By: Sheikh Ibn Jibreen (May Allah have mercy on him)
When a girl starts menstruating, she is considered an adult in Islamic terms (balighah) and is included among women. From that point onward, she is accountable for all religious obligations, including fasting.
Question:
When does fasting become obligatory for a girl?Answer:
Fasting becomes obligatory for a girl once she reaches the age of accountability (takleef), i.e., when she attains puberty (bulugh). The signs of puberty for a girl are as follows:- Reaching 15 years of age.
- The appearance of coarse hair around the private parts.
- The discharge of seminal fluid (in the case of a nocturnal emission).
- Onset of menstruation (hayd).
- Pregnancy.
Ruling Based on These Signs:
If any one of the above signs is present, fasting becomes obligatory for the girl, even if she is as young as 10 years old. This is because many girls begin menstruating at the age of 10 or 11. However, some families, due to negligence or misunderstanding, treat such girls as children and do not impose fasting upon them. This is incorrect.When a girl starts menstruating, she is considered an adult in Islamic terms (balighah) and is included among women. From that point onward, she is accountable for all religious obligations, including fasting.
Conclusion:
- Fasting becomes mandatory as soon as a girl reaches puberty, regardless of her age.
- Parents must ensure that once any sign of puberty is evident, the girl observes fasting and fulfills her other religious obligations.
- Neglecting this duty due to perceiving the girl as “too young” is a mistake and contrary to Islamic teachings.