At what age Prayer and Fasting become fardh?
Prayer and fasting become obligatory (fardh) at different ages according to Islamic teachings.
In terms of prayer, it is stated in Al-Kafi that children are commanded to pray when they reach the age of seven: We command our children to pray when they reach the age of five. Command your children to pray when they are seven.
Al-Kafi 4:619. This indicates that while the initial instruction begins at five, the obligatory nature of prayer is firmly established at seven.
As for fasting, Al-Kafi also provides guidance on when children should begin to fast. It mentions, We instruct our children to fast when they are seven years old, according to their ability to fast during the day.
Al-Kafi 2:235. This means that children are encouraged to start fasting at seven, but it is based on their capability to endure the fast.
Additionally, in Sahih al-Bukhari, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized a balanced approach to worship when he said, "O Abdullah, did I not tell you that you fast during the day and pray at night?" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said, Do not do that; fast and then break your fast, and pray and then sleep, for your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your spouse has a right over you, and your tongue has a right over you.
Sahih al-Bukhari 30:82. This shows the importance of fulfilling the obligations of prayer and fasting in a way that acknowledges personal wellbeing and responsibilities.
Thus, while prayer becomes obligatory at the age of seven, fasting is similarly expected to start at seven, tailored to the child's ability to handle it.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 4:619
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 619
Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) said to Salamah ibn Kuhayl and al-Hakam ibn Utaibah: "Venture east and west; you will not find sound knowledge except that which comes from us, the Ahl al-Bayt." — OR — We command our children to pray when they reach the age of five. Command your children to pray when they are seven. We also order our children to fast when they are seven to the extent they can, if the fast is up to half the day or more or less. If thirst or weakness overcomes them, they should break the fast until they acquire the habit and become capable. Command your children at nine years old to fast as much as they can; if thirst overcomes them, they should break the fast.
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Al-Kafi 2:235
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 235
If you pray Maghrib and Fajr, say: In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, there is no power and no strength except by God, the Most High, the Most Great, seven times; whoever says it will not be afflicted by leprosy, vitiligo, madness, or seventy other types of affliction. He also said: And say when you become morning and evening: Praise be to the Lord of the morning, praise be to the Splitter of the dawn, twice. Praise be to God who removes the night by His power and brings the day by His mercy, and we are safe. He recites Ayat al-Kursi, the end of Surah Al-Hashr, and ten verses from Surah As-Saffat: "Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Glory, above what they describe, and peace be upon the messengers, and praise be to God, Lord of the worlds." He says: Glory be to God when you become evening and morning. And to Him belongs all praise in the heavens and the earth, at night and when you show yourselves forth. He causes the living to come from the dead, and the dead to come from the living, and revives the earth after its death, and likewise you will be brought forth. "Glory, purity, holiness is the Lord of the angels and the Spirit. Your mercy preceded Your wrath. There is no god but You. Glory be to You, I have done wrong and wronged myself, so forgive me and have mercy on me and turn to me; You are the Accepter of Repentance, the Merciful." — OR — We instruct our children to fast when they are seven years old, according to their ability to fast during the day. If they fast half the day or more or less, if thirst or fatigue overcomes them, they may break the fast until they become accustomed and capable. Then at nine years old, instruct your children to fast according to their ability. If thirst overcomes them, they may break their fast. — OR — Unlawful gain includes the price of dead meat, the price of dogs, the price of wine, the dowry of a prostitute, bribery in rulership, and the fee of a soothsayer (priest). — OR — According to this chain of narration, if a man frees his female slave and sets her freedom as her dowry, then divorces her before consummation, she must return half the value to him, and he is allowed to claim it. — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about a man who killed his mother; does he inherit from her? He said: I heard my father (peace be upon him) say that any man who kills a relative does not inherit from him.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 30:82
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 30, Hadith 82 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me, "O Abdullah, did I not tell you that you fast during the day and pray at night?" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Do not do that; fast and then break your fast, and pray and then sleep, for your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your spouse has a right over you, and your tongue has a right over you. If you want, fast three days each month, for every good deed receives tenfold reward, and that is the fasting of the entire year." I intensified my worship, so he told me, "Fast like the fasting of the prophet Dawud, and do not increase upon it." I said, "What was the fasting of Dawud?" He said, "Half of the time." Then when I grew older I wished I had accepted the Prophet's allowance."
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