Prepubescent Blasphemy
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question Summary
Before puberty, I uttered blasphemous words in ignorance. I continued to live as a Muslim, then later repented and renewed my faith. Will I be held accountable?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah guide our hearts, tongues, and deeds to that which perpetually pleases Him.
Being legally responsible (mukallaf) requires two conditions:
1. Puberty
2. Intellect
The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The pen is lifted from three people: a sleeping person until he awakens, a child until he becomes an adult, and an insane person until he regains his sanity.” In another narration, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A young boy until he reaches puberty.” [Tirmidhi]
You were not legally responsible and, therefore, will not be held accountable for the utterance. Your subsequent repentance suffices, though not required.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
