What is the minimum age for a boy to become mature (Baaligh/puberty)?

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Nasihah (Advice): Three people whose actions are not recorded

Sayyiduna Ali Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “There are three persons whose actions are not recorded: a sleeping person until he awakes, a child until he/she reaches puberty and an insane person until he regains sanity.” (Abu Dawood)

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Question and Answer:

My son says that he had a wet dream last night. He is only ten years old. Is he now Baaligh?

The Jurists (Fuqahaa) have stated that the minimum age for a boy to become mature (Baaligh) is at 12 years of age, which is based on the majority of cases. However, it is still possible for a boy to become mature even before the age of 12 years.

If a boy experiences a wet dream or ejaculation before the age of 12 years, he will be counted as a mature person.

Therefore, in the enquired case, your 10-year-old son will be considered a mature person if he has experienced a wet dream. (Badaai-us-Sanaai’ 7/171; Tabyeenul Haqaaiq 5/203)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)

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