Hundreds of children across Dubai are eagerly collecting stamps in special ‘passports’ every night this Ramadan, as part of the ‘Eyal Al Fareej’ initiative.
Now in its second year and expanded to over 300 mosques, the programme by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Affairs Department (IACAD) is being lauded by parents for making the Ramadan experience more engaging and memorable for the little ones.
The initiative encourages children aged 6 to 12 to attend nightly Taraweeh prayers, where they receive a stamp from the mosque’s Imam in their personal Ramadan passport. The goal is to foster a love for prayer and a strong connection to the local mosque and community from a young age.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Parents have praised the creative approach. Moza Al Mazrouei, a mother of a boy and two girls, said the initiative has been a huge success in her family. “The initiative is wonderful. My children are now encouraging each other to go for prayers because of the passport and the ice cream,” she said.
She particularly loved the addition of a surprise ice cream truck that tours the participating mosques. “My daughter was hesitant at first, but I told her that first, Allah will love you for praying, and second, you might get ice cream, but you have to be there and try your luck. I feel it’s a beautiful idea to reward the children. As a mother, I am very happy with this initiative that gets my children excited to go to the mosque for Taraweeh.”
Hamad Al Shamsi, a father from Al Ain, shared his admiration for the programme, which he witnessed while visiting Dubai. “Although we are not from Dubai and my children aren’t participating, I’ve seen it last year and this year, and it is one of the most beautiful initiatives,” he said. “It strengthens the children’s relationship with the mosque and the neighbourhood. They get to know the Imam, and there is a sense of healthy competition among them.”
Hamad Al Shamsi
He described the touching moments the initiative creates. “It’s a beautiful, moving scene when a father or mother sends their child to the Imam after prayers to get the stamp. The Imam greets them and blesses them. It truly enriches the experience of going to the mosque for both the parents and the children.”
The sentiment was echoed by Mona Al Jallaf, a mother of two boys who participated last year. “I love the initiative because it instills in children the love of commitment to prayer and going to the mosque,” she said. “My sons participated last year, they were very committed and loved the idea.”
The ‘Eyal Al Fareej’ programme is a key part of the larger ‘Season of Wulfa’ campaign, which aims to celebrate the UAE’s cultural and religious traditions and strengthen community bonds throughout the holy month.
