Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims. However, there are exceptions made for those who are unable to fast due to health or other reasons. So when do children start fasting and are 12 year olds required to fast the full month of Ramadan?
Do children have to fast during Ramadan?
According to Islamic teachings, children are not required to fast until they have reached puberty. Fasting is only compulsory for Muslims once they have reached the age of adulthood. However, children are often encouraged to fast partially or try fasting for a few days during Ramadan to practice and get used to it. Here are some general guidelines regarding children and fasting during Ramadan:
- Children below the age of 7 should not fast at all.
- Between ages 8-10, children may fast 1-2 days or partial days to learn.
- Between ages 10-12, children may fast half days or increase the number of fasted days.
- By age 12 or 13, children should be striving to complete the full fast.
These age recommendations can vary slightly between different Islamic schools of thought, but overall children are not obligated to fast the full month of Ramadan until they have gone through puberty. Reaching puberty generally marks adulthood in Islam and at this point fasting the entirety of Ramadan becomes compulsory.
Are 12 year olds required to fast the full month of Ramadan?
Whether or not 12 year olds must fast the full 30 days of Ramadan depends on the physical development of the individual child. According to Islamic law, when a child has reached puberty they are considered an adult and required to fast the full month. Puberty is defined in Islam by signs such as:
- Onset of menstruation in girls
- Nocturnal emission in boys
- Growth of pubic hair
Since the onset of puberty can happen earlier in some children, there is no definitive age written in Islamic texts. The Quran does not specify an exact age requirement for fasting, only that adult Muslims fast during Ramadan unless they are ill, traveling, elderly, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
So in summary, if a 12 year old girl has started menstruating or a 12 year old boy has had a nocturnal emission or grown pubic hair, they would religiously be considered an adult and required to fast the full 30 days of Ramadan. However, if these signs of puberty have not occurred, the 12 year old child would not yet be obligated.
Recommendations from Islamic scholars
While physical maturity marks adulthood in Islam, some Islamic scholars and schools of thought emphasize mental and emotional maturity as well when establishing fasting requirements for children.
The major Islamic school of thought known as the Hanafi school recommends that children below the age of 15 should not be forced to complete the full fast even if they have reached biological puberty. They argue that mental maturity and spiritual readiness are also important factors in making fasting obligatory.
Some other perspectives from Islamic experts include:
- Children aged 10-12 should only fast half the days of Ramadan, alternating days of fasting with eating.
- Children should only fast consecutive days once they have demonstrated capability of handling the full fast.
- Parents should closely monitor their child during first fasts and make accommodations if health and nutrition needs require it.
- If fasting is too difficult physically or leads to negative behaviors in a child, they can stop and try again gradually in future years.
The overall emphasis is that while children should be progressively encouraged to fast in Ramadan from a young age, religious obligations should match their physical capabilities and emotional maturity.
Considerations for children fasting
When deciding whether pre-teen children are ready for fasting the complete month of Ramadan, parents should keep the following considerations in mind:
Physical ability
Fasting for 12-13 hours or longer can be physically taxing on the body, even for adults. Children who are going through growth spurts and active physical development require adequate nutrition. If a child’s health appears compromised by fasting, they should either reduce fasting days or be excused completely that year.
Mental preparation
Fasting requires mental discipline and spiritual intention, not just physical endurance. Children should demonstrate they are in a mindset to fast for religious reasons and are able to control their behaviors throughout the day. Emotional maturity and religious understanding are key.
Behavior and performance
Children may become cranky or act out when fasting. If negative behaviors emerge or they are unable to focus in school, it can be deferred. Fasting should not impact their routines, education or activities.
Making accommodations
Parents may allow certain accommodations to help children transition to fasting while ensuring their needs are met. For example, allowing them to rest when needed, reducing chores, and monitoring their nutritional intake after sunset.
Setting a positive example
Children learn by example. If parents create a positive environment around Ramadan, explaining its spiritual significance and setting a good example by fasting themselves, children are more likely to embrace the experience.
Deciding when children are ready to fast Ramadan
Given all these considerations, how do parents know when their child is truly ready for the challenge of completing a full month of fasting for Ramadan? Here are some signs that can help in the decision:
- The child has gone through or begun puberty, reaching adulthood by Islamic standards.
- Fasting a few days or half-days does not cause struggles with health, nutrition or behavior.
- The child themselves wants to fast the full month and understands its religious significance.
