What are the necessary conditions for the validity of a minor's Islam?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
Al-Kharqi stipulated two conditions for the validity of a minor's Islam: that the minor must be ten years old, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded striking them for prayer at that age; and that the minor must comprehend Islam, meaning acknowledging that God is their Lord without partner and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. This second condition—comprehension—is undisputed, as an uncomprehending child's utterance is mere babbling.
Supporting text
The condition of being ten years old is not stipulated by the majority who validate the minor's Islam, as the objective is the attainment of comprehension, not adherence to a specific age limit. Some report from Ahmad that seven years is the limit, based on the command to order prayer at that age, suggesting it is the limit for the validity of worship, including Islam. Ibn Abi Shaybah held that Islam at five years is valid, perhaps based on the age of Ali (may God be pleased with him) upon accepting Islam.