Fasting during Ramadan

by Husna Inayathullah

"I promise that I will not eat during the fast. I will only eat at maghrib, after the sun sets, with every other fasting Muslim umma (mother)." said Naashir.

"Mashallah, my dear son. Let Allah give you the strength and patience, " said his mother Aakila.

This promise fell victim to an appetising Bazooka bubble gum last year. His first attempt at fasting was broken by a small packet of strawberry flavoured bubble gum. "I'm always hungry," said Naashir to himself in an amusing way.

That happened last year on the third day of Ramadan on the blessed month where the young boy was taught for the first time to fast. Naashir was only nine-years-old then.

This year he has turned 10. He woke up for Sahar (early in the morning before the dawn of the day) the last year and had an awesome heavy meal with his umma (mother) and wapaa (father). He usually keeps the intention to fast but he could not continue it once he sees or gets the smell of food specially candies.

His wapaa, Maher explained to Naashir about the month of Ramadan. Muslims should avoid eating, drinking, and being bad to people, so Allah (God) would be happy with them and forgive their sins and let them enter heaven and not go to hell.

Maher further explained the importance of fasting. He said that it was a remedy for most of the diseases.

He said that children are not required to fast for Ramadan until they reach the age of maturity and that now Naashir had turned ten years and was able to fast.

His mother Aakila too entered the conversation and said that children should participate and be encouraged to fast.

A younger child can fast for part of a day, or for one day during the weekend. This way children enjoy the "grown-up" feeling that they are participating in the special events of the family and community.

"Umma, what else can we do during this month to get the blessings of Allah? " Well, Naashir you can help the poor, help your umma and waapa to do the household chores and read the Quran which was revealed in this month to Prophet Muhammed by Angel Jibreel.

Maher said, " Now you are a grown-up child and this year it is compulsory that you fast. You cannot ignore the month of Ramadan as you did before.

Remember, Allah knows all our intentions and thoughts. Can you make an honest promise?" questioned the father.

"Inshaallah Waapa, I - I promise - this time I'll do it. I swear." said Naashir.

"Alhamdullilah Naashir, I am happy for you," said Maher.

It was the time of Azan(prayers) so Maher accompanied his son and went to the mosque for Isha prayers (the final obligatory prayer of the day).

As tomorrow was to be the first day of fasting everyone was busy looking at the sky to sight the slight crescent moon that marks the beginning of the month.

"There it is, there it is! I saw it..." screamed Ijas with joy filled in his heart when he saw the slight crescent moon. Everyone in the village was happy as the next day was the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting.

Naashir's mobile phone rang. "Allah hee Allah kiya karo, Dukh na kisi ko diya karo..."

It was his best friend Rifky on the phone. " Assalamu Alaikkum, Wish you a wonderful Ramadan Naashir."

" Waalaikum salam, Wish you a wonderful Ramadan too." replied Naashir

" Beep beep, beep beep..." went his mobile phone. It was a message from his friend Inam which said,

"As the crescent moon is sighted...

And the holy month of Ramadan begins...

May All ah bless you with happiness and grace your home with warmth and peace !"

Naashir replied to his friends text message. He waited eagerly with a lot of excitement to fast the next day.

He promised to himself that he will never lie or break the fast before the end of the day.