At what age should children start fasting?

Detailed answer

Fasting Ramadan becomes obligatory at puberty (bulugh). Before that, a child does not sin by not fasting. But just as children learn to pray before it becomes compulsory, Muslims have always trained their children to fast gradually, so that by puberty fasting feels natural.

What the Sunnah says

The Prophet said that the pen is lifted from three, including the child until he reaches puberty (Abu Dawud), meaning children are not held accountable. Yet the Companions trained their children: ar-Rubayyi' bint Mu'awwidh said that they made their children fast the day of Ashura, and when a child cried from hunger they gave him a toy made of wool to play with until it was time to eat (Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet also told parents to teach children to pray at seven (Abu Dawud), and many scholars apply the same idea to fasting.

Signs of puberty

Puberty is reached with the usual physical signs, such as the first period for girls, the first wet dream for boys, or the growth of pubic hair. If none of these appear, most scholars consider a child an adult at fifteen lunar years. Girls often reach puberty earlier than boys, sometimes at nine or ten, so parents should prepare them in time. See fasting during your period.

A gentle plan (a suggestion, not a rule)

• Around 6 to 7: fast until lunch or for a few hours, ideally on a weekend.
• Around 8 to 10: a few full days, or every other day, depending on the child.
• Around 10 to 12: most or all of the month, if the child is healthy and coping well.

Every child is different. Long summer days and hot climates are harder than short winter days. If your child has a health condition, ask your doctor first.

Tips

• Wake them for suhoor and make it special.
• Praise the effort, not only full days, and celebrate their first full fast.
• Never force or shame a child, and let them eat if they feel unwell, dizzy or very weak.

For more ideas, see teaching your children about Ramadan and who has to fast in Ramadan.