there were some treatment—for example, if this boy were to apply an oil that causes hair to grow—then he would not be deemed to have reached puberty by that, because it is artificially induced. But if it grows naturally, then puberty is established by it.

His statement, “or ejaculates,” is the third sign; that is, if he emits semen, whether while awake or asleep, accompanied by desire, he is judged to have reached puberty. This is due to the saying of Allah, Exalted is He:

“And when the children among you reach puberty, let them ask permission, as those before them have asked permission.” [al-Nur 24:59]

And due to His saying, Exalted is He:

“Test the orphans until they reach marriageable age.” [al-Nisa’ 4:6]

A person reaches marriageable age when he ejaculates, because he is then fit for marriage, as he can father children through this emission. This is, by the consensus of the Muslims, a sign of puberty. As for the two preceding signs, the scholars differ concerning them.

Thus, if he ejaculates by attempting to bring about ejaculation—for instance, by stimulating himself and moving his body until he ejaculates, meaning without a wet dream—puberty is established by that. Likewise, if he kisses a woman whom it is unlawful for him to kiss and then ejaculates as a result, he is deemed to have reached puberty. What matters is that the means leading to ejaculation need not be lawful.

His statement, “or an insane person regains reason,” means an insane person who has reached puberty. For the puberty mentioned previously applies to both the sane and the insane; but if an insane person regains reason after having reached puberty, his legal interdiction is lifted.

His statement, “and becomes discerning,” has as its subject the minor and the insane person. Accordingly, the phrase “and becomes discerning” includes both the minor and the insane person.

His statement, “or an insane person regains reason and becomes discerning,” is coordinated with what came before,