Teaching Children About Fasting: A Complete Islamic Guide for Muslim Parents

Introduction: Planting Seeds of Faith in Little Hearts

In the hustle of Western life, where our children grow up surrounded by different cultures and diverse values, teaching them to fast becomes more than just training them to abstain from food and drink. It’s a profound faith journey that solidifies their understanding of worship, strengthens their connection to Allah, and introduces them to their authentic Islamic identity.

Fasting isn’t merely an obligation we fulfill; it’s a comprehensive educational school that teaches patience and willpower, mercy and compassion, gratitude and thankfulness. When we teach our children to fast the right way, we gift them a treasure of faith that illuminates their path throughout their lives.

For Muslim parents raising children in America, Canada, the UK, or Europe, this journey carries special significance—it’s about preserving identity while navigating modern challenges.

The Quranic Foundation: Fasting as Worship and Piety

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)

This blessed verse shows us that fasting isn’t a new worship; it’s an ancient ritual that Allah prescribed for previous nations. The ultimate goal of fasting is to achieve taqwa—strengthening our relationship with Allah and fearing His disobedience.

Imam Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) said in his tafsir: “Fasting purifies the body and narrows the pathways of Satan. This is why it’s confirmed in the authentic hadiths: ‘O young people! Whoever among you can afford it should marry, and whoever cannot should fast, for it will be a shield for him.'”

The Prophet’s ﷺ Guidance in Teaching Children

The Prophet ﷺ: The First Teacher

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the greatest teacher humanity has known, and he cared deeply about raising children and teaching them worship from a young age. Among the most beautiful narrations on this:

Ar-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “أَرْسَلَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ غَدَاةَ عَاشُوْرَاءَ إِلَى قُرَى الأَنْصَارِ: مَنْ أَصْبَحَ مُفْطِرًا فَلْيُتِمَّ بَقِيَّةَ يَوْمِهِ، وَمَنْ أَصْبَحَ صَائِمًا فَلْيَصُمْ. قَالَتْ: فَكُنَّا نَصُومُهُ بَعْدُ، وَنُصَوِّمُ صِبْيَانَنَا، وَنَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ اللُّعْبَةَ مِنَ العِهْنِ، فَإِذَا بَكَى أَحَدُهُمْ عَلَى الطَّعَامِ أَعْطَيْنَاهُ ذَاكَ حَتَّى يَكُونَ عِنْدَ الإِفْطَارِ”

“The Prophet ﷺ sent someone on the morning of Ashura to the villages of the Ansar saying: ‘Whoever woke up fasting, let him complete his fast, and whoever woke up eating, let him complete the rest of his day.’ She said: ‘We used to fast it thereafter and make our children fast. We would make toys of wool for them, and if any of them cried for food, we would give them that (toy) until it was time to break the fast.'” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Educational Lessons from This Hadith

This noble hadith carries tremendous educational treasures:

First: The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to train their children to fast—accustoming them gradually.

Second: They used play and toys to distract children from hunger—teaching us the importance of using smart educational methods.

Third: They didn’t force children harshly; rather, they encouraged and helped them.

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said: “This contains evidence for the recommendation of training children to fast so they become accustomed to it.”

The Appropriate Age to Teach Fasting

Scholars’ Opinions on When to Begin

Scholars differed in determining the appropriate age to train children to fast:

First Opinion: At age seven, as children are commanded to pray at this age. Imam Ahmad said: “When a child can handle fasting, he should fast Ramadan.”

Second Opinion: Ten years old, which is the view of some Hanbali scholars.

Third Opinion: According to the child’s ability and capacity, without specifying a particular age.

The Stronger View: What the majority of scholars held—that it depends on the child’s ability and capacity, considering their health condition and physical development. Some children can fast at seven, while others can’t handle it until nine or ten.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) said: “A child is commanded to fast when he’s able to, so he can get used to it and train for it… As for determining the age, it returns to custom, and generally it’s around seven or eight.”

