Girls, like boys, are not obligated to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. While there's no single universally agreed-upon age, puberty typically begins around the age of 10-14. Many sources suggest that children often begin practicing partial fasts (e.g., half-days) from around 7 or 8 years old to acclimate themselves to the practice. However, the full obligation to fast begins upon the onset of puberty, which is individually determined and may vary.
Several sources highlight this age range:
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Puberty as the Benchmark: Multiple articles and discussions cite puberty as the marker for mandatory fasting. The BBC News article (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44107950) explicitly states that children are expected to begin fasting upon reaching puberty, usually by age 14. Other sources corroborate this, suggesting a range from 10 to 14.
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Gradual Introduction: Some sources recommend a gradual introduction to fasting, with younger children (around 7-8 years old) beginning with shorter fasts, often half-days. This approach allows children to adapt gradually and understand the practice. An example of this perspective is found on Haute Hijab's blog (https://blog.hautehijab.com/post/when-should-children-start-fasting-in-ramadan).
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Individual Variation: It's crucial to remember that puberty onset varies greatly depending on individual development. The age of 10-14 is merely a guideline, not a strict rule. Parents should use their judgment and knowledge of their child's individual maturity level.
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Signs of Puberty: The onset of menstruation in girls is a clear sign of puberty, indicating the obligation to fast. Other physical signs of puberty should also be considered.
In summary, while some children might begin practicing shorter fasts around age 7 or 8, the age at which girls are obligated to fast during Ramadan is upon reaching puberty, typically between the ages of 10 and 14. Parents should use their best judgment based on their child's individual development.
