What is the ruling on not praying at the age of 12, and what should one do if they wish to pray?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Prayer is not obligatory for someone who has not reached puberty, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "The pen has been lifted from three: from the child until he reaches puberty." A boy is commanded to pray at the age of seven and disciplined for it at ten. Puberty is recognized by seminal emission, the growth of pubic hair, or reaching fifteen years of age. It is incumbent upon one nearing puberty to be diligent in prayer. It is not permissible to swear by other than Allah the Almighty.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/54995
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 54995
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy