🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #33

What are the signs of puberty, and what obligations begin after it?

According to the Shafi'i school, puberty is reached by the emission of semen (including a wet dream), the onset of menstruation for girls, or reaching fifteen lunar years if there is no other sign.
After puberty the child becomes accountable (mukallaf): obliged to pray, fast in Ramadan, cover the aurat, take the obligatory bath after janabah or menstruation, and their deeds are fully recorded. The Quran mentions the change in etiquette when children reach puberty (an-Nur 24:59), and the Prophet ﷺ said that the pen is lifted from the child until he reaches puberty (Sunan Abu Dawud 4403). Parents should explain these signs before they happen so the child is not frightened or ashamed, and teach how to take the obligatory bath properly. Puberty is also a time of emotional change; more dialogue, less lecturing. See Wudu & the obligatory bath.

Sources

Surah an-Nur 24:59Sunan Abu Dawud 4403 (sahih)Surah an-Nisa' 4:6

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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