I will fast on all 30 days of Ramadan this year, says 8-year-old Ugandan expat

The challenge became tougher at school as his friends did not fast.

Spending the day without food or water is a big challenge for Abdul Raheem Basalirwa. The eight-year-old Ugandan expat had attempted to fast for the first time in 2017 when he was just six. But he couldn't complete the fast then.
The Grade 2 student said: "I was eager to start fasting since I was very small. I saw my siblings observing the fast, yet I was eating food. At the beginning, it was really tough. On my first day of fasting, I remember I was already hungry and very weak by 11am. But wanting to prove to my big brothers that I could make it, too, I persisted but couldn't go beyond midday. On the days that followed, I could abstain from food and water up to 3pm."
The challenge became tougher at school as his friends did not fast.
Basalirwa observed 25 full fasts last Ramadan. "I felt so happy and my parents gave me some gifts," he said. "I love fasting. I'm confident I will fast on all 30 days of Ramadan this year."
When asked what his favourite Iftar dishes were, pat came the answer: "Samosas, rice and beans."
Basalirwa's father, Hajj Musa, said: "We are a religious family and my son amuses me so much. The boy is keen on fasting and he performs prayers every day. He always accompanied us to offer Taraweeh prayers.
"He recites the holy Quran very well. In fact, he leads prayers at our home frequently."
Musa said the fact that his older children observed the fast inspired Basalirwa to start fasting at an early age.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 
(Seeing the little ones remain sincere as they fight hunger pangs is an endearing sight. Watch this space every Wednesday during the holy month as the kiddos take us through their fasting routine.)

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021