Hadith Text & Context

"Aishah said: 'The Messenger of Allah married me when I was nine and I lived with him for nine years.'" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 3257)

This narration from Umm al-Mu'minin Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) is recorded in the Book of Marriage of Sunan an-Nasa'i and other authentic collections.

Scholarly Commentary

The marriage of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Aishah at a young age was in accordance with the customs of 7th century Arabian society, where such marriages were common and culturally acceptable. This practice was not unique to Islamic civilization but existed across various cultures throughout history.

Classical scholars emphasize that the marriage was conducted with full consent of her father, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, and that Aishah had reached physical maturity, which was the determining factor for marriage in Islamic jurisprudence rather than a specific numerical age.

The nine years she lived with the Prophet were among the most productive in terms of Islamic knowledge transmission, as Aishah became one of the foremost scholars among the Companions, transmitting over two thousand hadiths and serving as a primary source of Islamic legislation.

Legal & Social Considerations

Islamic law recognizes that marriage conditions vary according to time, place, and custom, provided they do not contradict fundamental Islamic principles. What was appropriate in 7th century Arabia may not be suitable in different temporal and cultural contexts.

Contemporary Islamic scholarship generally holds that modern legal age requirements for marriage should be respected where they exist, as they represent the collective wisdom of societies in protecting children's welfare.

Historical Significance

This marriage holds immense historical importance as it connected the Prophet with his closest companion, Abu Bakr, strengthening the early Muslim community. Aishah's unique position as the only virgin wife of the Prophet and her exceptional intelligence made her particularly suited to transmit detailed knowledge about the Prophet's private life and teachings.