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The question

Can the noble verse and the ruling on marrying a minor be interpreted in a way that is compatible with our current era, taking into account the opinions of some imams who consider it reprehensible to عقد a marriage for a minor due to the failure to achieve the purpose of marriage, and the medical phenomenon known as primary amenorrhea?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The interpretation of the Quran and the rulings of Islamic law do not change with the changing of eras. Marrying an older woman is better due to her need and her suitability for procreation. However, marrying a young girl is not prohibited unless there is a clear textual evidence from the Sharia that forbids it. Al-Sarakhsi considers the marriage of a young girl to be permissible. What was mentioned in Al-Mabsut is not his opinion, but rather the words of Ibn Shubrumah and Al-Assam, whose arguments he extensively refuted, citing the verse of divorce, the practice of the predecessors (Salaf), and the benefits of marrying young girls. Al-Sarakhsi adduced as evidence the Prophet's marriage to Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, when she was young, stating that it is proof of the permissibility of marrying a young boy or girl through the marriage arranged by their fathers. He clarified that the opinion of Ibn Shubrumah and Al-Assam, who argue against the permissibility of marrying a young boy or girl until they reach puberty, is invalid because Allah Almighty mentioned the waiting period (iddah) for a young girl, and the reason for the waiting period is marriage, which indicates its permissibility. He also cited the actions of the Companions, such as Qudamah ibn Maz'un, Ibn Omar, Urwah ibn Al-Zubayr, and others, in marrying young girls. Marriage is among the interests that encompass various purposes and objectives, and a suitable match may not always be available. Therefore, there was an urgent need to establish the guardian's authority over the young girl while she is still a minor.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy