Question 459
When did marry the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) Aaisha (Radiallahu anha) ? Is it permitted to marry a girl before she attaining the Puberty ?
Answer :
The Permanent committee of scholars presided by Al Allamah Ibn Baz (Rahimahullah) was asked :
Is it true that the Prophet’s marriage to `A’ishah while still young was one of his particularities or was it a legislation for the whole Ummah? Is it permissible to consummate marriage with immature girl? If not, how then should she observe three months as `Iddah (waiting period)?
They have answered saying :
The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) betrothed `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) while she was six years old. He consummated the marriage in Al-Madinah when she was nine years old.
Actually, this is not a particularity just for him. Thus, it is permissible to contract the marriage of an immature girl and consummate it even before maturity if she is able to (if there is no harm upon her).
As for the `Iddah of an immature girl, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) defined the `Iddah of those who have passed the age of monthly courses and those who are still immature to be three months.
Allah (Exalted be He) said,
‘And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature’ [At Talaq – 4]
In fact, immature girls are included under the category:
‘…and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death]’. [At Talaq – 4]
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’