Let us normalise celebrating our kids

BY MUMTAZ MOOSA SALEY

06:05:2021

This Ramadan, I have witnessed such love from the Deen coming from the kids in our community. Now hear me out, many of us at the age of six or seven weren’t even attempting to fast, and here we have kids who aren’t baaligh that will fast with so much heart and love.

You will hear a proud grandparent or parent talk about how the little ones are fasting and how many fasts they have kept to date. It warms my heart as I bear witness to these heart-warming moments. This is not bragging but instead seeing a child being inspired to please Allah.

Every year, my son fasts and prays and is motivated to do so for the love and pleasure of Allah. Yes, we do reward him, but the lesson is for him to learn that when we do things for the pleasure of Allah, Allah rewards us both in this world and the akhirah.

While fasting is not compulsory for those who have not reached puberty, we have to understand that they have so much heart. This is an excellent way to say that their efforts will be met in this world and the next.