Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) wrote the (marriage contract) with `Aisha while she was six years old and consummated his marriage with her while she was nine years old and she remained with him for nine years (i.e. till his death).

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5158 | Book: Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah)

Scholarly Commentary

This narration establishes the permissibility of marriage with a minor in Islamic law, provided proper guardianship and contractual conditions are met. The wisdom behind this ruling accounts for varying cultural norms and physiological development across different societies and eras.

Classical scholars emphasize that the marriage contract for a minor requires the consent of her legal guardian (wali), while the right to consent upon maturity (when reaching puberty) remains intact through the option of puberty (khiyar al-bulugh).

The age distinction between contract (six years) and consummation (nine years) demonstrates the Islamic concern for the wife's physical readiness and well-being, establishing that mere contract doesn't necessitate immediate cohabitation.

Historical & Cultural Context

In 7th century Arabia, such marriage ages were customary and biologically appropriate given earlier maturation patterns and shorter life expectancies. Historical records indicate similar practices in contemporary civilizations.

Mother Aisha's exceptional intelligence, religious knowledge, and mature comprehension—evidenced by her becoming a leading scholar and authority on Islamic law—demonstrate her readiness for this sacred union despite her chronological age.

Legal Implications

Islamic jurisprudence derived from this hadith permits minor marriage but subjects it to strict conditions: guardian approval, proper dower (mahr), and most importantly, the absence of harm to the child. Modern applications often incorporate contemporary medical understanding of maturity.

The majority of classical scholars hold that if a girl married as a minor objects upon reaching puberty, the marriage becomes voidable, protecting her ultimate autonomy in marital matters.