How to Teach Your Kids about Fasting and Its Spiritual Benefits

Mar 113 min read

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and a deeply spiritual practice that brings Muslims closer to Allah. For children, learning about fasting can be an exciting and meaningful experience when introduced in a way that matches their age and understanding. As parents, we can help our kids appreciate fasting not just as an act of refraining from food and drink but as a journey of self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion to Allah.

Muslim mother teaches child about fasting

Here’s how you can teach your children about fasting and its spiritual benefits in a simple, engaging way.

1. Explain Fasting in Simple Terms

Young children may not fully understand why Muslims fast, so start with a simple explanation:

"During Ramadan, we fast from sunrise to sunset to show our love for Allah, practice patience, and remember those who don’t always have enough to eat. It’s a special time when we focus on doing good, praying more, and being grateful for what we have."

For younger kids, relate fasting to something they experience—like waiting until mealtime instead of snacking, or saving a treat for later. This helps them grasp the idea of self-control in an age-appropriate way.

2. Introduce Age-Appropriate Fasting

Teaching Fasting to Kids | Clock on the wall with food under it

Fasting is obligatory for adults, but children can participate in small ways to help them prepare for when they are older. Consider these gradual steps:

"Half-day fasting" – Encourage young kids to fast for a few hours, such as skipping a snack or delaying lunch.
"Practice fasting" – Allow them to fast until noon or a little longer, based on their ability.
"Acts of fasting" – If they’re too young to fast, they can still participate by giving up something they like for a short time (such as a favorite toy or treat).

Let them know that fasting isn’t just about food—it’s also about avoiding bad words, being kind, and remembering Allah throughout the day.

3. Prepare Them Emotionally and Physically

Fasting requires patience and discipline. Here are some ways to help children prepare:

Talk about the purpose – Explain that fasting helps us become stronger, more thankful, and closer to Allah.
Make suhoor and iftar exciting – Allow kids to help prepare suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast). Having nutritious and filling foods will also help them stay energized.
Encourage rest and light activities – Teach them that it’s okay to take breaks and do quiet activities like reading Quran or listening to Islamic stories.

4. Highlight the Spiritual Rewards

Children love rewards, so emphasize the blessings of fasting:

Earning Allah’s love – Tell them that Allah rewards those who fast sincerely.
Building patience and gratitude – Fasting teaches us to appreciate food and remember those in need.
The power of du’a – Ramadan is a special time when Allah listens to our prayers, so encourage them to make du’a for their wishes and for others.

5. Make Ramadan Fun and Special

Dates and prayer beads are fun for kids learning about fasting and Ramadan

Create a joyful Ramadan atmosphere at home to keep children excited about fasting:

Use a Ramadan countdown calendar – Mark fasting days with stickers or small rewards.
Read Ramadan stories – Share books that highlight the beauty of fasting and its rewards.
Encourage acts of kindness – Let them help with charity, like making food for others or giving to those in need.

6. Lead by Example

Children learn best by watching their parents. Show them how you approach fasting with joy, patience, and gratitude. Share stories from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about how he fasted and how he treated others with kindness and generosity.

By teaching fasting in a positive and engaging way, children will grow up understanding its true purpose—not just as a duty, but as a beautiful act of worship that brings them closer to Allah.

Final Thoughts - Teaching Fasting to Kids

Introducing fasting to children should be a gradual and encouraging process. Focus on the spiritual benefits, make Ramadan special, and help them experience the joy of fasting at their own pace. With love, patience, and guidance, children will grow up cherishing the practice of fasting and looking forward to the blessings of Ramadan each year.

How do you teach your kids about fasting? Let us know in the comments below or share your tips in the forums!