Babloo and the Lesson of Ramadan

Babloo and His First Fast

It was the first morning of the holy month of Ramadan. The air outside was warm, and the sun had already started shining brightly over the rooftops. In the small kitchen of their modest home, the aroma of fresh parathas and dates filled the air. Babloo’s mother, lovingly called Ammi Jaan, was busy preparing the early morning meal for the family.

“Babloo, wake up!” she called gently as she set a glass of milk on the table.

From the other room, a sleepy and stubborn voice replied, “Ammi Jaan, I am not going to keep a fast today!”

Ammi Jaan paused for a moment. She knew her ten-year-old son was playful and often reluctant to take on responsibilities. But today was special—it was the first day of Ramadan, a month when Muslims across the world devoted themselves to fasting, prayer, and kindness.

She walked into Babloo’s room and sat beside him. “My dear son,” she said softly, “today marks the beginning of Ramadan. Every child should try to fast, at least the first one, to please Allah. Fasting teaches us patience, gratitude, and obedience to our Creator.”

Babloo sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. “But Ammi Jaan, it is so hot these days! Even grown-ups find fasting difficult. How do you expect me, a boy of only ten, to manage without food and water all day?”

Ammi Jaan smiled, though a hint of firmness entered her tone. “Son, at ten years of age, every child should begin fasting. This is the command of Allah, and His commands are always for our own good.”

Still unconvinced, Babloo pouted. “But I don’t have the strength to fast for the whole month of Ramadan. I’ll grow tired and weak. How will I manage school and homework?”

This time, Ammi Jaan looked at him seriously. “Babloo, when someone truly intends to fast, Allah Himself grants them strength. It is not just your body that keeps you going; it is the blessing of Allah. From dawn until sunset, He fills the hearts of those who fast with courage. By the time of iftar, when we break the fast, the joy and satisfaction one feels is so deep and spiritual that all the struggle is forgotten.”

Babloo listened carefully. Deep down, he felt his mother’s words were true. Yet, he still tried to argue. “Ammi Jaan, I have my whole life ahead of me to fast. Right now, I must go to school in this hot weather. We have homework, exams, and long hours in class. By the time I walk back in the scorching sun, I will faint. If you really want me to fast, then you must let me take a month off school. That way, I can lie down at home all day until it’s time for iftar!”

At this suggestion, Ammi Jaan could not help but frown. “No, Babloo! That is not the spirit of fasting. Around the world, millions of Muslim children your age go to school while fasting. They attend their classes, play, and still worship Allah during Ramadan. They pray five times a day, recite the Holy Qur’an, and help their families with daily chores—all while fasting. And you are asking for holidays just to avoid a little discomfort? That is not how a true Muslim behaves.”

Her words struck Babloo like a sharp but gentle truth. He lowered his eyes, ashamed. His mother was right. Children everywhere—boys and girls of his age—were fasting happily, studying, and living their daily lives with joy. Why should he be any different?

After a moment of silence, Babloo moved closer to his mother and wrapped his small arms around her. “You are right, Ammi Jaan. What you said about fasting has touched my heart. I realize now that fasting is not just about staying hungry—it is about showing obedience to Allah, learning patience, and becoming stronger inside. I promise you that I will keep my very first fast today. And, Insha’Allah, I will try to complete all the fasts of Ramadan so that I can make Allah, you, Abbu, and even my brothers and sisters proud.”

Tears of happiness welled up in Ammi Jaan’s eyes. She kissed Babloo’s forehead gently. “That is my brave son. May Allah bless you with strength and keep your heart firm in faith.”

That morning, for the very first time, Babloo sat at the table during suhoor—the pre-dawn meal. He ate his paratha slowly, drank his milk, and looked at the smiling faces of his family. Something stirred inside him, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. For the first time in his life, he was about to join the millions of Muslims around the world in this beautiful act of worship.

As the call to prayer echoed from the nearby mosque, Babloo whispered to himself, “O Allah, I am keeping this fast for You. Please help me complete it.”

The day was not easy. At school, his friends laughed and played, and the heat of the afternoon sun pressed down hard on his shoulders. His throat felt dry, and his stomach rumbled. Yet, every time he thought of giving up, he remembered his mother’s words: Allah grants strength to those who fast.

When Babloo finally heard the maghrib azan at sunset, signaling the time to break the fast, he felt a happiness unlike anything he had ever known. The sweet taste of the first date and the cool sip of water filled him with joy. But even greater than the food was the pride glowing in his heart.

That evening, as the family gathered for iftar, Ammi Jaan looked at her son with love. Babloo had kept his promise. He had taken the first step on a lifelong journey of faith, discipline, and devotion.

And from that day onward, Babloo was no longer the little boy who made excuses. He had become a young believer, ready to face challenges with patience, courage, and trust in Allah.