Jurisprudential Rulings Related to the Adolescent in Acts of Worship: A Jurisprudential Study

Abstract

This study examines key jurisprudential rulings concerning adolescents in Islamic acts of worship, focusing on issues discussed by classical jurists. Titled “Jurisprudential Rulings Related to the Adolescent in Acts of Worship: A Jurisprudential Study,” the research aims to clarify selected rulings related to adolescents and demonstrate the importance Islam places on this developmental stage. Using inductive and analytical methodologies, the study reviews juristic opinions and evidences to address questions surrounding the legal status of adolescents in worship and related matters. The findings define the adolescent (al-murāhiq) as a youth nearing puberty who possesses physical maturity without having experienced nocturnal emission. The study concludes that Ghusl due to Janaba is not obligatory for such an adolescent, though he is instructed to perform it before prayer. If puberty is attained after prayer but within its prescribed time, repetition is unnecessary. The adolescent’s Adhan is considered valid, but he may not lead adults in obligatory or Friday prayers except in necessity. In Hajj matters, an invalidated pilgrimage before puberty remains invalid even after reaching puberty. Additionally, adolescents participating in combat may receive spoils, while their grant of asylum is not legally binding until puberty.