Other dimension: The Dangers of Neglecting Child Nutrition During Ramadan
By: Musaab Brier
One of the radio episodes that I am most proud of is the one I recorded on national radio about child nutrition during Ramadan. I have been following with interest the keenness of Omdurman radio to repeat it before Ramadan for the past seven years, and I believe that God has made it part of their good deeds.
The fasting period during Ramadan can be quite long. We are only allowed to eat during the eight hours between the Maghrib call to prayer and dawn prayers. This means that the number of hours we fast is longer than the hours in which we can break our fast. Over time, adult family members who are fasting begin to adapt to not eating and may neglect their young children who are not fasting. Most young children do not care about eating unless food is placed in front of them and they are forced to eat.
It is customary in most families to leave leftovers from breakfast and suhoor, but these leftovers may not be sufficient or nutritious enough to meet the needs of growing children. It is rare to find families who prepare meals specifically for their non-fasting children.
Due to the aforementioned reasons, it is essential for mothers to pay attention to the nutrition of their young children who are not fasting during the month of Ramadan, particularly during the fasting period. This can be achieved through the following tips:
- Ensure that children are provided with natural and healthy meals, similar to their diet outside Ramadan, as long as they are not fasting. It is important to serve breakfast to the child on time and ensure it is a well-balanced meal.
- Throughout the day, ensure that the child is offered water, drinks, or juices and remind them to drink water regularly.
- Avoid the unhealthy habit of feeding children with excessive sweets, juices, and processed cakes during Ramadan until it is time for breaking the fast.
Another dimension
One additional aspect to consider is the importance of mothers paying close attention to feeding their children during the month of Ramadan. Despite the challenges of fasting, it should remain a top priority to care for their children’s nutrition. May Allah bless these efforts and ensure that they contribute to our good deeds. It is also important to be cautious of serving sugary juices and to prioritize health and personal hygiene during this holy month.
Last dimension
Furthermore, I pray to Allah Almighty to help us not miss out on the blessings of the month of Ramadan. May Allah guide us in our fasts and allow us to avoid wrongdoing. May we be granted the opportunity to remember and worship Allah, and to experience Ramadan at our best. Allah is capable of everything.
Oh God, please help us during Ramadan as we fast and pray, to avoid sins and stay away from wrongdoing. Grant us your remembrance and help us to worship you with sincerity and devotion, so that we may emerge from this holy month in the best possible state. Oh God, may we be able to attend Taraweeh prayers, hear the supplications of fellow worshippers, witness the tears of the devoted, and reach the conclusion of the Qur’an. We pray to you, the Lord of the Worlds.
Amen..