In a matter of hours, Ramadan will greet us in 2022. All Muslims are getting ready for this holy month. Hopefully safe, yes, this year. Not as gloomy as 2 years ago. In addition to preparing more special dishes in the month of Ramadan, you must also be ready to prepare the children to fast. Still not sure whether the children should fast or not in the midst of a pandemic leading to an endemic like this? What else is full PTM school starting soon. Actually, what is the ruling on fasting in Ramadan for children?
Not yet baligh, yes, not mandatory
Tthere are actually several conditions that must be met for a Muslim to fast. These conditions are Muslim mature, intelligent, holy, mukim, and able to fast.
So, based on these requirements, it can be said that people who are not included in this category are not required to fast such as small children who have not reached puberty, crazy people, women who are menstruating, or elderly people who are unable to fast. The obligation of fasting does not apply to them and there is no sin in leaving it.
Also read: Meeting the Fluid Needs of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers While Fasting
Requirements for puberty
What are the requirements for puberty? There are 3 signs a child can be said to be baligh.
When a girl is 9 years old or older and has menstruated, she can be said to be baligh. So, if you are not yet 9 years old and already menstruating, you cannot say that you are baligh.
When a boy is 9 years old or older and has wet dreams, he should be categorized as baligh. As in point one, if you are not yet 9 years old but have had a wet dream, the child cannot be said to be baligh.
When a girl and a boy are 15 years old, but have not menstruated or have wet dreams, both of them must be said to be baligh.
These 3 signs then oblige a child to fast. So, when children under the age of 9 are still not strong or you are worried about their health condition, especially during this pandemic, you don't have to force it, OK? Even if you are over 5 years old, you have to practice fasting. Bedug fasting is also possible. There are even some opinions of scholars who say, if at the age of 10 years you have not reached puberty but have not practiced fasting, parents may force and give punishment. Of course the punishment is reasonable and educational.