If you masturbate at a young age have you reached puberty and are required to pray

Question

I am embarressed to say this I am a 12 year old boy and I have masturbated. I have done ghusl and are currently working on stopping these urges. I was dondering if I have reached puberty and do I have to start praying and start doing the stuff the adlit men in islam do. Please answer my question fast for 8 am concerned

Answer 1

Yes. If you have ejaculated (even if it is a result of masturbation) then this is a clear sign of puberty and you are considered an adult. 12 solar years is above the threshold at which a person can be considered an adult due to the appearance of the signs of puberty. See At what age does a person become an adult in Islam?

خروج المنى ... فكيفما خرج فى يقظة أو منام، بجماع، أو احتلام، أو غير ذلك، حصل به البلوغ

Ejaculation of Maniy ... regardless of whether it happens while awake or asleep, during coitus, wet dream or otherwise, achieves adulthood

^{— al-Mughni - Ibn Qudamah}

Also see https://islamweb.net/ar/fatwa/443536/

Answer 2

It's completely okay to feel embarrassed, but it's good that you're seeking knowledge.

Yes, if you've experienced things like wet dreams, or any other signs of physical growth (such as body hair or a deeper voice), you've likely reached puberty. In Islam, puberty marks the age when you're required to start performing the duties of an adult, including prayers (Salah) and fasting during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The pen is lifted (i.e., no accountability) from three people: from the child until he reaches puberty, from the sleeping person until he wakes, and from the insane person until he becomes sane.” (Sunan Abu Dawood).

Since you've reached puberty, it's important to begin praying and fulfilling your religious duties. Keep working on controlling your desires, and remember that repentance is always accepted by Allah if done sincerely. Keep striving, and Allah will help you