Anas’s First Fast: A Little Boy’s Ramadan Lesson

Inaya’s Little Ramadan Lesson

BY: Ubaid.

As soon as the Ramadan moon appeared in the sky, cheers of joy filled the neighborhood. Children danced around the courtyard, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Among them was little Anas, who began hopping on one leg with pure delight. “Now every day we’ll have special meals for Sehri and Iftar!” shouted Amaimah, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

“I’ll ask Mama to make chickpea salad and fritters every evening!” added Alinta, joining in. This year, Ramadan felt extra special. After months of staying home because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the children were tired of being indoors. Schools had been closed for weeks; parks, zoos, and playgrounds were all shut down. Boredom had wrapped itself around every household like a fog. But with the arrival of the holy month, a fresh wave of happiness washed over everyone.

That evening, little Anas tugged at his mother’s dupatta and said, “Mama, I want to fast too!”

His mother smiled softly. “My dear, you’re still very young. The weather is hot, and fasting can be hard. Maybe next year?”

But Anas shook his head with determination. “No, Mama! Amaimah, Alinta, Hamad, and Moaz are all fasting. They’ll make fun of me if I don’t!”

His mother looked into his eager little face and sighed lovingly. “Alright, my brave boy. May Allah give you strength and patience. There’s nothing that would make me happier than seeing you try.”

The next morning, before dawn, Bari Ammi — the children’s grandmother — walked from room to room, calling everyone for Sehri. Sleepy eyes opened, small feet shuffled to the dining table, and laughter filled the room as they ate together. When the call to prayer echoed through the quiet morning, Bari Ammi went to her room to pray, and soon the children joined her, reciting verses from the Qur’an in soft, melodious voices. Their mother peeked in from the doorway, her heart glowing with pride.

As the day went on, the children played games, read books, and napped to pass the time. But by afternoon, boredom returned. “Let’s play cricket in the courtyard!” suggested Hamad. Everyone agreed instantly — even Anas, who, though fasting for the first time, was full of excitement.

The game began with cheers and laughter. Amaimah and Moaz took turns batting, while Anas bowled tirelessly. Hamad was the fielder, quick to catch any ball that went astray. The sun blazed high above, but their energy didn’t fade. When Bari Ammi stepped outside with her prayer beads in hand and saw them running in the heat, she frowned gently.

“Children! It’s too hot. You’re all fasting — and Anas, it’s his very first fast! Come inside before someone gets sick.”

“Just a little more, Dadi!” pleaded Alinta.

Shaking her head, Bari Ammi went back inside, murmuring prayers for their strength. But soon, the heat began to take its toll. Sweat dripped down Anas’s face; his throat felt dry as sand. Still, he kept running, determined not to give up.

A while later, Hamad’s father returned home from work and saw the children in the yard. “Enough!” he scolded. “Go inside before you faint!”

The children scattered immediately, leaving behind their bat and ball. In all the commotion, Anas forgot one important thing — he was fasting. His lips cracked with thirst, he walked straight to the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle of water, and gulped it down.

At that exact moment, Alinta peeked from behind the door. Her eyes widened. Instead of stopping him, she giggled mischievously and shouted, “Anas broke his fast! Anas broke his fast!”

Soon, Moaz and Amaimah joined in the laughter. “So, our little fasting hero couldn’t last till sunset, huh?” teased Moaz. “Now wait till your father hears!”

Anas froze. The bottle slipped from his hand, rolling across the floor. Tears welled up in his eyes as guilt flooded his tiny heart. Without a word, he ran to his room, buried his face in the pillow, and began to sob.

“Oh Allah,” he whispered through hiccups, “what have I done? Baba will be so angry. I ruined everything!”

When Bari Ammi entered his room a while later, she found him crying silently, his small hands covering his face.

“My dear child, why are you so upset? Did someone hurt you?” she asked gently, sitting beside him.

Through his tears, Anas confessed everything — the cricket game, the thirst, the forgotten fast, and the teasing that followed.

Listening patiently, Bari Ammi smiled kindly and cupped his face. “Anas, who told you your fast is broken?”

“Alinta did,” he sniffled.

“Oh, my sweet boy,” she said, wiping his tears. “You forgot you were fasting, didn’t you? Then listen carefully — if someone eats or drinks by mistake while fasting, their fast doesn’t break. Only if you do it on purpose does it count as broken. Allah is merciful, and He knows your intention.”

Anas blinked up in surprise. “Really, Dadi?”

“Yes,” she said. “Now go make wudu, say your prayer, and thank Allah for His kindness. And don’t worry — your Baba won’t be angry. He’ll be proud that you tried.”

Behind the half-open door, Alinta listened to every word. Her cheeks flushed with guilt. Quietly, she stepped inside, tears glistening in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Anas,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have laughed or shouted. Please forgive me.”

Bari Ammi nodded approvingly. “It’s good that you apologized, my child. Allah loves those who make peace.”

That evening, as the sunset call to prayer echoed, the family gathered for iftar. Plates of dates, fritters, and fruit chaat filled the table. Anas’s eyes shone once again — not just with excitement, but with a deeper understanding.

He had learned something priceless that day: Ramadan wasn’t just about staying hungry or thirsty. It was about patience, kindness, forgiveness, and the mercy of Allah.

And as he took his first bite to break the fast, he whispered softly, “Thank You, Allah — for forgiving me and for teaching me.”