We understand that fasting during Ramadan is an important practice for many Muslim families, and while it is obligatory from puberty, we recognize that some children may fast for a few days, especially as they get older.
If your child is aged 8 years or older and wishes to fast on a school day, we kindly ask that you inform the school. It’s also important for your child to have a healthy pre-dawn meal before starting their fast to help keep them energized throughout the day.
Communities in Action offers helpful advice to school communities on fasting, including guidance on when it is safe for children to fast. They advise that children are ready to fast from puberty, but fasting at a younger age (before 7 or 8 years old) is not recommended. That said, the Ramadan Health Guide suggests that young children can still be introduced to the practice gradually, for example, by fasting for a few hours at a time or learning about the importance of Ramadan through the example of others.
We hope this information is helpful in supporting your family’s observance of Ramadan.