Signs of Readiness for Fasting

Before you begin training your child to fast, make sure of:

✅ Physical Health: The child is healthy and sound, not suffering from chronic illnesses or severe weakness

✅ Understanding and Awareness: They understand the meaning of fasting and why we fast

✅ Self-Motivation: They have a desire to imitate and participate

✅ Endurance Capacity: They can bear hunger and thirst for reasonable hours

Stages of Training Children to Fast

Stage One: Partial Fasting (Ages 5-7)

At this stage, we teach the child the principle of fasting without obligating them to complete the fast:

Method:

• Fast from dawn until noon only
• Or from dawn until Asr (afternoon prayer)
• Then they eat for the rest of the day

Goal: Gradually conditioning the body and building a positive association with fasting.

Practical Example: “Sweetheart, today we’ll fast together until lunchtime, then we’ll eat a nice meal together. Are you ready?”

Stage Two: Intermittent Fasting (Ages 7-9)

At this stage, the child fasts certain complete days of the month:

Method:

• Start with one or two days in the first week
• Then gradually increase each week
• Until they can fast a complete week

Progressive Model:

• First week: two days
• Second week: three days
• Third week: four days
• Fourth week: five days or more

Stage Three: Complete Fasting (Ages 9-12)

When the child approaches puberty, we encourage them to fast the entire month:

Goal: Preparing them for the obligation that will come after puberty.

Important Note: Even at this stage, if the child feels severe tiredness or illness, they should break their fast immediately. Fasting isn’t obligatory on them yet.

Sheikh Ibn Baz (rahimahullah) said: “Boys and girls are not required to fast until they reach puberty, but they should be commanded to do so when they’re able, just as they’re commanded to pray.”

How We Teach Our Children Why We Fast

Not Just “Because Allah Commanded Us”

Yes, obedience to Allah is the foundation, but children need to understand the wisdom and meaning for their hearts to attach to worship:

🌙 Fasting Brings Us Closer to Allah

“My dear, when we fast, we show Allah that we love Him more than food and drink. We leave what we love for what Allah loves.”

Allah said in a Hadith Qudsi: “كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلَّا الصِّيَامَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ”

“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting—it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

❤️ Fasting Teaches Us Mercy

“When we feel hungry, we remember the poor who go hungry every day. So we feel their pain and want to help them.”

The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ”

“Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like his.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)

💪 Fasting Strengthens Our Willpower

“Fasting is like exercise, but for the heart and soul. It makes us strong—we can say ‘no’ to bad things.”

🌟 Fasting is Our Path to Paradise

The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِنَّ فِي الجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ الرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ الصَّائِمُونَ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ، لاَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ”

“Indeed, there is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the Day of Resurrection. No one else will enter it.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Practical Educational Methods for Western Families

1. Using a Visual Calendar

The Idea: Design a beautiful Ramadan calendar where the child places a sticker each day they complete the fast.

Benefit: Gives the child a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue.

Tip: Place the calendar somewhere visible (on the fridge, for example) so everyone sees it and encourages them.

2. Spiritual and Material Reward System

Spiritual Rewards:

• Celebrate every achievement: “MashaAllah! You completed a whole week!”
• Make du’a for the child: “May Allah bless your fasting and make you among the righteous”
• Share your joy: “I’m so proud of you, my champion!”

Material Rewards (in moderation):

• Small gift each week
• Special outing after Ramadan ends
• Choice of favorite iftar meal

Warning: Don’t make material rewards the only motivation; keep them complementary to faith-based motivation.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “Education through encouragement and incentives is more beneficial than education through intimidation and fear.”

3. Quranic and Prophetic Stories

Children love stories! Use them for teaching:

Story of Maryam (peace be upon her) and Fasting from Speech: Read to them Allah’s words: “فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِي إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنسِيًّا”

“And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.'” (Maryam: 26)

Story of the People of the Cave: How they were patient and relied on Allah despite hunger and fear.

Story of the Prophet ﷺ and His Fasting: How he would fast and feed people, and was most generous in Ramadan.

4. Complete Family Participation

Communal Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal):

• Make suhoor a fun family time
• Let your children help prepare food
• Sit together and recite morning remembrances

Celebratory Iftar (Breaking Fast):

• Decorate the table together
• Let each child choose one dish for iftar
• Start with dates and water as the Prophet ﷺ did

Practical Model: “Each of us will say one thing we’re thankful to Allah for today before we eat.”

