Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
What is the appropriate age for marriage for both men and women? Some young women do not marry men who are much older than them, and similarly, some young men do not marry women who are older than them. Please clarify the answer. Jazakum Allah Khairan.
Answer:
My advice to young women is that they should not reject a man simply because he is 10, 20, or 30 years older than them, as this is not a valid reason. The Prophet (peace be upon him) married Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when he was 53 years old, and she was only 9 years old at that time. Age difference is not harmful. Whether the man is older than the woman or the woman is older than the man, it is not something to be concerned about.
Before the revelation, the Prophet (peace be upon him) married Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was 40 years old, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was 25 years old, meaning she was 15 years older than him. Those who speak on the radio and television and discourage people from marrying due to age differences are mistaken and should avoid such talk.
What is important when it comes to marriage is that a woman should choose a pious and suitable husband, and if he is older than her, she should still be willing to marry him. The same applies to men; they should seek a righteous, pure, and suitable wife and not avoid marriage due to an age difference. It is essential, however, that both parties are young enough to bear children.
In summary, age should not be used as an excuse. If a man or a woman is pious, the age difference should not be considered a flaw. May Allah rectify the affairs of all Muslims. Ameen.
Question:
What is the appropriate age for marriage for both men and women? Some young women do not marry men who are much older than them, and similarly, some young men do not marry women who are older than them. Please clarify the answer. Jazakum Allah Khairan.
Answer:
My advice to young women is that they should not reject a man simply because he is 10, 20, or 30 years older than them, as this is not a valid reason. The Prophet (peace be upon him) married Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when he was 53 years old, and she was only 9 years old at that time. Age difference is not harmful. Whether the man is older than the woman or the woman is older than the man, it is not something to be concerned about.
Before the revelation, the Prophet (peace be upon him) married Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was 40 years old, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) was 25 years old, meaning she was 15 years older than him. Those who speak on the radio and television and discourage people from marrying due to age differences are mistaken and should avoid such talk.
What is important when it comes to marriage is that a woman should choose a pious and suitable husband, and if he is older than her, she should still be willing to marry him. The same applies to men; they should seek a righteous, pure, and suitable wife and not avoid marriage due to an age difference. It is essential, however, that both parties are young enough to bear children.
In summary, age should not be used as an excuse. If a man or a woman is pious, the age difference should not be considered a flaw. May Allah rectify the affairs of all Muslims. Ameen.
