zaro

Does a 13 Year Old Have to Fast in Islam?

Published in Islamic Fasting Rules 1 min read

Whether a 13-year-old must fast in Islam depends on whether they have reached puberty. Generally, children of the Muslim faith are expected to begin fasting once they have reached puberty, usually by the age of 14.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Fasting in Islam and Puberty

In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are healthy and able to fast. However, there are exceptions to this rule:

  • Children: Fasting is not obligatory for children who have not yet reached puberty.
  • Adults: Fasting is obligatory for adults that have reached puberty.

Determining When Fasting Becomes Obligatory

The general guideline is that once a child reaches puberty, they are considered accountable for fulfilling the religious obligations of Islam, including fasting. Because puberty can happen at different ages, a 13 year old may or may not be required to fast.

Summary Table

Condition Fasting Obligatory?
Child (pre-puberty) No
Adult (post-puberty) Yes