Leyton School in UK issued a letter to the parents of the students that the students don’t have to fast during Ramazan. In support of this letter they quoted the guidance they sought from the Ulema that as per the Islamic law children are not required to fast in the month of Ramazan. However they can fast when they become adult. Noted English Daily carried this news item and reported that the school authorities that the age of adulthood is disputed. However, according to Islamic Law the health of the person was given top priority.
The management reported that they observed children earlier who fell ill and fainted and hence they were not able to be attentive in their classroom when they were fasting. The school maintains the policy to the health and education of child, it would therefore, will not permit school children to fast when they are attending the school. The school management advised the older children to observe fasting at the weekends. The management of the school, Lion Academy Trust is implementing this policy in other schools in Britain under its jurisdiction.
The members of Muslim community in UK criticized this policy of the school and maintained that parents had the right to take a decision whether their children observe fasting or not. They quoted that Islamic rules are clear about the people who should fast and who should not fast.
The management notified on the website of the school saying if parents allow their children to fast during Ramazan, they should meet the head of the school to discuss to ensure the safety and well being of their child.
This policy of the school management sparked anger throughout the world as they are asking the students not to fast during the month of Ramazan.