When should children fast, and how can they be encouraged to fast, pray in the mosque, and perform Tarawih prayers? What are some religious ideas for occupying their free time during Ramadan?

Fasting is not obligatory for a child until they reach puberty, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The pen has been lifted from three... and from the child until he reaches puberty." Nevertheless, they should be commanded to fast so that they become accustomed to it. It is recommended for parents to begin teaching their children to fast when they are able to bear it. Some scholars have set this age at ten, by analogy with the command to pray. This was the practice of the Companions with their children; if one of them cried from hunger, they would give him toys to distract him. A child is prohibited from fasting if it harms them, without harshness.

Children can be encouraged to fast with gifts, by fostering a spirit of competition, and with material or moral rewards. Parents must occupy their children's time with what benefits them, such as reading the Quran and useful books. A warning is issued against the negligence of some fathers and mothers in this encouragement, and the importance of raising children to perform acts of worship from a young age is emphasized.