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Fatwa CenterEarly marriage for girls
Question
Assalamu Aalikum. If girls get married at a very younge age( between age 6 and 16 for example), it might be harmful for her in various ways. She might end up getting pregnant while her own body is developing. She might not be able to finish her studies to attain a qualification, so that she can survive if Allah forbids something happens to her Husband. Her personality is also immature just like her body. She might not be able to take important decision concerning her family life because her immature judgement. One can not expect a girl to take the huge physical and mental responsibility of marriage at the age of 12. Can you convince me, that there need not be a minimum age for girls to get married?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
It is not correct to say that early marriage is harmful for girls; rather, it is absolutely the contrary. It is enough evidence that this is proven from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Prophet and the companions 
did so. If something is proven to be Islamicly legislated, then this is evidence that it is beneficial for the human beings. Therefore, a Muslim should not take into consideration the claims that contradict the Sharee’ah (the Islamic Law).
As regards the matter of sexual intercourse, the jurists 
stated that the guardian (of the girl) should not allow the husband to consummate the marriage with the girl with whom the marriage contract has been conducted, and her husband is not allowed to consummate the marriage with her, until she physically becomes able to have sexual intercourse; for more benefit in this regard, please refer to Fatwa 88199.
As regards studying and obtaining a degree or certificate, then marriage does not prevent the girl from continuing her studies if she wishes to continue. The reality proves this. Furthermore, the issue of provision is in the Hands of Allaah. Indeed, many women who lost their husbands found the reasons of provision which they did not find when their husbands were alive. Therefore, one should not be obsessed by this.
For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 84534.
As regards bearing the responsibility at home, in general the girl learns about this when she is with her mother, and the mother should be concerned about this when her daughter is with her. In addition to this, this is something easy to learn in a short period after the girl finds herself in a separate home. The reality proves that this is not a sound reason for which marriage should be delayed.
Allaah Knows best.
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