On Celebrating ‘The First Fast’ Of A Young Believer

Fasting is one of the principle pillars of Islam, and when a young believer fasts for the first time, it’s called a “Roza Kushai”, in our culture. Roza Kushai is somewhat becoming a modern trend gripping the attention of many parents trying their best possible to make the event an ultimate rare compared to the time not so long ago when I was a kid and it was a simple affair.

When we sisters were kids, our first fast was celebrated by our parents in their own unique way. They admired, acknowledged, appreciated, and recognized the display of patience shown by us during the day’s long fast. They then rewarded us with their ‘duas’ and of course, gifts. The iftaar table promised to serve nothing but deliciousness. It was just ‘us’ – our clan of five, nothing much-hyped yet delicately handled, simple yet not so simple.

So, when it came to Waniya, I decided to go my parents’ way; keeping it simple and a private affair but still a memory that would never fail to enliven us for the years to come. Here are a few tips for you on how you can move about it, and on how to make it special for your child.

(All Pictures attached are from the Event)

1. Don’t Rush, See When They Are Ready: The nub lies in not rushing when it comes to making your kids fast. See if they are ready or not. Most kids above the age of 6 can show signs of holding it for more significant intervals. In my case, Waniya came up herself, showed her interest, and talked to me directly.

2. Lend Ears To Their Queries: Be open to answering whatever questions arise regarding their fasting. Brush away their doubts and attend to their concerns. Waniya asked me 3 times during the week, “Not Even Water?”, so heed to their qualms. Act practically by telling them the duration of the fast they have to observe and mention the timings of Sahoor, Iftar, and Salah to add up to their knowledge.

3. Talk About The Rewards: Since they have made a decision, appreciate and acknowledge that. Make them aware of the rewards that He, The Almighty has promised the abstinent/faster. Throw a light on the importance of fasting in Islam. This is the right time to plant that seed of love for their Creator in their little hearts.

4. Practice Intermittent Fasting Before The Main Day: Get them into mock fasting a few days before the actual fast. Intermittent fasting initially for 4, then 5, and later 6 to 7 hours per day would help their brain and body get used to holding hunger and fighting cravings. Adjust your child’s durations for mock fasting accordingly.

5. Take Care Of Their Diet: Ask about their priorities but put that instinctive motherly touch to it by looking at the nutritional value. Keep your main focus on protein, fiber, and dairy when serving them food both at Sahoor and Iftaar.

6. Make Them Stand With You In Namaz: Remember when our mothers told us that ‘Namaz kay baghair Roza nahi hota‘ , or ‘Ye Roza nahi Faqa hay‘ [trans: Without offering prayers it’s not a fast, but starvation]. Hahaha…Yeah, those times though. So, get yourself straight with it too from the very start. It’s good practicing good things together, right?

7. Make Them Take A Nap In The Afternoon: It’s good to convince them to take time out for napping. Napping gives their bodies and minds time to rest and recharge during the big day they’re undergoing.

8. Involve Them In Something Productive: Get them involved in some Ramadan-based activities. Sort out beforehand some arts and crafts, some readings, some Islamic/Ramadan fun facts, or anything you deem would enhance their knowledge of deen (religion). You can also narrate to them some stories from The Qur’an and Prophet’s (PBUH) life. Ramadan Moon by Drama Mama worked great with us this Ramadan.

9. Don’t Leave Them Alone: As the whole process and concept is very novel to them, they shouldn’t be left alone, all on their own. Share a bed space with them after Sahoor and during nap time too. Be in close proximity to them the whole day, monitor them, and call it a day if you witness signs of distress.

10. Make It Special For Them: Your kid has made it. Make the day worthy of them. Celebrate it the way it should be celebrated. After all, they are the star of the day and the highlight of the series too. Dress them up in traditional clothes, decorate the dining table for them, prepare food for them the way they want it, give them lots and lots of ‘duas‘, and lots of rewards too in the shape of, yeah you got it! Gifts.

11. Document The Event: Document their big day through pictures. These memories will last for a lifetime.

So, that was all about it. The day for us went very well. Waniya showed some exceptional bearing and comportment. She got a little bit thirsty as she tells but nothing otherwise. The fast started at 03: 27 am, and we broke at 06: 08 pm, making 15 hours and 41 minutes, and she managed it beautifully.

Hope this article and my tips provided you with some help regarding the topic. If so, do let me know in the comments.

Keep Waniya in your prayers & have a good one.

~ QuratulAin Hamza