Growing up comes with many changes. Your body changes, your emotions change, and you begin to take on more responsibilities.
In Islam, reaching puberty is also an important stage because it marks the beginning of religious accountability.
Before puberty, children are encouraged and taught to pray, fast and learn good manners. But once a person reaches puberty, they become legally responsible for their religious obligations.
WHAT IS PUBERTY?
Puberty, or *bulugh*, is the stage when a person becomes physically mature.
Signs of puberty can include:
* Experiencing a wet dream or sexual discharge.
* For girls, beginning menstruation.
* The growth of pubic hair.
* Other physical changes associated with maturity.
For a Muslim girl, the appearance of menstruation is a clear sign that she has reached puberty.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> “The pen has been lifted from three…”
Among them is the child until they reach puberty.
This means that after reaching puberty, a Muslim becomes responsible for their obligatory acts of worship.
WHAT CHANGES AFTER PUBERTY?
Once a Muslim reaches puberty, certain obligations become especially important, including:
1. SALAH
The five daily prayers become obligatory.
2. FASTING
Fasting Ramadan becomes obligatory for a person who is physically capable and meets the other conditions.
3. PURIFICATION
A Muslim must learn about wudu, ghusl, menstruation and other matters of purification.
4. AVOIDING SINS
A person becomes accountable for their actions, so learning what is halal and haram becomes even more important.
DON’T BE ASHAMED TO ASK QUESTIONS
Puberty can sometimes feel embarrassing. You may notice changes in your body and not know what they mean.
Islam does not teach us to remain ignorant because we are shy.
If you do not understand something about menstruation, wet dreams, ghusl, bodily changes or worship, ask a trustworthy parent, teacher, scholar or knowledgeable adult.
There is nothing shameful about learning the religion.
YOUR BODY IS AN AMANAH
Your body is a creation and trust from Allah. You should treat it with respect and learn how to care for it according to Islamic guidance.
Puberty is not something to fear. It is a new stage of responsibility.
HEART CHECK
Growing up means more than getting older. For a Muslim, it also means becoming more conscious of Allah and taking responsibility for your worship.
Don’t wait until you are older to learn your deen. Learn now, ask questions, and grow into your responsibilities with confidence.
3SIXTYISLAM
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