Ramadan is a sacred month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the spirit of faith, community, and generosity comes alive. While fasting is obligatory for adults, many children eagerly look forward to participating in this spiritual journey. In the UAE, unique traditions and cultural practices make a child's first fast a memorable experience.
When Should Children Start Fasting?
Islam does not require children to fast until they reach puberty. However, Emirati families often introduce fasting in stages, encouraging children to participate in ways that suit their age and health. The key is to ensure the experience remains positive, balancing spiritual growth with well-being.
UAE Cultural Traditions for Children’s First Fast
The UAE has rich customs that celebrate and encourage children who begin fasting:
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Hag Al Laila: Before Ramadan, Emirati children participate in Hag Al Laila, a special tradition celebrated on the 15th night of Sha’ban (the Islamic month before Ramadan). Dressed in colorful traditional clothing, children go door to door singing traditional songs and collecting sweets and nuts, similar to trick-or-treating. This event builds excitement for Ramadan and fosters a sense of community.
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Fuwala Tradition: Families in the UAE prepare a fuwala, a welcoming spread of sweets, nuts, and traditional dishes, to celebrate a child's first fast. It is common for extended family and friends to gather for a joyful iftar meal.
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Eidiya & Gift-Giving: After successfully completing their first full-day fast, Emirati children often receive Eidiya—small cash gifts or tokens of appreciation from parents and relatives. Some families also present new clothes or toys as a reward for their efforts.
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Traditional Emirati Iftar: Many Emirati families emphasize traditional dishes when breaking the fast, including dates, laban (buttermilk), harees (a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish), and lgaimat (sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup). Children look forward to these special meals as part of the Ramadan experience.
Gradual Introduction to Fasting
Instead of requiring young children to fast the entire day, parents in the UAE introduce fasting in stages:
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Half-Day Fasts – Children can fast from sunrise to noon before gradually increasing the duration.
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Skipping a Meal – Some children skip breakfast or lunch to ease into fasting.
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Alternate Days – Children may fast on certain days rather than daily.
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Weekend Fasts – Families encourage fasting on weekends when children can rest at home.
Tips for Helping Children Fast Safely
To ensure children fast in a healthy way, parents in the UAE follow these guidelines:
1. Encourage a Nutritious Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
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Include slow-digesting foods like dates, eggs, whole grains, and laban (a traditional yogurt drink).
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Hydrate well with water and natural fruit juices.
2. Monitor Their Well-being
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Watch for signs of fatigue, dizziness, or dehydration.
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Allow them to break their fast if they feel unwell.
3. Engage in Ramadan-Themed Activities
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Encourage children to listen to Ramadan stories or engage in arts and crafts related to Islamic themes.
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Take them to mosques or community events where they can experience the spiritual atmosphere.
4. Make Iftar (Breaking Fast) Special
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Allow children to choose their favorite dishes for iftar.
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Break the fast traditionally with dates and water, followed by harees and machboos (spiced rice with meat).
5. Emphasize the Spiritual Aspects
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Teach children that Ramadan is about more than fasting—prayer, kindness, and charity are equally important.
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Encourage acts of generosity, such as donating food to those in need.
Celebrating a Child’s First Fast in the UAE
The first full-day fast is a significant milestone, and Emirati families celebrate it in a festive manner:
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Family Gatherings: Parents invite relatives for a special iftar to mark the occasion.
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Traditional Clothing: Children may wear kandura (for boys) and jalabiya (for girls) for a more festive feel.
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Small Rewards: Many families give Eidiya (money) or special gifts as an encouragement.
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Community Recognition: Mosques and schools sometimes acknowledge children who complete their first fast with certificates or small treats.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan in the UAE is a time of unity, tradition, and faith. For children, fasting should be introduced gradually, ensuring it remains a positive and enjoyable experience. Emirati customs and traditions help make this journey memorable, reinforcing the values of patience, gratitude, and generosity.
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