Q:
1. Was I baligh at the age of 8? Since I was 8, everytime I got in the shower I would throw water pressure “down there” until my body shook and was satisfied (I believe this was an orgasm, and I may have emitted maniy but I really don't recall). I read that mani is supposed to be thin and yellow, but I have only ever secreted white or clear discharge, so it was most likely mazi. After that, I would take my full shower without the intention of ghusl. I only started praying and fasting regularly at the age of 11, when I got my first period. Now, 18, I just learned that a woman is deemed to have reached puberty when one of four things happens:
1 – When she reaches the age of fifteen.
2 – When her pubic hair grows.
3 – When she emits mani (fluid released at climax).
4 – When she starts to menstruate.
Second Question: Does this mean I was baligh at the age of 8? Do I have to make up for 3 years of prayers and fasts that I did not do before the age of 11? I continued this habit in my teen years, after my period at the age of 11 when I was surely baligh.
Third Question: My parents never had "the talk" with me and I did not know until recently what masturbation is, the fact that it is haraam, and that ghusl was mandatory after that. So I would perform the habit then take my full shower without the intention of ghusl. Does this mean I have been praying in the state of janaabat and have to make up for 7 years of prayers and fasts?
A:
1. If there was any discharge of mani or any menses experienced at the age of 9 Islamically (according to the lunar calendar) then you will be baaligh from then.
2. From the day there was discharge of mani you were baaligh. Hence salaah, etc. became fardh from that day onwards.
3. Intention is not a requirement for the for the validity of ghusl. Hence your ghusl was correct.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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