A recent case in the UAE involving a seven-year-old boy hospitalized with low blood sugar after fasting has sparked important conversations among parents: When is the right time for children to start fasting during Ramadan?
Is fasting required for children?
Religious scholars are clear: fasting during Ramadan is not compulsory for children. Islamic teachings only require fasting after puberty. Before then, it’s up to each family to decide—taking into account the child’s health, strength, and maturity.
What do doctors in the UAE advise?
Pediatricians stress that there’s no “one size fits all” answer. Dr. Sparsh Pasi from Mediclinic Middle East recommends that children generally shouldn’t attempt full fasting before age nine. The ideal age to start, he says, is between nine and fourteen—if the child is healthy and under close supervision.
Dr. Abeer Khayat at American Hospital Dubai suggests some healthy children may try fasting from around age ten, but it should always be voluntary. By puberty (about 15 years old), most teens are able to fast fully, as required by religious law.
Doctors warn that children with chronic conditions, underweight issues, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies should not fast without medical advice.
Taking it slow: A gradual approach
Dr. Vishruti Singh, a specialist at Aster Clinic Bur Dubai, encourages a step-by-step introduction:
- Half-day fasts: Let children try fasting until midday or from noon to iftar.
- Weekend trials: Start on non-school days so parents can monitor them closely.
- Nutritious suhoor: Focus on water and slow-release carbs like oats and whole grains.
- Inclusive traditions: Invite younger kids to join family suhoor and iftar, even if they aren’t fasting.
What should parents watch for?
If a child shows signs of dizziness, extreme tiredness, confusion, vomiting, or fainting, the fast should be broken immediately. A blood sugar level under 70 mg/dL is considered dangerously low.
Experts agree: fasting should be a positive and gradual experience for children, not a source of stress. Participation in Ramadan traditions is an important part of spiritual growth, but safety, nutrition, and medical guidance must always come first.
