Respect & Fairness
How to Explain Ramadan to a Child: A Foster Parent’s Guide
For millions of Muslims around the world, Ramadan is the most significant time of the year. It is a holy month dedicated to reflection, prayer, community and fasting.
For foster carers looking after Muslim children or young people, however, knowing the best way to prepare for and support this time can sometimes feel a little daunting. You might be asking: What exactly is Ramadan? How do I explain it to other children in the home? And how do I practically manage the changes in sleep and meal schedules?
At Compass Fostering, we believe that supporting a child’s cultural and religious identity is a vital part of helping them thrive. Whether you are a Muslim carer yourself or from a different background, this guide covers the basics of the faith, the logistics of the month, and real-life advice from our fostering community.
For foster carers looking after Muslim children or young people, however, knowing the best way to prepare for and support this time can sometimes feel a little daunting. You might be asking: What exactly is Ramadan? How do I explain it to other children in the home? And how do I practically manage the changes in sleep and meal schedules?
At Compass Fostering, we believe that supporting a child’s cultural and religious identity is a vital part of helping them thrive. Whether you are a Muslim carer yourself or from a different background, this guide covers the basics of the faith, the logistics of the month, and real-life advice from our fostering community.
Part 1: Understanding Ramadan
Before diving into logistics, it is helpful to understand what exactly the month entails.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a blessed month that commemorates the time the Qur’an (the holy book for Muslims) was originally revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates change every year. The month begins with the sighting of the “Young Moon” and ends 29 or 30 days later with a “New Moon.” The month concludes with the festival of Eid Al-Fitr, known as ‘the Festival of Breaking the Fast’.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Introducing children to the basics of the Muslim faith is a good place to begin. Fasting is a key element of the faith because it is one of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’ — the five core practices that every Muslim must fulfill.
Explaining each of these to a young person is a great introduction to why Ramadan is so significant:
- Shahada: The declaration of faith.
- Salat: Prayer.
- Zakat: Almsgiving (giving to charity).
- Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca.
Many Muslims donate to charity and commit good deeds during this month, as Zakat is another of the Five Pillars. It is a period to reflect on faith, practice self-discipline, and spend time with family and loved ones.
Ramadan Explained for Kids
If you have other children in your home who are not Muslim, they may have questions. Ramadan for kids might look different depending on what they know already.
Using positive language is key. Rather than saying ‘we have to fast’ you could say ‘we want to fast to show our appreciation for what we have.’
Using Comparisons to Other Faiths
Many kids will have learned about other faiths through education or friends. Comparing Ramadan to traditions they already know can bridge the gap:
- Lent: In the Christian faith, Lent has many similarities to Ramadan — it is a time for self-reflection, self-control, and giving up certain foods to become closer to God.
- Christmas or Hanukkah: Ramadan is a holy month that can be compared to the community spirit and reflection found in these Christian festivals.
Yusuf, one of our Compass foster parents, shares his experience:
"My first and current foster child is of Christian faith. He was from a Muslim country, so he was fully aware of Ramadan, the prayers and fasting. I have taken him to the local Christian church, I’ve also sat with him on one Sunday ceremony, group prayer and met his Church Priest and congregation. I’ve learned so much."
At Compass, we will always provide you with the support you require.
Part 2: Who Fasts? (Rules and Safety)
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink (including water) during daylight hours. This is referred to as Sawm (fasting).
Fasting is believed to bring individuals closer to God (Allah), teach self-discipline, and serve as a reminder of the suffering of those less fortunate. However, not everyone is expected to fast.
Who Is Exempt From Fasting During Ramadan?
If a child has grown up Muslim, they will likely have been surrounded by family members who fast. However, children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age of 14.
Others are exempt from fasting if they are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Seriously ill.
- Menstruating.
- Elderly.
- Adults can make up for any missed days at another time in the year or pay ‘fidyah’ (a donation of money or food).
Supporting Younger Children
Often, younger children will want to fast to join in with their older brothers, sisters, and parents. If your foster child wants to participate but is not yet at the expected age, you can accommodate this safely by:
- Offering to cut out snacks during the day but encouraging them to eat their main meals.
