Is it permissible for a girl to marry before she menstruates, while she has not yet reached the age of religious accountability?
The marriage of a minor girl before puberty is permissible in Islamic law by scholarly consensus, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿And as for those of your women who have despaired of menstruation, if you doubt, their waiting period is three months, and also those who have not menstruated.﴾ This verse indicates the permissibility of marrying a minor girl who has not menstruated and that she has an 'iddah (waiting period) if divorced. Similarly, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was six years old and consummated the marriage when she was nine, and she remained with him for nine years. Scholars have unanimously agreed that a father may marry off his minor daughter without consulting her. The marriage of a minor girl does not necessitate the permissibility of intercourse with her; rather, intercourse is not permissible until she is ready for it. This is why the Prophet's consummation of his marriage with Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was delayed.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/6721