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Fatwa CenterMaking a vow before reaching the age of puberty
Question
When I was eleven years old, I made a vow that I would fast one month. I fasted only a week and could not complete the whole month as I had vowed. I paid a sum of money as expiation for the rest of the days. Is it permissible to do so? Should I make up for those days, given that I am now 25 years old?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
First, we would like you to note that Muslim jurists stated that whenever a girl observes any of the following signs, she is competent for religious assignment and is liable to what a Muslim woman is liable in terms of religious obligations and duties. The signs (of reaching puberty for a female) are:
1. Wet dreams, i.e. discharge of sexual fluid whether during sleep or wakefulness. This fluid is a thin, smooth, yellow liquid.
2. Growth of coarse pubic hair around the private parts.
3. Menstruation.
A girl is not considered mature until she observes one of the aforesaid signs, even if she has reached the age of eleven.
It should be underlined that the vow of a person who has reached the age of puberty is effective and binding and it is incumbent on him to deliver on it – if it was a vow to do an act of obedience. If he fails to fulfill his vow, he should offer expiation like that of breaking an oath. As for young boys and girls who have not yet reached puberty, their vows are considered valid if they realize that carrying out religious duties and obligations entails earning reward and neglecting them incurs punishment. However, they are not obliged to fulfill these vows, but it is recommended for them to deliver on their vows so as not to get used to breaking their vows.
Allaah Knows best.
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