Qist Maktab · Islamic Studies · Class 7
In Ramadan, fasting is an act of worship from true dawn until sunset with the required intention and restraint from what invalidates it. Allah also grants concessions for circumstances such as illness and travel, with rules about making up missed days. The details concerning which act breaks a fast, whether an excuse applies and what is required afterwards depend on the facts and the school of fiqh. A child should not self-prescribe fasting despite medical risk.
Consider a traveller who misses an obligatory fast for a valid reason, and someone who unintentionally forgets while fasting. These situations are not automatically the same. We learn to write down the relevant question and ask a knowledgeable adult rather than shame someone who is not fasting. Ramadan also teaches control of the tongue, kindness, prayer and concern for hungry neighbours.