Children fasting during Ramadan: Your guide to training them safely and without coercion
With the arrival of the holy month, questions arise within families about children fasting during Ramadanand how to accustom them to this great religious practice without causing them psychological or physical harm. In this context, Nawal Othman Ahmed, a psychologist at Jeddah University, warned parents against forcing children to fast during Ramadan. The expert called for a gradual approach to instilling a love for worship and self-discipline, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to build a deep spiritual awareness in young children from an early age, rather than resorting to harmful physical pressure that might alienate them from worship.
The historical and educational roots of accustoming young children to religious practices
Historically, the obligation to observe religious duties in Islam was not imposed abruptly on children. For centuries, Islamic culture has relied on the principle of gradualism in upbringing. Accustoming young children to fasting began with simple steps, such as fasting for part of the day, a practice popularly known in some Arab countries as "bird fasting." This cultural and religious heritage aligns perfectly with modern psychological recommendations, as it gives children the opportunity to adapt physiologically and psychologically to changes in their dietary and daily routines, thus transforming Ramadan into a cherished spiritual experience associated with happy memories rather than hardship.
The psychological and social impact of children's experience of fasting during Ramadan
The approach taken in training children to fast has a profound impact, extending from the local family circle to the wider community. When a child is guided with love and understanding, it positively affects their mental health, enhancing their self-confidence and sense of belonging to their community and cultural identity. In the long run, this sound educational approach contributes to raising a psychologically balanced generation, capable of bearing responsibility and understanding the ethical dimensions of religious observances, which in turn positively impacts the cohesion of the regional and international community that shares these noble human values.
Flexible methods to suit every age group
In her educational analysis, specialist Nawal Othman emphasized that Ramadan for children is a spiritual training experience before it is a physical ordeal. This necessitates adopting flexible methods tailored to each age group. She highlighted the importance of introducing children under ten years old to a gradual program that involves fasting for specific hours during the day, allowing them to experience the concept of fasting safely and without physical exhaustion. She noted that once a child reaches ten, they can move to a deeper stage aimed at instilling values of commitment and responsibility, fostering a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of worship.
Warning against harmful family practices
In a related context, the expert strongly warned against harmful family practices, such as direct coercion or harsh ridicule of a child's abilities if they are unable to complete the day's fast. She emphasized the danger of making negative comparisons between the child and their peers or siblings, describing such comparisons as a destructive force that undermines the spirituality of the experience and transforms it into a frustrating psychological burden in their memory. She pointed out that setting a good example within the family is the cornerstone of fostering a love for fasting, followed by a policy of positive reinforcement and celebrating the child's achievements, no matter how small.
Integrating children into the Ramadan atmosphere through active participation
To ensure the success of this educational experience, the specialist advised that children be fully immersed in the details of the Ramadan atmosphere. This can be achieved through their active participation in setting the Iftar table and attending family gatherings, which strengthens their sense of belonging and joy. She concluded by emphasizing the necessity of simplifying the spiritual meanings of fasting in appealing, childlike language, transforming it from a burdensome duty performed under pressure into a genuine passion that refines their tender souls and makes Ramadan an annual event they eagerly anticipate.
