Question:
My young child insists on fasting during Ramadan, but due to his young age and health issues, fasting is harmful to him. Should I strictly force him to break his fast?
Answer:
Fasting is Not Obligatory for Children Before Puberty
- If a child is young and has not reached puberty, fasting is not obligatory upon him.
- However, if he can fast without difficulty, he should be encouraged to do so, as the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم) used to make their children fast.
Example from the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم):
- They would train their children to fast, and if the child cried due to hunger, they would distract him with toys until Iftar time.
However, if fasting is proven to be harmful for the child, he should be prevented from fasting.
The Principle of Protecting a Child’s Health
- Allah has forbidden us from handing over wealth to children if there is a risk they may waste it:
"And do not give the weak-minded your wealth, which Allah has made a means of support for you."
(Surah An-Nisa: 5)
- If protecting a child’s wealth is necessary, then protecting his health and body is even more important.
How to Handle the Situation
- Do not use excessive strictness when stopping the child from fasting.
- Gentle persuasion and alternative methods should be used, as harshness is not appropriate in parenting.
- If a child can fast without harm, he should be encouraged to do so for training purposes.
- If fasting is harmful, he must be prevented from fasting, but without harshness.
