Muslim children are encouraged to start praying at the age of seven, which is about the right time for their first religious lesson. The child’s first prayer at the age of seven is a good introduction into the Quran itself, which means spontaneously changing their habits and beginning to develop an intimate connection with Allah.
Even though it is not accustomed for Islamic children to fast before they reach puberty, a fasting habit should be developed gradually, which is why the age of seven is certainly not too early for them to begin learning about why their religion commands them to relinquish their favorite sweets. Here’s how you can help your children get into the habit of fasting during Ramadan.
1. Make Them Feel a Joy of Being a Part of the Community
However complex the religious notions might be for a young child to comprehend completely, the sense of togetherness that any community provides is something they can relate to from a very early age. Inviting them to participate in your own family gatherings during the Ramadan month can therefore be a good way to start.
Allow them to stay up a bit later than usual and join your special prayers, for instance. To get a feel of how a fast works and understand its importance, children should be invited to help you prepare a Ramadan meal and welcomed to join a family dinner. Encourage companionship between your children and their fasting friends and siblings, and let them inspire each other.
If you entice that special grown-up feeling of being a part of the loving and supportive community, they will certainly show interest in learning more about the religious customs that tie us all together.
2. Give Them Time for Mental and Physical Preparation
Even for adults, fasting demands and teaches restraint, willpower and self-control. Still, there’s a valid reason behind Fatwas’ rulings on the appropriate age for fasting children. Young organisms are certainly not accustomed to strict norms of fasting, and sudden renouncement of certain types of food might be difficult for them to endure.
This, however, doesn’t mean that children shouldn’t be gently introduced to the custom. From the age of seven until they reach puberty, you can encourage them to give up one thing each Ramadan – that will help them build self-discipline in a timely manner. Since fasting full time is still a big feat for them, motivate them to practice fast for only a certain part of the day.
3. Help Them Learn About Self-Discipline and Sacrifice
As a time of spiritual reflection and self-improvement, Ramadan fast is never just about food, which is another lesson children should be presented with. Be concise while explaining how abstaining from sinful habits of everyday life is supposed to deepen devotion and strengthen belief. Teach children how to cleanse their souls from all impurities by inspiring righteous behavior and practicing sacrifice.
In spirit of self-discipline, propose a change of everyday activities your children participate in – restrict technology and inspire evening sessions of reading Quran and other religious stories adapted for children. To help them better understand the spiritual purpose of fasting, inspire empathy and encourage little actions of generosity toward the less fortunate.
4. Reward Them in the Spirit of Religion
The concept of religious reward is another thing children might find hard to understand. For the time being, make sure to remind them that the reward for both our self-improvement and our good deeds comes from Allah – this idea will stay in their minds and hearts until they grow old enough to comprehend it. While they are little, try rewarding them for their persistent fasting with something more tangible, but still in the spirit of our belief.
For instance, propose a visit to the mosque or take them to the masjid at the time of iftar, but keep in mind that this visit might not be suitable for babies and smaller children. Such rewards will help them understand that fast is not a punishment, but a way of practicing worship and faithfulness.
5. Set Your Own Example
For grown-ups, Ramadan might mean something slightly different than for children. Keep in mind that our young ones are still unequipped to understand the spiritual significance of sacrifice, which is why we should allow them to enjoy the custom in a more naïve manner. To them, Ramadan is and should be a festivity, and a time to celebrate surrounded with family and friends.
For that reason, try lifting their spirit by including them in your special family schedules and meal times adjusted for the occasion and allowing them to join community gatherings. The most important thing is, of course, to set an example and a model for them to follow – let them observe your rituals and don’ forget to explain the reason for everything you do during the month.
Ultimately, Ramadan connects us all into a community of pray and worship. However young, our children should be allowed to feel the joy our religion rewards us with, and fasting is certainly a way of doing so. In order to encourage them, try not to be overbearing and commanding, but kind and understanding.