Fasting from a 5-year-old’s perspective
Juwairiya Mahomed will
observe the Ramadaan fast for the first time. JUWAIRIYA Mahomed will miss watching her favourite cartoons, but she understands that observing the month-long fast during Ramadaan – and giving up certain things – will make her a “good Muslim”.
The bubbly 5-year-old Grade R pupil at Overport SRS Primary School will begin her first fast tomorrow (Thursday), but only until 1pm.
Her parents Junaid, 34, and Shaakira, 28, are elated.
“Many children start fasting by the age of 5, mostly for half a day because they are a little more mature and can understand what needs to be done.
“Fasting is so important for our spiritual growth and even though Juwairiya is so little we believe it’s vital for her to start practising the fast so it becomes inculcated into her life,” said Shaakira.
For the past few weeks both parents have been speaking to her about the importance of her fast.
“We explained to her that she would have to wake up earlier than usual to pray and to eat.
“We have told her that she will not be able to drink water or eat any food for the rest of the day until 1pm.
“She seems very excited because her brother Mahdi-Noor is also observing it.”
Shaakira said since Juwairiya does not attend a Muslim school, she has alerted her teachers to the fast and asked them to monitor her throughout the day.
An excited Juwairiya told POST that instead of watching Sofia the First or Doc MacStuffins, she will be colouring and doing her puzzles.
“I will miss watching television, but I know that my fasting is going to make me a good Muslim,” she said.