Even if children are not required to fast, they can still participate in Ramadan by doing small fasts for a few hours, helping prepare food, or learning more about Islam. The Basic Rules of Fasting. Fasting is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam, and it requires self-discipline and commitment. Children are not required to fast during Ramadan until they reach the age of puberty. According to Islamic teachings, fasting is an obligation only for adults or those who have reached this developmental milestone, which typically occurs around the age of 12 or 13 for girls and 14 or 15 for boys. Dr. Omar Jaber weighs in on the risks and benefits of children fasting for Ramadan and provides tips for those who decide to fast. Parents should assess their child’s ability to fast based on their health, activity level, tolerance to hunger and eating frequency. Muslim children are not required to fast for Ramadan until they reach the age of maturity (puberty). At that time they are responsible for their decisions and are considered adults in terms of meeting religious obligations. As well as this, children can still take part in Ramadan children fasting that doesn’t involve abstaining from food and drink – this includes more behavioural aspects such as refraining from foul language and feelings of anger. The age at which parents should start to teach their children to fast is the age at which they are able to fast, which will vary according to each child’s physical makeup. Some scholars have defined this as being ten years of age. While it’s safe for most people to fast, planning ahead and keeping nutrition in mind can make the month that much more meaningful, said Elfakhani, a nutrition expert at Pennsylvania State University. Young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. For Muslim kids, it becomes a bit difficult for them to fast for 10-16 hours. However, getting into the habit of fasting is very important. This article is to help out kids to fast in Ramadan in a way that won't be difficult for them. The steps of learning to fast in Ramadan. Generally, children start showing interest in fasting from around 7-9 years of age and that is when parents feel it is appropriate to allow them to try fasting. But fasting a full day is not really easy. Muslims that are 12 or older fast during Ramadan, not eating or drinking anything between sunrise and sunset. Fasting reminds Muslims to appreciate their blessings and to help those in need. Families get up for an early meal before the sun rises called suhoor, and the fast is broken with an evening meal after the sun sets called iftar. Fasting with Family: If you have children who are not yet obligated to fast, involve them in Ramadan activities like preparing Suhoor and Iftar meals, learning about the significance of the month, and participating in charitable acts. While it’s safe for most people to fast, planning ahead and keeping nutrition in mind can make the month that much more meaningful, said Elfakhani, a nutrition expert at Pennsylvania State University. Young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. During Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset is common, but maintaining nutrition is crucial. Exemptions include young children, the elderly, and those with specific health conditions. For anyone who becomes ill during the month or for whom travel is required, extra fasting days may be substituted after Ramadan ends. Volunteering, performing righteous works, or feeding the poor can be substituted for fasting if necessary. Able-bodied adults and older children fast during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk. Don’t pressure young children to fast for full days . 3. Lead by Example. Let children observe your preparation and excitement; Include them in your religious activities; Demonstrate positive attitudes about fasting and worship . Activities: 1. Decorating. Create a Ramadan calendar; Make paper lanterns and crescents; Decorate their room with Pre-pubescent children are not required to fast, [5] though some choose to do so, and some small children fast for half a day to train themselves. If puberty is delayed, fasting becomes obligatory for males and females after a certain age. Diabetics and nursing or pregnant women are usually not expected to fast. According to a hadith, observing In conclusion, while fasting is a fundamental aspect of Ramadan, children need to understand that not everyone is required to fast. Teaching children about the exceptions to fasting in Ramadan helps foster empathy, respect, and understanding towards individuals who may have different circumstances. In this fatwa: It is well known that fasting, like other obligatory acts of worship, becomes mandatory when the person reaches the age of puberty.; Regarding children, it is highly desirable to encourage them to fast when they reach the age of seven if they are physically capable of doing so. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting. When does Ramadan take place? FILE – People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024.
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