It was the night before the beginning of Ramazan. Every nook and corner was filled with people eagerly searching for the Ramazan moon. Some were watching the news for the moon sighting and some were planning what they would do during Ramazan.

Soon when the sighting of the Ramazan moon was confirmed, it was a scene to witness, as everyone greeted each other with wishes for the blessed month. The spirit of Ramazan had spread everywhere, and everyone immediately got ready to offer the Taraweeh prayer.

After Taraweeh, Hussain came to his mother and asked, “Now that I am finally 11 years old, it’s time for me to keep a fast.”

His mother looked at him lovingly and said, “Yes, you are old enough to keep a fast, but you have school tomorrow. It won’t be easy for you to fast on such a busy day. You should wait for the weekend, so you can fast comfortably and properly engage in other forms of worship.”

Hussain began arguing with his mother. His father also tried to make him understand the importance of waiting for the weekend. Eventually, he obeyed his parents and went to sleep.

Three days of Ramazan passed smoothly. Hussain was not fasting, nor was he offering prayers regularly or reciting the Holy Quran. He spent most of his time playing mobile games, listening to music and eating unhealthy snacks. In addition, he kept suggesting new dishes to his mother to cook for Iftar.

His mother noticed his misconduct, and became anxious about his disturbed schedule and health. Finally, when Hussain came back from school one day, he discovered that his mother had hidden his tablet so he couldn’t play games all day.

He went to her to object and said, “If you don’t allow me to fast, then at least return my tablet so I can spend my day nicely.”

His mother sighed sadly and said, “Hussain, just because you are not fasting doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.”

“I just want you to fast on the weekend initially so you can properly engage in the zikr of Allah,” his mother explained. “But that doesn’t mean you should waste the rest of your days doing other things when you are not fasting.”

Hussain interrupted, “But if I’m not fasting, why do I have to perform other good deeds?”

His mother gently replied, “This month is not just about fasting; it is also about seeking forgiveness, helping others, giving charity, showing generosity, protecting yourself from showing off your Ibadah and thanking Allah for His mercy. It is a time to earn double rewards, compared to other days, and an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of both major and minor sins.”

“However, you are actually wasting your precious time by neither engaging in devotion, nor preparing yourself for fasting regularly,” his mother said. “You should start building good habits and physical stamina now, so you don’t struggle in the future when managing both worship and your school schedule.”

Hussain felt a bit ashamed, and nodded in acknowledgement of his mistake — he had not truly appreciated the significance of this holy month and thought he would only do the other forms of worship and good deed when he would be fasting. So Hussain first began by saying his prayers regularly and taking time out to read the Holy Quran at least once a day.

On the weekend, Hussain kept his first fast and continued with his prayer and Quran reading. His family members were pleased to see these positive changes in his habits. To appreciate his efforts, Hussain’s mother invited friends and family for an Iftar gathering. After all, gatherings in Ramazan are a beautiful way to celebrate with loved ones and show hospitality.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 8th, 2025