At what age do Muslim children have to fast?

Puberty is the starting line

In Islam, religious duties begin at puberty (bulugh). The Prophet ﷺ said the pen is lifted from three people, including "a boy till he reaches puberty" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4403, graded sahih). Puberty is shown by the usual physical signs, such as a girl's first period or a boy's wet dreams. If none appear, most scholars use an age limit of about 15 lunar years, while some Hanafi and Maliki scholars put it a little later.

So a nine-year-old who skips a fast hasn't sinned, and there's nothing to make up.

Training kids the way the Companions did

The Companions encouraged their children to fast before it was required. Ar-Rubayyi' bint Mu'awwidh said that after the Prophet ﷺ announced the fast of 'Ashura, "we used to fast on that day regularly and also make our boys fast." They made toys of wool, and when a child cried, they gave him a toy to play with until it was time to break the fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 1960).

That's a gentle model: distraction and fun, not pressure. Modern families often:

• Start with half days: fasting until lunch or mid-afternoon.
• Use weekends first: when there's no school, sport or exams.
• Celebrate milestones: a special iftar or a small gift for a child's first full fast.
• Let them choose: a child who wants to stop should be allowed to eat, with praise for trying.

Ending Ramadan with a happy Eid makes the whole month something kids look forward to. See How do I celebrate Eid with my kids?

Health and school

Children's bodies are still growing, so their health comes first. Watch for dizziness, headaches or unusual tiredness, and make sure they drink plenty of water at suhoor and after iftar. If your child has diabetes, asthma, an eating disorder or any ongoing condition, talk to their doctor before they try fasting at all. See Do I have to fast during Ramadan if I have diabetes?

Teens who've reached puberty do have to fast, but sick teens are excused and make up days later, like adults. If Ramadan falls during exams, plan ahead with their school. See Can I take exams while fasting in Ramadan?

Tell the school

A short note to teachers helps: say your child may be fasting, ask that they can sit somewhere other than the lunch hall, and let PE staff know so they can ease off on hot days.