Kids in Ramadan

 

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In the bustling city of Madina, young Ahmed eagerly awaited the arrival of Ramadan. At eight years old, he was determined to fast for the first time, just like the grown-ups in his family. With the crescent moon signalling the start of the holy month, Ahmed embarked on his journey of fasting with excitement and anticipation.

The first few days of Ramadan passed by smoothly for Ahmed. He woke up before dawn for Suhoor, enjoyed hearty meals with his family, and eagerly awaited the call to prayer signalling the end of the day’s fast. However, as the days wore on, Ahmed began to encounter unexpected challenges.

One scorching afternoon, as the sun beat down mercilessly, Ahmed felt the pangs of hunger and thirst grow increasingly unbearable. Despite his best efforts to distract himself with prayers and Quranic recitations, the relentless heat took its toll on his young body.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, calling the end of the day’s fast, Ahmed rejoiced at the prospect of finally satisfying his cravings. However, to his dismay, he found himself unable to muster the strength to eat. The thought of food made his stomach churn, and even a sip of water felt like an insurmountable task.

Ahmed’s parents, noticing his distress, gathered around him with concern. Sensing his struggle, they gently encouraged him to break his fast slowly, sipping water and eating small bites of food to ease his discomfort. With their unwavering support and guidance, Ahmed slowly regained his strength and composure.

Why Kids Aren’t Allowed to Fast in Ramadan

Just like Ahmed, many of us have teenage kids at home who express the desire to fast during Ramadan. However, we often hesitate to allow them because of concerns that they may struggle with abstaining from food and drink during the day. As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, it’s important to understand why underage teenagers who are below ten or twelve years of age aren’t typically allowed to fast during Ramadan.

Religious Considerations

In Islam, there are valid reasons for this practice. One important aspect is captured in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), which states, “The pen has been lifted from three: from the child until he reaches puberty, from the sleeper until he wakes up, and from the mentally insane until he comes to his senses.” This hadith signifies that children who are underage aren’t held accountable for their actions, including fasting, until they reach the age of puberty. Praying and fasting are two different things. According to hadiths, a child should start praying at the age of ten because prayer is an activity that could easily be done by children, while fasting is rigorous and needs more patience.

Medical Considerations

Moreover, there are also medical considerations to take into account. Children under twelve years old are in a crucial phase of growth and development, requiring a significant intake of nutrients, minerals, and calories. Restricting food and drink during fasting hours may deprive their bodies of essential nutrients, leading to various health issues. For instance, a lack of calcium can cause hypocalcaemia in young ones, resulting in bone weakness, muscular disorders, and nervous discoordination. 

As per as the medical experts, children who are in their early stages need a hefty quantity of sugar to cater to their body needs on a daily basis while failing to do so, in young individuals it can lead to hypoglycaemia. As the younger children who have limited stores of glycogen, prolonged fasting in them causes various conditions such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, shakiness, irritability, sweating, hunger, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures.

 Dehydration

On fasting, a child has to refrain from drinking water for a long duration, which may also cause dehydration. Fasting during the day in hot climates or during summer months can increase the tendency of dehydration. Children are more likely to get dehydrated due to their smaller bodies and low water reserves. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dry mouth, thirst, and even low urine output.

Digestive Issues and Overeating

While bazaars and restaurants are open during Ramazans, most fasting kids are taken out and can come across junk food, leading to weight gain. Moreover, many children overeat during non-fasting hours like Suhoors and Iftar, leading to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort. Eating large amounts of food can cause pressure on the digestive system, ultimately leading to weight gain.

Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance

Fasting during Ramadan can disrupt children’s sleep patterns as they stay awake for taraweeh prayers and wake up early for Suhoor, which can negatively affect their mood, cognitive function, and overall health. This lack of adequate sleep can lead to poor concentration, memory issues, and difficulties focusing in class. Children may struggle to retain information and complete assignments effectively if they are thirsty, tired, and hungry due to fasting. Fasting can also increase the risk of anxiety, depression and mood disturbances, mainly if they are pressurised to fast by elders which can also lead to the mental isolation. Therefore, it’s important for parents and educators to consider these factors when deciding whether children should fast during Ramadan. Prioritizing sleep and overall well-being can contribute to better academic performance and overall success in school.

Children with illness

While fasting is considered a gift from Allah, it’s important to acknowledge that children with chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, or eating disorders may face increased health complications if they fast. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to consult medical professionals before allowing their kids to fast, especially if they have underlying health issues. By prioritizing the health and well-being of their children and seeking medical advice, parents can ensure a safe and healthy fasting experience for their kids during Ramadan.

Lastly, as Ramadan draws to a close, it’s important to reflect on the experiences of children who have fasted during this holy month. While many children may have fasted for a few hours or days, it’s essential for parents to educate their children about the significance of Ramadan and the reasons why Muslims fast.

Parents should emphasize that Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s a time to cultivate discipline, sympathy, charity, kindness, and above all, patience. Children should be encouraged to understand these virtues and incorporate them into their daily lives.

It’s also crucial for parents to recognize that children’s readiness for fasting varies based on their age, health, and maturity level. Instead of imposing strict rules, parents should gradually introduce fasting to their children, starting with shorter hours. For example, parents can allow children to fast until the end of their school day, while adult fasting continues until Iftar.

While Allah has not placed strict reservations on children fasting, it’s because He knows what we may not understand. Therefore, parents should approach the decision to let their children fast with wisdom and consideration for their well-being. By instilling knowledge, understanding, and gradual practice, parents can guide their children to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in a way that is suitable for their age and circumstances.