QUESTION: My son persists in fasting during Ramadan even though it harms him due to his tender age and causes him to become sick. Should I stern with him in forcing him to break his fast?
Answer: If the child has not yet reached puberty, then fasting is not obligatory upon him, but if he can fast without difficulty then he should be ordered to. The companions of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to make their children fast, to the extent that a youngster would cry and so they would give him a toy to distract him, but if it is established that it harms him, then he is to be prevented from it.
For if Allaah, the Most High has forbidden us from giving the young control over their wealth for fear that they should cause it to perish, then causing harm to their personal being is more deserving to be forbidden. Preventing him from fasting should be done without severity because this is not necessary in the handling of children during their upbringing.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited