The perfect age to get married in Islam - NikahExplorer
Marriage is considered to be one of the most important relationships in an individual’s life, and this belief has been held around the world for centuries. It is a legal agreement between two people who are willing to accept each other and each other's families as their own. Marriage is not just a union of two individuals, but it is also seen as a bond between two families. It is a crucial step towards building a stable and fulfilling life.
Muslims often recommend early marriages as it is considered beneficial for the couple's chastity. Delaying weddings, on the other hand, is believed to be advantageous for the Shaytan. Once a girl reaches physical and psychological maturity, it is recommended to marry her off as soon as possible.
Promoting early marriage is primarily focused on safeguarding the innocence of young individuals. Allah (SWT) has designed humans with natural sexual inclinations. Therefore, when a young person enters puberty and undergoes physical changes, the optimal approach for parents is to guide them toward a responsible and married life.
The sexual drive, particularly during adolescence, can be intense, often, this urge must be fulfilled either through permissible (halal) means or impermissible (haram) ways. This longing for satisfaction has led young individuals to unthinkable actions.
Islam encompasses provisions for every aspect of life. It is applicable in all seasons and for all reasons. Every aspect of our lives has been addressed in the Quran, with explanations provided by the Prophet (PBUH). Allah (SWT) states:
“And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allāh will enrich them from His bounty, and Allāh is all-encompassing and Knowing.” [An-Nur: 32]
The father of a girl should not delay her marriage if a compatible man of equal status, with sound religion and character, proposes. This is based on the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
"O Ali! Three are not to be delayed: Salat when it is due, the funeral when it is presented, and (marriage) for the single woman when someone compatible is found." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1075 Grade: Sahih
Why you are delaying their marriage then?
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged young people to marry once they were capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of marriage. He said:
"O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." Sahih al-Bukhari 5066
Early marriage does not necessarily indicate immaturity or irresponsibility. The Qur'an suggests this by saying:
Then if you perceive in them sound judgement (An-Nisa’: 6)
Puberty or reaching marriageable age is not sufficient to be qualified for marriage. If a son is capable of running a household, maintaining his mental, psychological, and financial stability, and everything else that is required to support his wife, then early marriage may be necessary to keep our children away from haram.
One of the advantages of getting married early is that married couples tend to perform better at school or university and are often more emotionally stable than single individuals. Additionally, living together with one's spouse can reduce living expenses compared to living separately. The benefits of early marriage are significant, and it is highly encouraged in Islam as long as both partners are mature and responsible, and the husband can financially support the family. Among the benefits of early marriages is that Married couples perform better at school or university and are more emotionally stable than singles. Also, living together with one’s wife will cost one much less than if each one of them lived separately. The benefits of early marriage are extreme, and it is highly encouraged in Islam if both spouses are mature and responsible, and if the husband can support the family on the financial side.
Many individuals often conflate early marriage with the union of a girl deemed incapable, commonly referred to as underage marriage. In my perspective, there exists a distinction between these two concepts. Allah(SWT) knows best.