بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
What is the age of Buloogh (maturity) for males and females according to the Shariah?
Several Ibaadaat and rules are conditional on the maturity of the doer; hence it is incumbent on Muslims to know exactly when an individual is regarded as Baaligh (mature) as per the Shariah. Certain criteria determining the maturity of a person have been set by Islamic law and a Muslim has only to apply them to ascertain if one is Baaligh. The criteria for boys and girls vary due to their different nature.
Criteria for Boys
A boy is regarded as Baaligh if any of the following occurs –
- Ihtilaam- Nocturnal emission, familiarly known as wet dream
- Ihbaal- Sexual intercourse causing pregnancy
- Inzaal- Ejaculation of sperm
Inzaal is the principal condition by which the other factors occur.
The minimum age from which a boy can experience maturity is twelve.
If a boy doesn’t experience any of the above at the end of fifteen years in age, he is regarded as Baaligh as soon as he enters the age of sixteen.
Criteria for Girls
A girl will be regarded as Baaligha if any of the following occurs-
- Ihtilaam
- Haiz- Menstruation
- Habl- Pregnancy
Haiz is the chief condition by which the other factors occur.
The minimum age from which a girl can experience maturity is nine.
If a girl doesn’t experience any of the above at the end of fifteen years in age, she is regarded as Baaligha as soon as she enters the age of sixteen.
(Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 6, pg. 153)
And Allah and His Rasool know best.
