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'I wanted to be like my father and elder brother'

Dubai - According to Basant, the main lessons learnt about the Ramadan was "it makes one understand how people suffer when they do not find food.

 
 "I just wanted to be like my father and elder brother when I started fasting at the age of nine," said 11-year-old Basant Mohamed Al Fatih.
The 11-year-old said that she likes to fast as per the teachings of Islam, which was taught by her parents that fasting is one of five pillars that Muslims are supposed to follow.
Sharing her experience, Basant said that fasting was very difficult for her in the beginning. "My first fasting was on a Friday. I refused to go to bed and waited until the suhoor time and insisted that I wanted to fast the second day also." 
"I was very active and playing and running all the time. When I realised I was feeling hungry and thirsty, I went to sleep to complete the fast. I remember how happy and excited I was during the Iftar with my family. In this second year, I am fasting throughout the holy month," she added. 
To make fasting easier, I take enough healthy food that helps me complete my fasting. Also, my parents ensure that I can fast the entire month though they encourage me to be a good Muslim. 
"But I was determined to take all the fast. My mum also prepares special and diversified Ramadan dishes, delicious drinks and desserts so that we feel excited as the Iftar time approaches."
She added: "My brother Yazun and myself keep ourselves busy to avoid thinking about hunger. Now when the holidays start, we can go late to sleep after taking our suhoor." 
She said that impressed by their fast, some non-Muslim friends also tried to go for fasting.
According to her, the main lessons she learnt about the Ramadan was "it makes one understand how people suffer when they do not find food. By fasting, I really do feel sorry for the poor and I think people should help the poor not only in Ramadan but all the time."
amira@khaleejtimes.com