Is there a specific age for children to fast Ramadan, and is it permissible for them to fast part of the day or to break their fast and then complete it?

Fasting is not obligatory for a child until they reach puberty, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The pen is lifted from three: from the sleeper until he awakens, from the child until he reaches puberty, and from the insane person until he regains his sanity."

However, they should be commanded to fast so that they get accustomed to it. Some scholars have specified the age of ten years for this, while others say seven, provided the child is discerning and capable of fasting. They should be disciplined for abandoning it at the age of ten. The guardian should not prevent them out of compassion; rather, commanding them to fast is part of good upbringing. Fasting for half a day or eating some food is not considered شرعي (Islamically valid) fasting, but there is no harm in it for a child as a form of training, since it is not obligatory for them.