Ramadan is a special time for Muslim families, but for kids, it can come with a lot of curiosity and questions. Why do we fast? What happens if we forget and eat something? How does Laylatul Qadr work?
As parents, it’s important to nurture their curiosity while helping them develop a positive and meaningful connection with Ramadan. But sometimes, answering their questions in a simple yet engaging way can be tricky.
Here are some common questions kids might ask about Ramadan—and how you can answer them in a way that sparks their interest!
1. Why do we fast in Ramadan?
How to answer:
We fast because Allah commanded us to, just like He commanded the people before us. Fasting teaches us self-control, patience, and gratitude for the blessings we have.
📖 "O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness)."
(Quran 2:183)
You can also use examples kids relate to:
🧃 “Imagine you eat your favorite snack every day. One day, you take a break from eating it for a while. When you finally eat it again, doesn’t it taste even better?”
Fasting makes us appreciate food, water, and all the blessings Allah has given us!
2. What happens if I forget and eat something while fasting?
How to answer:
If you forget and eat or drink while fasting, it’s okay! Allah knows you didn’t mean to, and He is very Merciful. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
📖 "Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink."
(Sahih Muslim, 1155)
You can say: “It’s like when you accidentally step on someone’s foot—you didn’t mean to, so you don’t get in trouble. Just continue your fast like normal, and don’t worry!”
3. Do kids have to fast?
How to answer:
No, fasting is only required when you become baligh (mature), but kids can still practice by fasting for half-days or skipping snacks to get used to it.
You can say: “Just like you started praying little by little before praying five times a day, fasting is something you can practice too!”
4. Why is Ramadan so special?
How to answer:
Ramadan is special because it’s the month when the Quran was revealed and when Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and rewards are multiplied.
📖 "The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Quran was revealed, as guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."
(Quran 2:185)
Encourage excitement by saying:
🎁 “It’s like getting a whole month of special gifts from Allah—extra rewards, extra mercy, and the chance to be closer to Him!”
5. Can I still fast if I feel tired?
How to answer:
Fasting can make us feel a little tired, but that’s part of the challenge! However, if someone is sick or too weak, they can break their fast.
📖 "Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear." (Quran 2:286)
For kids, you can say: “It’s like running a race—sometimes it’s tough, but you get stronger as you practice. If it’s too hard, you can take a break and try again next time.”
6. What is Laylatul Qadr?
How to answer:
Laylatul Qadr is the most powerful night of the year—when the Quran was first revealed and when our prayers and good deeds are multiplied more than 1,000 months!
📖 "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Quran 97:3)
You can tell them:
🌟 “It’s like finding a hidden treasure! We don’t know exactly which night it is, so we look for it in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.”
Encourage them to stay up for extra prayers, make dua, and ask Allah for anything they want!
7. Why do we wake up so early for Suhoor?
How to answer:
Suhoor isn’t just about eating—it’s a special time of blessings, and it gives us energy to fast. The Prophet ﷺ said:
📖 "Take suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing." (Sahih Bukhari, 1923)
Make it fun by saying:
🥞 “It’s like a secret power-up for the day ahead! Even if you’re sleepy, eating suhoor makes fasting easier.”
8. Why do we give Zakat and Sadaqah in Ramadan?
How to answer:
Ramadan is a month of giving and kindness. Helping others brings us closer to Allah, and rewards are multiplied.
📖 "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains."
(Quran 2:261)
Encourage kids by saying:
👐 “When we give, Allah gives us even more in return! Even a smile is a form of charity.”
Kids are naturally curious, and Ramadan is the perfect time to answer their questions in a way that inspires them. The more they understand, the more they’ll love and appreciate Ramadan.
Encourage their learning with storytelling, activities, and leading by example. And if you don’t know an answer? It’s okay! Look it up together—turning learning into a family journey.
