For 8-year-old Ugandan boy Abdul Raheem Basalirwa, Ramadan fasting is a challenge he has always dreamt of fulfilling since he was only 6.

This year, he vowed to fast all the 30 days of Ramadan, Khaleej Times reported Wednesday, May 8.

“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,” the Grade 2 student said.

“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, yet he managed to fulfill 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.”

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 Qur’an very well. In fact, he leads prayers at our home frequently.”

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.

According to Islamic Shari’ah, fasting Ramadan is compulsory for adult Muslims who are physically fit and not sick or traveling for a long distance.

Muslim kids who are under the age of puberty are Islamically excused from fasting the holy month. Parents may allow their children to fast for a few hours to train them on fasting Ramadan after their puberty.