Faizel Patel, 2016-06-10
Many children will be observing fast during the blessed month of Ramadan.
For some it might be to emulate their parents, to see what fasting is like and for others they fast for the pleasure of Allah.
While parents will be extremely proud of their children as they attempt to abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk, it is not compulsory on children who have not attained puberty to fast.
Experts agree that fasting is a milestone in children’s lives when they show their commitment to Allah and start life as an adult Muslim.
Reports indicate many children much younger who have watched their parents abstain throughout their lives, reach a point where they want to at least try for a day or more and this can be as young as five or seven-years-old.
Managing director of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai Nasif Kayed, says the key is that with younger children they are not pressured into fasting and that it is something they do by their own choice.
“Any amount of fasting that they manage before they reach puberty is an achievement and should be rewarded as such.”
So what’s it like for a child that is fasting? Radio Islam spoke to some youngsters about this auspicious act.
Aaliyah Patel says Ramadan is a month of blessings.
“I keep fast for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. I do get hungry, but I also want to be like my mummy and daddy and keep fast.”
Sahal Panchbaya says the fast can get difficult at times.
“When I was fasting it felt very good but in the afternoon I was getting hungry.”
While Abdullah Waja says he loves Ramadan.
“We must all try to keep all our fast… and May Allah give us lots of Ramadan’s.”
While children do attempt to keep fast, it is important to keep the experience very positive for them, parents should give only positive reaction to their children’s efforts.
But what advice should parents of young children wanting to try fasting be given?
Racha Adib, nutrition and lifestyle specialist, told Al Arabiya English that fasting is no easy task for young children because their bodies require more energy and fluids than adults and parents should monitor their children closely.
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