Question
Through various sources, I have deduced that sexual relations with very young girls is permitted in Islam. What I don’t understand is that, this poses health risks to the woman as well as ethical concerns on whether or not it is acceptable for the girl. I realize that it is ‘preferred’ to consummate a marriage after the woman reaches puberty, but I have found no evidence forcing one to do so. Is there any known reason as to why young girls are not protected in this regard by Islam? It seems very contradicting to the religion. I realize that in the past, the age of consent was low and that older men were usually married to younger women, however, when it poses a health risk and such a blaring ethical concern, why is there no governing law against it in Islam?
Answer
We believe that Islam does not legislate on every possible human problem and leaves a lot on the human intellect, guidance from the earlier revelations and the universal moral principles besides its own principle guidance. In this case too we can decide on the basis of the universal moral principles and the Islamic teachings about justice, fairness and respect for the human good and welfare that we should not enter such contacts. Islam also sets the rule that marriage is in fact a contract between two grown up, mature adults. It should not be forced upon others. Those who hold that marriage can be contracted with a minor girl indeed cannot come up with evidences equally more compelling ones than these fundamentals. For further on the issue please refer to:
http://www.renaissance.com.pk/octq992.html
Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
Date: 2015-02-28
