Prayer TimesReaching the age of puberty (maturity) is when an adolescent attains a certain age and becomes capable of taking responsibility for their actions in society and participating in social life.
The period when a boy or girl grows physically, becomes mentally and morally mature, is able to make independent decisions, and is fully responsible for their actions and any crimes they may commit, as well as being eligible for legal marriage, is called the "age of maturity" or "adulthood."
In Kazakhstan and many other countries, the age of majority is set at 18. According to the law, a person who reaches this age gains full civil rights and is responsible for their actions.
In Sharia, the bulugh (puberty) age is linked to sexual maturity in boys and girls. Typically, a boy is considered to have reached puberty if he experiences a nocturnal emission (involuntary release of semen) upon waking, and a girl is considered to have reached puberty when she experiences hayd (menstruation). Generally, girls reach puberty from the age of 9, and boys from the age of 12. If neither of these signs appears, according to the majority of scholars, both are considered to have reached puberty automatically at the age of 15.
The companion Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) recalled his own attainment of puberty: "The morning after I experienced ihtilam (ejaculation), I went to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and told him about my situation. He instructed me: 'Do not enter among the women anymore.'" (Tabarani).
At this age, they have the right to make independent decisions, enter into contracts, and are liable for any harm or penalties they cause. An orphan is no longer considered an orphan from this point. When a boy reaches this age, he is expected to care for his elderly parents, sisters, and younger siblings who have not yet reached puberty.
Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in a hadith: "Three people are not held accountable (i.e., these three are not subject to responsibility): a child until he reaches puberty, a person with mental disabilities until he regains sanity, and a sleeping person until he wakes up." (Bukhari). Thus, the principle of "not being held accountable" for children ends at puberty. Also, once a child reaches puberty, performing the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving zakat if financially able, and performing Hajj become obligatory.
The Kazakh saying, "A capable child says 'I am grown' at fifteen, an incapable one says 'I am young' at thirty," also points to this.
Note: According to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Marriage (Matrimony) and Family," both the man and woman must give full consent and have reached the marriageable age, which is 18. Therefore, those intending to marry and start a family should also consider these requirements.
Hasan AMANKUL
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.