Young Muslims are not exempted from observing the holy month of Ramadhan as per Islamic teachings.
Chairperson of Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims in Nakuru West Town Khadija Abdi says children are introduced to Islamic teachings by parents and Islamic leaders as role models.
Abdi says mothers are expected to train children on different types of prayers before going to bed and during meal time.
“Mothers are important in the introduction of Islamic teachings to children because they are closer to the growing child,” explained Abdi.
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At the ages of about three to four, children are expected to attend Madras, to learn Koran and about hygiene.
Training the young Muslims is gradual and at the age of seven, majority of them are introduced to fasting.
“Children grasp Islam slowly, like the importance of prayers, reading the Koran and thanking Allah for blessings,” she says.
Though they might not stay the entire day without feeding, they are encouraged to abstain from food and drinks for as long as they are able.
For example, those attending school pack meals in small quantities for lunch, as compared to normal days, and while they feed, they too observe prayers.
The failure by parents to light a jiko during the day sends a signal of fasting to youngsters.
“Our children cannot fast full time as adults do, and to encourage them, we offer them food in smaller quantities. We also avoid cooking during the day to enable them learn more about what fasting entails,” she adds.
In-between the fast (daytime), they are also trained to read Koran and recite Islamic prayers – dua.
At 12 years, fasting, she says, is a must and children at puberty are expected to observe the holy month of Ramadhan as stipulated in the Koran.
The youngsters wake up as early as 4am to pray. They also attend mosques for prayers, Islamic teachings and listen to inspiration from leaders.