Fasting is an important act of worship in Islam. For parents, teaching children to fast is part of spiritual education and self-discipline. However, the question that often arises is: when is a child ready to start fasting?
The Right Age to Start Fasting
Religiously, the obligation to fast only applies when a child reaches puberty. However, many parents start introducing fasting at an early age to train their children gradually. Based on health and psychological aspects, some general guidelines that can be used as references are:
- Age 5-7 Years : At this age, children can begin to be introduced to the concept of fasting through light practices, such as fasting for half a day or fasting for several hours.
- Age 8-10 Years : Children begin to have a better understanding and can try fasting for longer, for example from sahur to dzuhur or ashar.
- Age 11 Years and Above : At this age, children are generally more physically and mentally ready to practice full fasting, while still paying attention to their health condition.
Factors to Consider
Before starting fasting on children, parents should consider the following factors:
- Physical Health
- Make sure your child is healthy and has no history of illnesses that could worsen if fasting, such as diabetes or anemia.
- Watch for signs of dehydration or excessive fatigue while your child is fasting.
- Mental and Emotional Readiness
- Children must understand that fasting is not just about holding back hunger and thirst, but also an exercise in patience and worship.
- Avoid coercion so that children do not feel pressured or burdened.
- Adequate Nutritional Support
- Make sure your child gets nutritious food during sahur and breaking the fast to support their energy and endurance.
- Teach children the importance of hydration by drinking enough water when breaking the fast and eating sahur.
How to Train Children to Fast
So that children can fast comfortably, parents can apply the following strategies:
- Start Gradually
- Start with a few hours of fasting, then increase it slowly according to your child's ability.
- Provide Positive Understanding
- Explain the purpose and benefits of fasting in a way that is easy for children to understand.
- Create Fun Activities
- Invite your child to do light activities so that they don't focus too much on hunger, such as reading books, playing educational games, or helping to prepare the menu for breaking the fast.
- Appreciation of Children's Efforts
- Give praise or small gifts to provide motivation without making it pressure.
When Should Children Not Fast?
Although fasting is a good act of worship, there are certain conditions in which children should not fast, such as:
- If your child experiences symptoms of extreme fatigue, dizziness, or dehydration.
- If the child's weight drops significantly due to fasting.
- If the child has certain medical conditions that do not allow fasting.
Conclusion
Every child has a different readiness to start fasting. Parents need to introduce fasting in a fun and gradual way, while still paying attention to the child's health and comfort. With the right approach, fasting can be a meaningful and beneficial experience for children in forming their discipline and spiritual understanding.
Article written by dr. Renitha Damayanti, Sp.A, M.Kes (Pediatrician, EMC Cibitung Hospital).