Do children observe the fasting month of Ramadan?

Question: Do children observe the fasting month of Ramadan?

Answer: Muslim children are not required to fast for Ramadan until they reach the age of maturity (puberty). However, in many families, younger children enjoy participating and are encouraged to practice their fasting. It is common for a younger child to fast for part of a day, or for one day on the weekend. This way, they enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that they are participating in the special events of the family and community.

It is also common for children to participate in Ramadan in other ways, aside from the daily fast. They may collect coins or money to donate to the needy, help cook meals for breaking the day's fast, or read Quran with the family in the evening.

At the end of Ramadan, children are often indulged with gifts of sweets and money on the day of Eid al-Fitr.