Muslim children typically aren't expected to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. But often kids will want to start earlier because they see everyone else abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset — followed by their community gathering to break their fast together — and they want to participate.
"I really wanted to get in on the fun," said Raahim Sattar, who started fasting when he was around 7. He's an 18-year-old Danville, California, native currently learning Arabic at the Qalam seminary in Dallas. He has older twin brothers — and a competitive streak: "I was like, hey, maybe I can do it better than them."
Fatima Amawi, a 16-year-old Muslim Youth of North America volunteer from Orlando, Florida, remembers getting a special cake during the Eid celebration after completing her first full fast at age 9.
Source: Kids are balancing fasting and school during Ramadan. How to support them.