5. Communicating with School

In Western countries, it’s very important to communicate with the school:

Letter to Teacher (template):

“Dear Teacher,

My child [Name] will be fasting during the month of Ramadan (from [date] to [date]). Fasting means no eating or drinking from dawn (approximately 5 AM) until sunset (approximately 7 PM).

They may need to:

• Sit in a quiet place during lunch time
• Drink water if feeling severely tired (we’ll teach them that health comes first)
• Understanding if they seem a bit tired

Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Important Note: Tell your child that if they feel dizzy or severely tired, they must tell the teacher and drink water immediately. Health takes precedence over everything.

Dealing with Special Challenges

1. The Child Who Breaks Fast Secretly

Don’t Punish, Dialogue:

“Sweetheart, I noticed you drank water today. It’s okay, you’re not in trouble. But let’s talk—what happened? Were you very thirsty?”

The Important Lesson: We teach them that Allah always sees us, and fasting isn’t for people but for Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ”

“Actions are but by intentions.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

2. The Child Who Feels Embarrassed Around Friends

Solution:

• Teach them how to explain fasting to their friends simply
• Encourage them to be proud of their Islam
• Read them stories of successful Muslim children in the West

What to Say to Friends: “I’m fasting because it’s part of my religion. It’s like when you give up something you love during Lent, or when you fast for health reasons. We do this to be closer to God.”

3. The Sick or Weak Child

Golden Rule: Health first, always.

Allah said: “فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ”

“But whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days.” (Al-Baqarah: 184)

If your child:

• Suffers from a chronic illness (diabetes, severe asthma, etc.)
• Their growth and weight are below normal
• The doctor advises against fasting

Don’t force them to fast. Instead:

• Teach them to participate in other acts of worship (reading Quran, charity, remembrance)
• Let them help prepare iftar
• Teach them that Allah accepts from them what they can do

The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ أَنْ تُؤْتَى رُخَصُهُ كَمَا يُحِبُّ أَنْ تُؤْتَى عَزَائِمُهُ”

“Indeed, Allah loves that His concessions be taken just as He loves that His obligations be fulfilled.” (Narrated by Ahmad, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Building Faith Habits Alongside Fasting

Fasting isn’t just about leaving food; it’s a complete worship system:

1. Praying on Time

Teach your child the connection between fasting and prayer:

• We wake for suhoor = we pray Fajr
• We break fast at Maghrib = we pray Maghrib

2. Reading Quran

Goal: One complete reading of Quran for the child in Ramadan (according to their ability)

Method:

• Determine daily pages (5-10 pages, for example)
• Read together after iftar
• Explain meanings simply

Example: “Today we read about Prophet Moses. What did we learn from his story?”

3. Charity and Giving

The Prophet ﷺ said: “كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ”

“The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Practical Activity:

• Designate a “Ramadan charity box”
• Each day, the child puts in a small amount (even a quarter)
• At the end of Ramadan, donate it to charity

4. Supplication and Remembrance

Teach your child simple supplications:

At Breaking Fast: “ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ”

“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”

“O Allah, for You I fasted, and upon Your provision I broke my fast”

Bedtime and Morning Remembrances: Make them a year-round daily habit, but emphasize them in Ramadan.

Nutritional Tips for Fasting Children

The Ideal Suhoor

Prophetic Principle: The Prophet ﷺ said: “تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً”

“Take suhoor, for there is blessing in suhoor.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

What Suhoor Should Contain: ✅ Protein (eggs, yogurt, cheese) ✅ Complex carbohydrates (oatmeal, whole grain bread) ✅ Fruits (banana, dates, apple) ✅ Sufficient water

What to Avoid: ❌ Very salty foods (cause thirst) ❌ Too many sweets (cause sugar crash later) ❌ Carbonated drinks

Healthy Iftar

Prophetic Method: Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُفْطِرُ عَلَى رُطَبَاتٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَعَلَى تَمَرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ”

“The Messenger of Allah used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, then with dried dates. If there were none, then he would take a few sips of water.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

Optimal Order:

1. Dates and water
2. Maghrib prayer
3. Warm soup
4. Main meal (without excess)

Psychological Preparation: Weeks Before Ramadan

Two Months Before Ramadan

Activity: Start talking about Ramadan

• “In two months, Ramadan is coming! Are you excited?”
• Read children’s books about Ramadan
• Watch appropriate educational videos

One Month Before Ramadan

Activity: Preliminary training

• Fast together on Monday or Thursday (Prophetic practice)
• Try suhoor and iftar as practice
• Talk about feelings: “How did you feel? Was it difficult?”

