How to Explain Ramadan Fairness to a Younger Child 

Parenting Perspective 

Allah Values Everyone’s Efforts 

It is natural for a younger child to feel left out when they see an older sibling receiving praise or speaking about the spiritual rewards of fasting. At that age, children often understand fairness only in terms of equal treatment, rather than according to capacity and responsibility. Your role is to reassure the younger child that Allah values everyone’s efforts, but He gives each person tasks suited to their age and ability. 

Frame Ramadan as a ‘Special Mission’ for Everyone 

One way to help is to frame Ramadan as a time where everyone has a special mission. You might say to the younger child, ‘Your brother’s mission is to fast because he is older. Your mission is to pray with us, help set the table and use kind words.’ In this way, you show that rewards are not limited to fasting but are earned through many forms of worship and good behaviour. This prevents the younger child from equating spiritual success with only one act. 

Offer Age-Appropriate Ways to Feel Included 

You can also offer them age-appropriate ways to feel included, such as short ‘mini fasts’ for a few hours, helping prepare iftar, or memorising a small surah. Present these acts as valuable contributions that Allah loves. Over time, the younger child will learn that spiritual worth is not measured by copying others exactly, but by doing their best in what Allah has asked of them. 

Balance Your Praise 

Consistency in praise is also important. If you celebrate your older child’s fasting, also celebrate your younger child’s kindness or effort in salah. This balance teaches that both are on a journey with different steps, but both are walking towards Allah together. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah’s Justice Is Perfect Wisdom and Balance 

When children question fairness, it is a moment to connect them to how Allah defines justice. Allah does not treat everyone the same, but He treats everyone with perfect wisdom and balance. What may feel different on the surface is tailored mercy and fairness for everyone. 

Allah Does Not Burden a Soul Beyond Its Capacity 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity; bearing the (fruits of the) goodness he has earnt, and bearing the (consequences of the) evil he has earnt (in the worldly life)...’  

This Verse makes clear that Allah’s fairness is based on capacity. A child who is not yet mature is not held to the same obligations as one who is. Islamically, fasting is only required when a child reaches maturity, but younger children who make efforts in other acts of worship are still seen and rewarded by Allah according to what they are capable of. 

Allah Rewards Intentions and Circumstances 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 21, Hadith 3, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When a servant falls ill or travels, then he is credited with the like of what he used to do when he was resident and well.’ 

This Hadith shows that Allah rewards intentions and circumstances. If an adult’s rewards are protected even when circumstances change, then certainly a child’s sincere efforts within their limited capacity are valued and rewarded. 

By teaching your younger child that Allah’s justice is about giving each person the right tasks at the right time, you help them feel secure. They will come to see that missing fasting at their age is not a loss of reward, but an opportunity to earn different rewards that match their stage of growth. This makes Ramadan a shared journey for both children, even if their paths look different.