Umrah is accepted in Islam once an individual has reached puberty, a significant stage known as Baligh (or Balighah for females).
The Criterion for Umrah Acceptance: Puberty (Baligh)
For Umrah to be considered fully accepted as a personal act of worship and an obligation fulfilled for an individual, they must have attained the age of maturity, referred to as Baligh in Islamic jurisprudence. This signifies the point at which a Muslim becomes accountable for their religious duties and obligations. Prior to this stage, individuals are not held responsible for fulfilling religious mandates.
What "Baligh" Signifies in Islam
Baligh is the stage in a Muslim's life when they become religiously mature and legally responsible for their actions and for fulfilling Islamic obligations, including prayer, fasting, and performing pilgrimage if able. This transition is marked by the onset of puberty.
Key indicators that one has reached Baligh include:
- For males: Ejaculation, either during sleep (wet dreams) or wakefulness.
- For females: Menstruation.
- For both genders: The growth of pubic hair, or reaching the age of 15 lunar years (Hijri calendar) if none of the above biological signs have appeared. The emphasis is primarily on the biological signs.
Performing Umrah Before Reaching Puberty
While the acceptance of Umrah for an individual's personal record is tied to reaching puberty, children who have not yet attained this stage can still perform Umrah.
It is common and encouraged for parents to take their children for Umrah. This experience offers significant benefits, such as:
- Spiritual Education: Introducing children to the rituals and sanctity of the Kaaba and the holy sites from a young age.
- Instilling Love for Islam: Fostering a deep connection to their faith and its practices.
- Familiarization: Helping them become familiar with the procedures of Umrah, which will benefit them when they perform it as adults.
However, it is crucial to understand the distinction regarding acceptance:
| Scenario | Umrah Acceptance Status for the Individual |
|---|---|
| Performed after reaching puberty | Fully accepted as a personal obligation fulfilled. |
| Performed before reaching puberty | The Umrah performed by a child is beneficial and rewarded for the parents who facilitate it, but it is only accepted for the child's own personal record and obligation after they reach puberty. It does not fulfill their future obligation as an adult. |
Therefore, while a child's participation in Umrah is spiritually enriching and meritorious for their guardians, the act of Umrah becomes a personal, accepted religious fulfillment for the individual only once they have reached the age of puberty and are considered Baligh.
