Assalamu alaikum, grade 6! Today we are starting a very special topic — Saum, which means fasting. This is an important part of our Islamic studies, and I am so excited to explore it with you. Saum means fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. It is not just about being hungry or thirsty — it is an act of worship. When we fast, we show Allah that we love and obey Him. We stay away from food, drink, and bad behavior from dawn until sunset. At this key point: In the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183, Allah tells us to fast. Let me read it in simple words: 'O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become God-conscious.' So fasting is a command from Allah for those who are able. Not everyone has to fast. Some people are excused — for example, if you are sick, traveling a long distance like from Nairobi to Mombasa, or if you are too old or weak. For those who cannot fast, there is something called fidya, which is a way to feed a needy person for each missed day. If you miss a fast because of a temporary reason, you can make it up on other days — that is called qada. In the coming lessons, we will learn all about who is exempt, what fidya really means, and how to make up missed fasts. For now, I want you to think about this: Fasting is not just about not eating — it is about growing closer to Allah and becoming a better person.
Great, now that we understand what fasting, or saum, is, let's tackle a very important question: Who must fast? This is the next step — knowing if it applies to you or not. First condition: you must be mature, or baligh in Arabic. This means you've reached puberty. For most boys and girls here in Kenya, this happens around age 15, sometimes a bit earlier or later. Think of our Standard 8 or Form 1 friends — that's around the age we're talking about. Before this age, children are not required to fast. Many children choose to try fasting for a few hours or half a day as practice, which is a good way to learn! Second condition: you must be sane, or aaqil. This means you have sound mental health. You can understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. A person who is not mentally well is not required to fast. Allah does not ask us to do what we cannot handle. Finally, third condition: you must be healthy and able, what scholars call mukallaf. This means you are not sick and you are not travelling a long distance. If you have a fever, a bad cough, or you are on a journey from Nairobi to Mombasa, for example, then you are excused from fasting that day. Let me ask you: take a quick note. The three conditions are mature, sane, and healthy. If you tick all three boxes — and you are Muslim — then fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on you. To wrap up this page: every Muslim who is mature, sane, and healthy must fast. It is a duty, like paying your school fees on time or doing your homework. Of course, it's also a beautiful act of worship that brings you closer to Allah.
Class, we know that fasting during Ramadhan is an important obligation for Muslims. Allah, in His mercy, has given permission for some people not to fast. First, anyone who is sick. This includes both temporary illness like a bad flu, and chronic illness like diabetes that makes fasting difficult. In our Kenyan context, if you have malaria and are weak, you are allowed to break your fast. Second, travelers. If you are on a journey of more than 80 kilometers, you are allowed not to fast. For example, if you travel from Nairobi to Mombasa, you can break your fast while traveling. Third, elderly people who are too weak to fast. Imagine your grandmother who is very old and frail – she is excused from fasting. Fourth, pregnant and breastfeeding women, if fasting could harm them or their baby. A mother who is nursing her baby can skip fasting to keep her milk supply strong. Fifth, women during their monthly period or after childbirth. This is a natural exemption, and they make up the missed fasts later. To summarize, these five groups are excused from fasting. Some will make up the fasts later, others may offer fidya. We'll learn more about that next time. Done, everyone!
Next, let's look at the Quranic guidance on fasting from Surah Al-Baqarah. These two verses – 2:184 and 2:185 – give us three sacred options depending on our situation. As the subtitle says, these are three sacred options. First, if you are healthy and able, the command is to fast. 'Saum' is the Arabic word for fasting – you refrain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Second, if fasting is very difficult for you – for example, if you are elderly or have a long-term illness – you can pay fidya. That means feeding one poor person for each day you miss. Third, if you are sick for a short time or travelling – like a long journey from Nairobi to Mombasa – you can make up the fasts later. This is called qada. You simply fast an equal number of days when you are able. Let's read the actual verses. Verse 2:184 says: 'And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom of feeding a poor person.' That's the fidya option right there. Verse 2:185 says: 'So whoever sights the crescent of Ramadan, let him fast; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days.' So fasting is the default, but qada is there for those with valid reasons.
Fidya. Fidya is a special compensation for those who cannot fast at all. It's a way to still fulfill your duty even when your body won't let you fast. Who is this for? Elderly people whose health is weak, or someone with a chronic illness that lasts all year. They will never be able to make up the fasts later, so fidya replaces the fasting. What do you give? For every missed fast, you must feed one poor person a full meal. You can also give the money value of that meal instead. It's about making sure someone in need gets a proper meal. Here in Kenya, that might be around 100 to 200 shillings per day, or you could give actual food like rice and beans. The important thing is that it's enough for one good meal. Remember: each missed fast means one meal for a poor person. If you miss a whole month of Ramadan, you would need to feed 30 different poor people, or one person 30 meals over time. Fidya makes sure nobody is left out.
Everyone! Let's quickly go over the most important points from today's lesson on fasting in Ramadan. Here are your key takeaways. First, remember that fasting is a beautiful act of worship. If you are healthy and able, do your best to fast. It is between you and Allah, and He loves your effort. Allah makes things easy for us. If you are sick temporarily, you make up the fast later — that's called qada. If you have a permanent condition that makes fasting very hard, you can pay fidya — feeding a needy person for each missed day. This is Allah's mercy. What about travelers? If you are on a journey — even a long bus ride from Nairobi to Kisumu — you can break your fast and make up the days later. The same applies to women on their period. It's not a punishment; it's permission from Allah. As Muslims, we always go back to the Quran and Hadith for guidance. If you are ever unsure about fasting rules, ask your local imam or someone knowledgeable. Don't guess! The scholars are there to help. I want to hear from you. What questions do you have? What was most interesting or confusing about today's lesson? Let's discuss.
