind curtains
Behind doors
Under a table
In a shoe

--Harder hiding places for older children--

Inside a mug inside a cupboard
Down the back of the sofa
Inside a vase
Coat pockets
Inside a toilet roll
Inside the teapot
Inside pillowcases
Tucked into the magazine holder

How are you celebrating Haq Al Laila this year? Share your moments with us on your socials by tagging @kidzappuae