November 17, 2001
Source: The Houston Chronicle
On November 17, 2001, The Houston Chronicle reported that "though not required, children as young as 7 or 8 sometimes fast during parts of the month [of Ramadan]. For them, making it through the whole month is often a cause of celebration for families...'It was a step toward maturity and you feel special, like you are one of the big kids,' said Aisha Ahmed, 16, who began fasting throughout Ramadan by the time she was 8...At first, children often join in the fasting to feel part of the family and not have solitary meals. But as they grow older, the practice of fasting gains more spiritual meaning."