On Saturday, 7th June 2025, a special Takleef Ceremony—a coming-of-age celebration marking the beginning of Islamic responsibility—was held by Tebyan School at the Islamic Centre of England. The event honoured 31 young girls who had reached the age of religious accountability in Islam, a significant milestone known as Takleef. It coincided with the eve of Eid al-Ghadeer, the auspicious day commemorating the appointment of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the successor of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
The ceremony was attended by Qur’anic students, parents, teachers, and staff, and featured a vibrant array of activities: Qur’an recitations, nasheed and choral performances, a modesty-themed play, poetry recitations, religious video segments on Eid al-Ghadeer, and the traditional practice of the girls passing under the Holy Qur’an for blessings.
Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Seyed Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Islamic Centre of England, addressed the gathering and spoke about the spiritual importance of Takleef, describing it as a sacred turning point in a Muslim’s life. “When a person reaches the age of Takleef, their life is essentially divided into two stages: childhood, during which God does not hold them accountable, and maturity, when God begins to address them directly, saying: ‘You are now capable of calling upon Me—and I will answer you.’”
He highlighted that some great scholars, such as the late Sayyed Imam Sharaf al-Din, used to celebrate the day of their Takleef annually, considering it not just a moment of obligation but a day of honour (tashreef)—marking the commencement of prayer, fasting, zakat, Hajj, and the embrace of divine duties.
Addressing the parents, Seyed Moosavi offered sincere advice: “Do not assume that your child should now be treated as a fully mature adult. Although they have reached the age of responsibility, they are still children. Do not impose religious duties upon them harshly. Guide them gently, and allow them to practise according to their capacity. Islam is a religion of ease, kindness, and mercy.”
He encouraged parents to introduce Islamic rulings (ahkam) to their children through familiarity and kindness rather than compulsion, and praised institutions like Tebyan for providing experienced teachers who educate children in Qur’an, beliefs, morals, and Islamic laws in an engaging and accessible manner.
“I sincerely congratulate all of you, dear parents, for having such beautiful children—precious blessings from Almighty God,” he said.
Seyed Moosavi also acknowledged Eid al-Ghadeer as one of the greatest occasions in the Islamic calendar, extending his heartfelt congratulations to the attendees and offering special thanks to the organisers, parents, and teachers of Tebyan School for preparing such a meaningful and joyous celebration.
During the ceremony, a Takleef Celebration cake was shared, and all 31 girls recited the Takleef Oath in unison. Each student received a Takleef certificate and commemorative gifts from Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Seyed Hashem Moosavi.
It is also worth noting that prior to the ceremony, the newly responsible students performed their Dhuhr and Asr prayers in congregation, led by Seyed Moosavi himself.
