For Muhammad Seifullah Giri Serfly, age is not a concern when it comes to fasting. The 7-year-old Primary One student at St Joseph Institution Junior started fasting when he was 5 years old, albeit only till 10:30 in the morning. Gradually, he tells me, he will fast till Zuhur and he finally managed a full day fast when he was 6. Not bad for someone so young.

Do you not get hungry at school or throughout the day, I ask.

“In the beginning, I feel thirsty and hungry that’s why you must always eat during sahur (pre-dawn meal),” replied Seifullah. He shares with me his favourite foods for sahur: Rice or half  boiled egg with bread. And he won’t go a day in Ramadan without his dose of sugary goodness: “I will always eat a bar of Kit Kat during sahur.”

As for iftar, Seifullah says, “My father would make me eat one date and I like to drink bandung or orange juice.  Sometimes I have my favourite Ramly burger.” Now who doesn’t love a good Ramly burger?

He also had words of advice for his young companions who are trying their hands – or stomach, really – at fasting too.

[quote]”In order to fast full day we must not think about food and drinks. When I feel hungry and tired I would sleep or read books.”[/quote]

While Seifullah shared with me about his Ramadan experience, he failed to tell me that he also gets monetary compensation each time he completes a fast. Like many of us when we were starting to fast, Seifullah’s father, Serfly Giri, tells us that Seifullah gets a dollar for every day he endures through the hunger & thirst. Added Mr Serfly, “We motivated him by promising him $1 a day for every day he fast as he likes to keep money inside his bank. Also since everyone at home is fasting, I told him that Allah will be angry with him if he does not fast.”

[pullquote_right]Seifullah gets a dollar for every day he endures through the hunger & thirst.[/pullquote_right]

 

 

After conquering the full-day fast last year, Seifullah looked forward to this year’s Ramadan because he started going for taraweeh prayers as well.

Mr Serfly tells us, “Since taraweeh is held just opposite our block and only 8 rakaat plus 3 witir, he managed to perform it without much distraction. This is his first year performing taraweeh prayers. Alhamdullilah without any problems.”

Finally, we asked Seifullah what he likes about Ramadan and this was what he had to say:

Seifullah on the way to taraweeh prayers

“Ramadan is fun and good because I can go to terawih prayers and celebrate Hari Raya after fasting for one month!”

 

Well Seifullah, here’s hoping that you’ll develop the love for praying and fasting insyaAllah (and that you get the full amount of $29 this year!).

 

 

 

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What were some of your childhood memories of fasting? As for parents, how did you motivate your child to fast or pray taraweeh? Share your stories and comments with us!