Why is it acceptable in Islam for men to marry a girl of 7 years old?

Answer 1

no really ! that is disgusting

Answer 2

Great question. Most of the answers you got focus on the marriage issue. This is normal -- it's a hot button with anyone living in the West. But the important word here is "acceptable." Muslims tend not to question the principles of their faith (and their culture) as much as Christians and Jews. They accept what Islam requires as morally correct and necessary -- even when it goes against their own beliefs. So why are Islamic laws so strict and unbending? It all goes back to the early development of this religion and the politics of the tribes where Islam was first practiced. Without total obedience to authority, these tribes -- and their religion -- would not have survived. It's the "chain of command" principle that keeps all organizations secure when under threat, at the expense of individual freedoms. That's the real answer to your question, and there's a lot more to learn. Check out the websites below for articles and links on this very interesting subject.

Answer 3

1400 years ago It was allowed, but if you go back in English Society girls would have been getting married at the age of 7 too. This isn't only In Islam, but also in other religions and cultures. Today nobody in their right mind would get a 7 year old married.

Answer 4

In that society it is okay for that to happen. We find it revolting because we grew up in a society that outlaws and shuns that idea. It isn't wrong, just very different. Besides, my ancestors grew up in a society that marries extremely young (as young as 9). I find it strange, but put it this way. In some places, child marriage is allowed as long as it isn't consummated until later. Again, this seems strange to us, but it is normal for them. Try to look at other's customs with their eyes and not the Western mind.

By the way, moospook, Fatima was the only child of Mohammed (may he rest in peace) and Khadija, not Aisha.

For those people that say the Middle East is behind in culture:
Excuse me. If you look at history, the Middle East was extremely advanced in mathematics and sciences. They are noted for complex geometry (since according to the religion it isn't allowed do draw a figure at the time). In Baghdad alone there were 10,000 bathhouses around the city when average Medieval European person only took 1 bath a month.

Look at religious tolerance among the people back then. In the Middle East, they placed Muslims at the top and at least allowed Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians to be second class. What did they do in Europe? They persecuted you and tortured you or forced you to convert.

Now, the state of poverty in the Middle East is entirely due to the exploitation of its resources and riches by Europe and America. Now look at what attitude is revolting.

Besides, getting back to the question. The normal Muslim is likely to find that idea disgusting as well. They would rather marry a girl of 16 or older (more tolerable). So stop having this grudge against their society. It isn't bad, just different.

Again, I think that it is illegal to marry at 7 anyways. I think that it is 9 or 10? And in the West it is 16 or 18? (Check it).

Answer 5

Why is it acceptable in Islam to kill thousands and thousands of non-muslims? Why is polygamy acceptable? Why can't women take contraception? Why is it still a disaster when your first child is a girl? Hmmm... then it makes it almost acceptable to marry a 7 years old, eh?

Answer 6

Why ISN'T it?

Before you answer that, try not to use western standards.
If you use Islamic standards and thinking, it clearly is.

However, in the west, we assume that the woman is part
of the decision making in any family, and not solely a source
of babies and nurturing.

Personally, I believe that people should act to capacity -
if women are able to contribute to decision making, they should.
However ... I grew up in the west.

However, your question really appears "How is it acceptable
for the West for Islam men to marry 7 year old girls?".

The answer is quite simple: We aren't running their country.
They are. They have different ideals - and unless we are
willing to subjegate billions of people, we don't want to get
into the business of forcing our philosphies down their throats.

It could JUST as easily be them forcing their philosophies
down OUR throats.

If we believe that we are right and they are wrong, then we
inform, we research, we communicate.

We do not force.

Answer 7

it is a rare thing and usually an arrangement between families. Things like this happen in other cultures also. Different customs grow from different cultures. Christian royal families had arranged betrothals like this in history and that was acceptable.
Marriage does not serve the same purpose in all scenarios.
Having said this the royal kid wouldnt be consumating any relationship until they were at least...13. That is pretty normal historically but its nicer to think the guy is youngish too.

Answer 8

In europe were not children married, but the marriage was not consumated? This was a custom or royalty I understand. Children we maried in arranged marriages, but the marriage was not consumated. This practice would be as sad as any arranged marriage, but not disgusting because the marriage was not consumated. I would not pass judgement until I understood the custom complely, the ages of the 2 involved and if the marriage was consumated or just a ceremony. Arranged marriages have happened in many cultures and are not just uniques to Islam.

Answer 9

Because when the religious laws were set people didn't live very long :(

Just read some of the anti islam racist remarks left by other on this question. Please try learning about the religion before making wild generalisations. Properganda is a very danerous weapon when manipulating the voting public :(

Just because it is still technically a law doesn't mean it is practised any more.

Answer 10

It is not legal. The legal age is 9 for girls and 15 for boys. But this is the law of 1400 years ago. We should change it !

Answer 11

If what you say is true, and I'll certainly admit to not knowing one way or the other...then there is only one answer to your question...and lets be honest here...you and everyone else who views this question, wether they subscribe to the Islamic belief system or not, knows the answer.