JEDDAH, 2 November 2003 — “My stomach aches. It is like my stomach is burning.” That’s how Aslima Tagoranao described to Arab News her feelings when she’s fasting.
But then she added: “Then I pray. When I pray, my stomachache disappears, and I know it was Allah who took the pain away.”
Aslima is 8 years old, a Grade I pupil of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ).
Seven-year-old Mohamed Soliman has also learned to deal with hunger. “When I get hungry during my fast, I stop thinking, I pray, then Allah gives me strength to continue,” he said
Mohamed, a classmate of Aslima, are among the many Filipino Muslim children in the Kingdom who are fasting for the first time this year.
Although not a requirement at their tender ages, they started fasting on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, just like other obedient Muslims.
Abstaining from eating or drinking is hard for young children especially in school during regular days.
But Aslima and Mohamed said they would fast for the whole month of Ramadan, just like the others. They said they are willing to obey the teachings of Islam and receive blessings.
The required age for fasting among male Muslim children is 14 years old. For females, it is during the age when their period starts.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The others are: To bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to establish Salat (prayer) — that is to perform it correctly, with sincerity and humility; to pay Zakat (a certain portion of wealth or property); and to perform Hajj or make a pilgrimage to Makkah.
Maimona Sarip, teacher of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), told Arab News the essence of fasting during Ramadan: “The literal meaning of fasting is to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking during day time during the holy month of Ramadan.”
When asked why pupils as young as Aslima and Mohamed are fasting, Mrs. Sarip said: “The significance of fasting is to develop a sense of complete obedience to Allah. So we encourage the children here in school to fast, as early as possible, so that they will be used to it. When they are grown up, then they won’t find it hard to fast.”
Young children (who are still below the age requirement) who are fasting are not required to go the distance — that is from sunrise to sunset — before they can break the fast. When children are starving and could not complete their fast, they are allowed to break it.
Mrs. Sarip pointed out. “The other reason why we encourage young children to fast is for them to learn to be honest, to be obedient. And, as early as possible, learn to obey Allah. The other significant trait they develop while fasting is discipline. Even if nobody is watching them, they don’t break their fast without any reasons.”
While Asmila and Mohamed may not really understand the principle of fasting aside from the fact that it is a requirement of their religion during Ramadan, Eman Maranda, 15, who started fasting when she was 9 years old, showed her understanding of the practice. “I’m happy when I’m fasting because I know that I’m seeking forgiveness for all the sins I’ve committed,” she told Arab News.
Mrs. Ameerah Ali, principal of IPSJ, told Arab News that fasting during the month of Ramadan also give those who comply blessings. “If you comply, blessings or showers from Allah will be poured upon you, not only during the holy month of Ramadan, but the whole year.”
Other older pupils interviewed by Arab News attested to this. They said they receive not only good health when they fast, but many other blessings like enlightenment from God, and a clearer understanding of the “temporal” nature of human life, and the “eternal” nature of life after the earthly existence.
Mrs. Ali asked other Muslim pupils and students of ISPJ, who have yet to start their fast to do so. “I’m requesting those who have not started fasting to start now...and I promise you that you will feel that fasting is a good thing. I hope the students will heed this request.” She also asked other pupils or students who are not fasting to be kind to those who are fasting.