- Making sure young people are drinking water throughout the day.
- Allowing them to "fast" for just a few hours rather than the whole day.
Taibur, a Muslim foster carer who looks after two teenage boys, explains the balance between religious desire and safety:
"We have said that it is totally up to the boys whether they want to fast. There is always flexibility in Islam and us as foster parents. If a child wants to fast, then we must look into whether it is safe for them to do so."
Important: Taibur makes sure to contact the children’s social worker to confirm this is safe for them, especially as Ramadan can fall during summer months in Europe when the days are long and hot.
Part 3: Practical Tips for Carers (Logistics)
Preparing for Ramadan involves more than just understanding the theory; it requires adjusting the household routine. Here is how to prepare effectively:
1. Adjusting Sleep and Schedules
The daily routine alters dramatically during Ramadan. Be prepared for late nights or early mornings. You may need to adjust house rules regarding screen time or waking hours to accommodate prayers and meals.
2. The Two Main Meals
The fast involves two specific meals:
- Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal): This meal is crucial for energy. Preparing for Ramadan involves planning nutritious, slow-releasing energy foods (such as oats, eggs, and yoghurt) for these early hours.
- Iftar (The Breaking of the Fast): This happens directly after sunset. Traditionally, dates and water are consumed first, followed by a larger meal.
Taibur describes the atmosphere of these meals:
"We make wonderful food for the evening, it’s as if every night for the 30 days we’re banqueting. It can be hard, but at the end of the day it is fun. It brings us together, as the sun sets, we gather around the table and we break our fast with water and it’s a great experience to share."
3. Nutrition and Hydration
Because the window for eating is smaller, every bite counts.
- Avoid salt: Salty foods cause thirst later in the day.
- Hydrate: Focus heavily on drinking water during the non-fasting hours.
- Plan together: Involving the child in meal planning is a wonderful bonding activity and ensures they have comfort foods they can enjoy.
4. School and Activities
Fasting students may potentially have lower energy levels in the afternoon. It is worth communicating with their school to ensure teachers are made aware of this, especially regarding PE lessons and exam schedules.
Part 4: Creating a Supportive Environment
You do not need to fast yourself to be actively supportive. Small gestures can make a big difference in validating a child’s identity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeanette, a British Catholic foster parent, looked after ‘H’, a 17-year-old Syrian Muslim. She was fully supportive of his faith as she planned the month with him. Jeanette’s foster son joined a WhatsApp group with a Mosque for added support and community. H was also provided with a Qur’an and a prayer mat, and they arranged when he would eat his meals upon breaking fast.
Simple Ways to Show Support:
- Keep temptation at bay: Try to avoid eating delicious-smelling foods in front of the children during fasting hours.
- Wake up calls: Ask them if they would like to wake up for Suhoor (if they are old enough to fast) and support them in doing so.
- Involve everyone: Include all children or young people in good deeds or charity work (Zakat). Incorporating fun arts and crafts or making snacks for Iftar is an effective way to make learning engaging for the whole house.
- Prayer Space: Ensure they have a quiet, clean space to pray (Salat) should they choose to do so.
- Community: Wherever appropriate, help them connect with the local community or mosque for Tarawih (special evening prayers).
Conclusion: How to Prepare for Ramadan as a Foster Carer
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration. Discussing how the child would like to celebrate beforehand will undoubtedly give them something to look forward to.
As Yusuf comments:
"Respecting the religion of one another in fostering, embracing and supporting young people in their faith, as well as within communities is very important — maintaining a foster child’s identity is vital."
Preparing for Ramadan is about more than just changing mealtimes; it’s about showing the child in your care that you respect, support and value who they are as a person. With open communication and planning, Ramadan can be a rewarding time for the whole household to learn and grow together.
At Compass, we champion diversity. Our carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, races and faiths. If you are interested in fostering with us or have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team of friendly professionals will be happy to get you started on your fostering journey.
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