10 year old finds delight in the ritual of fasting

Abu Dhabi: Kazi Tamim Hoque woke up at 3.45am on the first of August and demanded that he share suhour with his family.

"My mother was not convinced I could do the 14 and a half hours without food and water, but I refused to be left out this Ramadan as well while my entire family fasts. So she relented, saying I could try," Tamim told Gulf News.

Since then, the 10 year old from Bangladesh has successfully managed to fast every single day this Ramadan.

"I do feel hungry, and the last five minutes are always the most difficult. My mother lays out all the delicious food for iftar and it is only then when I cannot wait to end my fast," Hoque said.

The day flies by for the boy once he begins his daily Ramadan routine; a glass of milk or a bowl of fruit for suhour, sleeping, learning to recite the Quran, and playing with his neighbours.

Food tastes better

"Before I know it, it is time for iftar and I am so happy to finally be able to share in the complete Ramadan experience. My favourite part of course is that food tastes so much better at the iftar table after I end my fast," Hoque says with a smile.

While fasting is mandatory for healthy Muslim adults, it is optional for children who have not yet reached puberty. However like Hoque, many children start fasting when they are young and are used to the routine before fasting becomes obligatory.

His mother, Nasrin Sultana, 42, said she had been pleasantly surprised to see her son's dedication towards fasting in the holy month.

"Since this is his first time, I try to prepare treats for him every day, especially the homemade pizza and chicken dishes that he is fond of," Sultana said.

Hoque admits however that he had accidentally eaten a slice of cucumber before it was time to end the fast.

"I saw all the food on the iftar table, and it completely slipped my mind that I was fasting. Luckily, my mother told me my fast would still be considered intact because I had not eaten on purpose," he said.

Good opportunity

According to Sultana, the holidays provided a good opportunity for her son to practice fasting.

"He is enjoying his summer vacations, and although the day is long, it is not very tiring because he does not have to worry about school work. It actually is the perfect time for him to get used to fasting, which is an important religious duty," she said.

When it is time for iftar, Hoque and his family gather around the iftar table and end their fast with dates and water.

After tucking in, the young boy rushes to the mosque for prayers with his father.

Hoque was all smiles when asked about his Ramadan experience so far, .

"Every year, I used to see my two sisters and parents refrain from eating and drinking, and I felt like I was missing out. Now, I finally feel included," Hoque said.