One Week Before Ramadan

Activity: Practical preparation

• Decorate the house together
• Prepare Ramadan calendar
• Shop for supplies
• Make a list of spiritual goals

Ramadan in the West: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Challenge: Long Fasting Hours in Summer

Solution:

• Start gradually (partial fasting first)
• Focus on fun activities that make time fly
• Take advantage of summer atmosphere (park, light sports)

Challenge: Loneliness (Few Muslims Around)

Solution:

• Join local mosque programs
• Connect with Muslim families online
• Create weekly iftar gatherings

Challenge: Social Pressure and Repeated Questions

Solution:

• Teach your child simple, confident answers
• Turn curiosity into a dawah opportunity
• Encourage your child to invite friends to iftar

Example: “Would you like to come to our house at iftar time? We’ll show you how we celebrate!”

Laylat Al-Qadr: The Crown of the Ramadan Experience

Don’t forget to teach your child about Laylat Al-Qadr!

Allah said: “لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ”

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr: 3)

How to Observe Laylat Al-Qadr with Your Children?

1. Explain its value: “One night equals more than 83 years of worship!”
2. Search for it together: On the odd nights of the last ten days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th)
3. Special program:
   • Taraweeh prayer (even two rak’ahs at home)
   • Reading short surahs
   • Special du’a: “اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي” / “O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, authenticated)
   • Symbolic charity
4. Make it unforgettable: Prepare special cake, decorate the room, stay up together (according to child’s age)

After Ramadan: Maintaining the Faith Momentum

Common Problem: After Ramadan, children return to old habits.

Solution: Build bridges from Ramadan to the rest of the year:

1. Review and Evaluation

Sit together after Eid:

• “What did you love most about Ramadan?”
• “What do you want to continue doing?”
• “What did you learn about yourself?”

2. Choose One Habit to Continue

Examples:

• Reading one page of Quran daily
• Fasting Mondays and Thursdays
• Weekly charity
• Specific du’a before sleep

The Prophet ﷺ said: “أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ”

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

3. Fasting Six Days of Shawwal

Golden opportunity to reinforce the fasting experience!

The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ”

“Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year.” (Narrated by Muslim)

For the child: “Do you want to fast 6 more days and get the reward of fasting the whole year?”

Conclusion: Long-Term Investment

Teaching our children to fast isn’t merely a seasonal task; it’s a long-term faith investment. When we teach them fasting with love and wisdom, we:

✨ Build their relationship with Allah on a solid foundation ✨ Bequeath them faith habits that accompany them throughout life ✨ Shield them from Western society’s challenges ✨ Make them proud of their Islamic identity ✨ Prepare them to be a righteous and reforming generation

Allah said: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا”

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire.” (At-Tahrim: 6)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ”

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Let’s make Ramadan a launching point for building a believing, patient, grateful generation that loves Allah and His Messenger.

Finally: Remember that every child is unique. What works with one child may not work with another. Be flexible, patient, loving. Most importantly: be a role model. Your children learn more from your actions than your words.

“رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا”

“Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.” (Al-Furqan: 74)

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Sources and References

From the Holy Quran:

• Surah Al-Baqarah: verses 183, 184, 185
• Surah Al-Qadr: verse 3
• Surah Maryam: verse 26
• Surah At-Tahrim: verse 6
• Surah Al-Furqan: verse 74

From Hadith Collections:

• Sahih Al-Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• Sunan Abu Dawud
• Sunan At-Tirmidhi
• Musnad Imam Ahmad

From Tafsir and Fiqh Books:

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir
• Sharh An-Nawawi on Sahih Muslim
• Fath Al-Bari (Commentary on Sahih Al-Bukhari) by Ibn Hajar
• Fatwas of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin
• Fatwas of Sheikh Ibn Baz

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All information in this article is derived from authentic Islamic sources recognized by Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah (mainstream Sunni Islam)