Q: Am I obliged to perform Sawm (Fast), Hajj, and Salah (Prayer) knowing that I am only nine years old?

A: A male person becomes Mukallaf (held legally accountable for his actions) when he reaches the age of fifteen, emits Maniy (spermatic fluid) whether during sleep or in wakefulness with desire, or by the growth of pubic hair around his private parts. A woman is the same as a male in these three signs of adulthood in addition to her menstruation. However, if she performs Salah, Sawm, and Hajj before the appearance of these signs, such acts of worship are still valid, but regarded as Nafilah (supererogatory) on her part that do not account as the obligatory Hajj which is only due after attaining the conditions of being held legally responsible for her actions. It has been authentically narrated from (Part No. 6; Page No. 29) the Messenger (peace be upon him) that he said, Command your children to perform Salah (prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten, and separate them in bed at the time of sleep. May Allah guide you to success and righteousness, and make you a joy to your parents.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.