Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Performing Obligatory Acts Before Puberty Is Virtuous, Though Not Required

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Performing Obligatory Acts Before Puberty Is Virtuous, Though Not Required
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The daily scholarly session of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husayni al-Shirazi was held on Monday, 18 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, during which the Supreme Marja answered various jurisprudential questions from attendees.

Addressing a question about the age of religious obligation (takleef), Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stated that performing obligatory acts (wajibat) and avoiding prohibited acts (muharramat) becomes religiously mandatory only after reaching puberty.

He explained that while these duties are not required before puberty, engaging in recommended acts (mustahabbat) does not depend on reaching maturity and can be practiced even beforehand.

His Eminence further emphasized that performing certain obligatory acts—such as prayer (salat) and fasting (sawm)—before puberty, if not physically harmful, is considered virtuous and commendable.

He concluded by encouraging parents and educators to nurture spiritual habits in children from an early age through gentle guidance and encouragement, fostering love for worship and ethical conduct.