Children entering elementary school usually begin to learn about fasting. With Ramadan just around the corner, it’s a good idea for mothers to start explaining the things that can invalidate the fast so they’ll understand when they’re observing it.
According to Ahmad Abi Al- Musabih ‘s book, Smart Islamic Parenting , teaching children to fast can actually begin as early as five years old. However, it should be tailored to their abilities and circumstances.
The Qur’an itself confirms the obligation to fast in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 183.
يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ God bless you لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَۙ ١٨٣
yâ ayyuhalladzîna â manû kutiba ‘ alaikumush – shiy âmu kamâ kutiba ‘ alalladzîna ming qablikum la’allakum tattaqûn
It means:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was for those before you so that you may attain piety.”
Meanwhile, according to Suprihatin’s book “How to Educate Children ,” children also need educational materials about fasting. If they can’t endure hunger until Maghrib, mothers can begin practicing fasting by breaking their fast at Dhuhr first.
In addition, mothers can provide an understanding of the positive values of fasting, such as the need to fight the temptations of Satan (lust) and always avoid things that invalidate the fast.
Speaking of things that invalidate the fast, there are several important points that mothers need to pay closer attention to. Here’s a full explanation.
15 Things that invalidate fasting
There are several things that can invalidate the fast, which mothers can introduce to their children. The following explanations are summarized from Hamidah Jauhary’s book “Anak Rajin Puasa ,” Ummi Aghla ‘s book “Mengarabkan Anak untuk Ibadah, ” and Mesenu ‘s ” A Textbook of Contemporary Islamic Religious Education ,” among other sources.
1. Eat and drink intentionally
Consciously putting food or drink into your mouth can invalidate your fast. Mothers can explain to their children that the essence of this act of worship is learning to endure hunger and thirst for the sake of obedience.
2. Putting something into the stomach and body
You can explain that it’s not just eating and drinking that break the fast. This also includes medical treatment, such as IV drips or injections containing nutritional meal replacements. These are considered to break the fast because they provide the body with energy, just like eating.
3. Vomiting on purpose
Intentional vomiting will invalidate the fast. In this case, mothers can explain that actions such as inserting fingers into the throat to induce vomiting should be avoided during fasting.
4. Ejaculation of semen
The intentional release of semen due to one’s own actions or certain physical contact can invalidate a person’s fast. Such deliberate actions actually invalidate the validity of the fast.
5. Swimming
When swimming, there’s a high risk of swallowing water and entering your body, Mom. Therefore, it’s best to avoid this activity while fasting.
This is not without reason; it can be difficult to avoid inhaling air. Swimming is safer if done after breaking the fast.
6. Menstruation or menstruation
Unlike boys, girls who have entered adolescence may experience a monthly menstrual cycle . Mothers should inform them that menstruating girls are required to refrain from fasting.
If menstruation occurs during the day, the fast that is being carried out automatically becomes invalid and must be made up at another time.
7. Losing my mind
A person who is unconscious or has lost their senses is of course not required to fast. This condition temporarily waives their obligation to fast, as a valid fast requires full consciousness, Mom.
However, if later he has recovered and his sanity has returned, then his fasting obligation must be carried out again.
8. Swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash on purpose
Swallowing toothpaste, foam, or mouthwash that goes down the throat can invalidate the fast. Therefore, although toothbrushing is permitted, mothers should remind children not to swallow anything while rinsing their mouths.
Choose your child’s mouthwash carefully, especially during the day. If accidentally swallowed, the event is considered invalid.
9. Wrong intention or no intention
A clear intention before dawn is one of the main requirements for a fast to be valid. Mothers can teach their children to strengthen their resolve from the night before so their worship can proceed smoothly.
10. Eat ice cubes
Eating ice cubes while fasting is the same as eating and drinking, so it can break the fast if done intentionally. While it may seem trivial, ice cubes still enter the body and are considered a fluid.
Mothers can remind their children not to chew on ice cubes while fasting. If they feel very thirsty, it’s best to explain and encourage them to wait until it’s time to break their fast.
11. Fainting
Quoted from the book Fiqh Puasa by M. Hasyim Ritonga , S.Pd, a person’s fasting will be invalidated if they faint and become drunk on purpose, even if it only happens for a short time.
12. Apostasy or leaving Islam
A person’s decision to leave Islam or apostatize automatically terminates their fast. Parents can explain to their children that even if the apostasy is only momentary, their fast is still considered invalid.
13. Swallowing phlegm
It may sound trivial, but it turns out that swallowing phlegm intentionally can be included in things that break the fast, you know.
Looking at the book Guide to Obligatory and Sunnah Fasting Worship by H. Ahmad Zacky , S.Ag., MA, several scholars consider phlegm to be different from saliva because it originates from the throat.
If the phlegm has come out to the mouth cavity and then swallowed again, this is considered the same as eating or drinking something.
14. Swallowing blood from the gums
If your gums bleed and the blood is swallowed intentionally and goes down your throat, your fast will be invalid, Mom.
According to Gus Dewa’s book, “Gus Dewa Answers ,” scholars state that this condition can invalidate the fast. It is considered invalid if blood from the gums is swallowed and not immediately cleaned or expelled from the mouth.
15. Swallowing food scraps stuck in the teeth
If a child accidentally picks up food stuck in their teeth and swallows it, their fast will be invalidated. Therefore, they should immediately brush their teeth and spit out any food left in their mouth.
