How to Prepare Children for Fasting in Ramadan
Ramadan
is for the child — and the jurists use the term child (Sabi) to refer to
one who has not yet reached puberty. During Ramadan, the child sees in his
home, in his parents, in his family, and in his mosque what he does not see at
any other time of the year.
It is the glad tidings
of the approaching blessed month and the arrival of blessing: the anticipation
of moon sighting, decorations being hung, special foods purchased according to
each family’s traditions, repeated conversations about Ramadan, children’s and
adults’ programs at the mosque, and the visible preparation of parents and
family to welcome the month.
All of
this fills the child with happiness and longing for Ramadan, eager to
experience it and learn about it.
Teaching Children to Fast Gradually in Ramadan
Ramadan
is for the child to be accustomed to fasting—especially during school holidays
and weekends. If the child is physically able to fast, he should be encouraged,
and parents should ensure he eats a proper suhoor meal.
Parents
can occupy his daytime with a special program prepared just for him, including
games, competitions, Quran recitation, and selected educational and
entertaining programs.
However,
if the child becomes extremely fatigued and his young body cannot continue
fasting, parents should not force him, lest he be harmed. Children are not the
same in this regard: one child may fast the entire day or half of it, while
another may not fast at all. A child might begin by abstaining from sweets he
loves. All of this gradually prepares and trains him for fasting step by step.
Therefore,
parents must adopt a gentle approach in order to instill love for worship in
the child, since fasting has not yet been made obligatory upon him. The Prophet
(peace be upon him) said: “There are three whose
actions are not recorded: a boy till he reaches puberty…” (Narrated
by Abu Dawud)
Teaching Generosity and Compassion During Ramadan
Ramadan
is also for the child to be trained in
kindness toward orphans and the poor. Parents should involve him in giving charity—even
from his personal allowance—so that his heart softens and he becomes accustomed
to generosity during Ramadan and beyond.
Bringing Children to the Mosque in
Ramadan
Ramadan
is for taking the child to the mosque during holidays to attend Taraweeh
prayers. It is an opportunity to teach him how to pray, the etiquette of
entering the mosque, and to let him experience the spiritual atmosphere and
righteous companionship. Parents should reward him for good manners and
respectful behavior.
Connecting Children to the Quran in Ramadan
Ramadan is for encouraging the child to participate in Ramadan Quran competitions and reviewing with him what he memorizes. In this way, he learns that Ramadan is the Month of the Quran, and his heart becomes attached to the Book of Allah, the Most Exalted.
For Further Reading:
- Ramadan: A Month of Unity and Compassion
- 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Faith in Ramadan
- 9 Questions about Ramadan
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