- The child has demonstrated mental maturity and ability to follow rules.
- The child is fasting for the right intentions, not just to imitate peers or obtain rewards from parents.
- Accommodations can be made by the family to help support the fasting.
In the end, parents must use their own judgment, consult clergy, and consider medical advice when deciding if a 12 year old is ready to fully fast. Children develop at different rates, so maturation and ability should be assessed on an individual basis.
Tips for children fasting their first Ramadan
Here are some useful tips to help children have a positive experience as they take on their first full month of Ramadan fasting:
Prepare them mentally
Explain what to expect and set expectations. Clarify that fasting may be difficult at first as the body adjusts. Share your own first fasting experiences.
Involve them in preparations
Let children help plan and cook the meals for breaking the fast. Go over the Ramadan calendar with them. Make it an exciting family activity.
Establish a routine
Keep meal and sleep schedules consistent. Limit physical activities and chores. Plan quiet activities and naps to pass the time and prevent boredom or impatience.
Be understanding
Offer encouragement when they struggle or get moody. Provide extra affection and quality family time in the evenings.
Monitor health
Ensure they drink enough fluids after sunset and take vitamins if needed. Watch for signs of headaches, weakness or fatigue.
Adjust expectations
Let some behaviors slide as children adjust to fasting. Set relaxed expectations for chores, academics and achievement.
Reward successes
Celebrate children completing fasts and milestones. Offer small gifts, new privileges or fun nighttime activities in Ramadan as positive reinforcement.
With the right approach, your 12 year old can have a fulfilling first experience fasting during Ramadan even if challenges arise. Going through it together builds family bonds and spiritual development.
Should children fast every day of Ramadan?
Given that fasting all day can be tiring for children, is it recommended they fast every single day of the month long Ramadan? Opinions vary on how often children should fast:
- Children should try to fast all 30 days to fully experience Ramadan.
- Alternate fasting days with non-fasting days.
- Start with fasting every other day and work towards consecutive days.
- Fasting weekends or school days may be easier than holidays.
- Increase fasting in the easier first 2 weeks and relax on difficult last 10 days.
- Let the child decide each day based on their energy levels.
Ultimately the frequency children fast should be flexible based on circumstances, health and religious obligations. It is not necessary to be rigid if fasting every single day proves difficult or detrimental.
Many experts believe children should start by fasting half or alternate days for at least their first couple years. This allows them to adjust both physically and mentally while fulfilling religious requirements. However, children who demonstrate enthusiasm, endurance and maturity their first year could be permitted to fast the full month.
Parents can assess each child’s stamina and set an appropriate fasting schedule for them. Children can always work towards fasting the complete month in subsequent years as they build spiritual strength. The priority should be helping children establish lifelong practices and positive sentiments towards Ramadan at their own pace.
What if my child is fasting but struggling?
It is quite normal for children to struggle with fasting, especially in their early years. Difficulties parents may notice include:
- Fatigue, weakness, headaches, stomach pains
- Trouble concentrating in school
- Irritability, tantrums, mood swings
- Overeating after sunset to compensate
- Wanting to nap frequently
- Boredom and acting out
If children are showing signs of serious distress while fasting, parents have a few options:
- Allow them to stop fasting for the day and try again the next day.
- Let them rest and sleep to complete the fast.
- Have them drink water or eat a date to break the fast then restart it.
- Reduce the number of fasting days per week.
- Excuse them from fasting for the remainder of the month and reattempt the following Ramadan.
The most important thing is not enforcing fasting to the extent it causes emotional turmoil or harms the child’s health. Parents must find an approach that encourages spiritual growth while monitoring the child’s wellbeing.
Some difficulties should be expected, but can be overcome with family support, accommodations and understanding. However, if children remain distressed or unable to cope with fasting over multiple Ramadans, they may need to wait until their body and mind mature further as teenagers. The fasting obligation is waived if health is jeopardized.
Conclusion
In closing, whether or not a 12 year old must fast the entire month of Ramadan ultimately depends on their physical development and parents’ assessment of their maturity and capability. While some 12 year olds may be obligated if they have biologically reached adulthood, parents can defer or reduce fasting requirements in early years based on a child’s abilities. With the right approach, children can progressively learn to fast in Ramadan from a young age while avoiding overwhelming difficulties. Most importantly, parents should nurture positive sentiments about Ramadan and fasting so it becomes a cherished lifelong tradition.
