Starting Young
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By Ruqya Khan, Gulf News Report
Dubai, UAE, October 8, 2005 (The Gulf News) – Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends.
The fast is a means of spiritual cleansing as it helps teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well.
Though children are not required to fast until they reach the age of 9, in many families younger children fast, quite often by free will.
Though children are not required to fast until they reach the age of 9, in many families younger children fast, quite often by free will.
The older members of the family should help the child understand the true meaning of the fast and ensure that he is fully prepared for the long abstinence from food and drink.
It is common for a younger child to fast for part of a day, or for one day on the weekend, especially in the shorter winter months. This way, they enjoy the “grown-up” feeling that they are participating in the special events of the family and community.
Said Ahmad Omar, a Somali student in Grade 3 of Al Ansar International School, said: “Fasting is not difficult. I started when I was in grade 1. It makes me feel responsible."
"When I get up for Suhoor [the pre dawn meal] my mother ensures that I have had enough porridge and water to keep hunger and thirst at bay. This year, I will try and fast the whole month. Last year, I did about half of it and the year before it was just a couple of days.”
He adds, “I have three brothers and two sisters, one of whom is newly-born. Sometimes, the baby gets up and creates quite a racket but it’s fun. School starts late and we get back early so I get more time to play with my little sister.”
“I’ve been fasting for five years now and am pretty used to it. All the members in my family fast so both Iftar and Suhoor time is special. I feel this time of the year brings us all closer as a community,” said Susanne Ismail, an Egyptian who studies in grade 8 at Emirates Private School.
“I think going to school during Ramadan is really cool. When I am allowed to fast even while going to school, I feel trusted and responsible. This year, the fast is longer than it was last year but I am also growing so I can manage,” said 8-year-old Asma Saeed, an Emarati studying at Almanar Model School.
She added, “I am the eldest child in my family so I understand that its important to maintain discipline in my works not just in this month but always. My siblings pray with me and together we listen to our mother recite the Holy Quran too. Surely Ramadan is a very outstanding time of the year.”
“I love the atmosphere at home during Ramadan, it feels really calm and fulfilling. The family get togethers, the taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers) and reduced school hours are all a welcome change to routine activities,” said Syed Zakiul Hasan. He is an Indian and studies in Grade 8 of Our Own High School Dubai.
He pointed out that until last year, he had a shift system at his school. “On normal days, I would leave at noon and return by 7.15pm and during Ramadan I come back by 4.30. Those days it is tiring especially if we have examinations to prepare for. But now the morning shift has made schooling in Ramadan even easier. By 2.10pm I am home — I get more time to pray, sleep and even study."
Maliyah Yunus, a grade 4 student at the International School of Choueifat, said: “I started fasting only last year, I was allowed to fast on Thursdays and Fridays only. But this year I have started to fast even on school days. The first day was tough but I’ll get used to it.”
“Ramadan is special — school hours are shortened and I get more time to myself. But more important than that is the gatherings we have, often relatives come by for iftar [evening meal] and it’s a wonderful time. Dad also comes home early and I get to meet my friends and cousins more often,” added the Pakistani girl.
On a lighter note, little Rizan Ziyad Barhan who is a Palestinian and studies at National Private School said, “The best part about Ramadan is the shopping that we do. Everytime we go out, I have ice cream treats or chocolates."
"I do fast but very rarely when I have school. My mother has asked that I should collect coins to donate to the needy. I also help in cleaning the fruits and vegetables for breaking the day’s fast.”
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