age to start fasting

[nizamuddin]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

What is the proper age according to Shariah for when a small child should start fasting or should be encouraged to fast ? I have heard of different reports and ages. So i need the correct age please.
Masalam

[Imam]

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Wa'laykum-as-Salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu.

The correct age for when a person should start to fast is when he is physically mature (baaligh) i.e. when he has reaced the age of maturity. This can then vary from about nine, ten, eleven, twelve and thirteen for the girls, as opposed to around eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen for the boys. So the answer will vary according to the physical capability of the boy or girl.

However, there is nothing wrong, with allowing children to fast with the conscent of both the parents and the child, at an earlier age. But it must be explained to the child that the cosequences of breaking a fast are very dear, so that he may realise at an later/earlier age.

These are the age guides of when children should be allowed to fast.

May Allah the Almighty bring out the piety and obedience in our children at an early age as possible. (Amin).

M. Waseem Ashrafi