There's no single age at which Muslim girls begin wearing the hijab. The practice varies significantly depending on cultural norms and individual family choices.
When is the Hijab Worn?
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Around Puberty: Many Muslim girls begin wearing the hijab around the time they reach puberty, typically between the ages of 10 and 13. This aligns with the understanding that modesty becomes more emphasized during this developmental stage. [Source: Generally, Muslim girls start to wear hijab at around puberty with some practicing it at an earlier age. Some girls start wearing hijab when they are around 10 years old and others when they are 12 or 13 years old.21-Oct-2022]
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Before Puberty: Some families introduce the hijab earlier, sometimes as young as six or seven years old. This is often done to familiarize girls with the practice and make it a part of their daily routine. [Source: In some cultures, girls start wearing it as early as 6 or 7 years old, often to get accustomed to the hijab as part of their daily attire.]
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After Puberty: Others choose to begin wearing the hijab later, even after puberty. The decision is entirely personal and based on individual faith and conviction. [Source: Some Muslim girls start wearing the hijab when they are nine or ten years old, but others do not wear it until later.]
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Age of 9 or 12: Various sources suggest that many girls choose to wear the hijab permanently around the age of 12. Some references also mention the age of nine as a possible starting point, but this varies significantly based on individual, familial, and cultural considerations. [Source: Most girls, if they choose to be an Hijabi, tended to start permanently wearing a hijab when they're 12.]
Religious Perspective
Islamic teachings don't specify a particular age for the hijab's commencement. The focus is on modesty and appropriate attire, which are considered important at puberty. However, the interpretation and application of these teachings vary widely across cultures and families. [Source: The Holy Quran does not require the wearing of the hijab at any age. It simply admonished females to be modest and cover themselves with the “...] The onset of puberty is often a significant factor, making the age range from 9 to 15 the most frequently cited time when girls begin wearing the hijab. [Source: If one of the signs of puberty appears in a Muslim girl, she is obliged to wear hijab, do all the obligatory duties and to avoid all haram things.]
In summary, the age at which a Muslim girl starts wearing a hijab is highly variable and depends on cultural context, family traditions, and personal choice.
