With regard to the age of marriage, Islam didn’t stipulate any rule for the man and the woman. They are permitted to get married whenever they are ready to fulfill their responsibilities as spouses. It can happen at any age. So, it is worth saying that there is no best age for girl to get married.
To help you learn more about a girl’s suitable age for marriage, this article gives you detailed information based on an Islamic viewpoint.
What is the Best Age for Marriage for Female?
In Islam, there is no best age for marriage for both males and females. A minor girl is permitted to marry a compatible partner chosen by her father. She is eligible for marriage before or after hitting puberty. The most important factor that makes her eligible is her maturity.
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For a girl, maturity is defined as her ability to handle her responsibilities as a wife. This means she should obey her husband, safeguard the husband’s wealth, accept motherhood, show appropriate behavior in a social setting, and differentiate between the good and the bad.
If a girl has reached puberty but is unable to follow the above factors, she can be referred to as an adolescent and not mature. It is also possible that a girl as young as 14 can be more mature than a woman aged 25. Therefore, the prime age for marriage of a girl should be determined by her maturity.
While maturity is considered an important aspect, the female’s consent for marriage shouldn’t be ignored. Islam is strictly against the practice of forced marriages of adult women. If the woman’s father or guardian forcibly marries her off to the person she doesn’t like, she has the authority to nullify the marriage. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The virgin should not be given in marriage until her permission has been sought.”
The woman must tell about her disapproval of the marriage to the person with whom she did the marriage contract. That person has no right to force her into physical intimacy and the woman must not allow him to do so as long as she doesn’t accept the marriage.
On the other hand, it is permissible for a father to give his minor daughter (one who hasn’t reached puberty) in marriage, as long as he chooses a compatible partner, and even if his daughter refuses. Allah says:
“And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubts (about their periods), is three months, and for those who have no courses ((i.e. they are still immature)…” [at-Talaq 65:4]
This verse indicates that a minor girl may be married and divorced, and her consent is not essential. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) got married to the Prophet (PBUH) when she was six years old, which shows that at that age she would not be one of those whose permission would be taken into account.
What is the Best Age to Get Married According to Science?
There are several studies regarding the best age to get married. One study carried out by Nicholas H Wolfinger, a professor at the University of Utah, suggests that people getting married between the ages of 28 and 32 have the highest chances of a successful married life.
Another study by researchers at BYU and the University of Virginia shows that marital stability among those in their mid and late 20s is higher than among those in their early 20s. This is applicable to both genders.
According to the book, Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions, which was written by journalist Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths, the ideal age for marriage is 26. They are of the opinion that people tend to make the best decisions in life after screening 37 percent of their options.
As different studies indicate different opinions regarding the ideal age, the result is somewhat contradictory. Therefore, it is worth noting that science cannot pinpoint the exact age that is regarded as the best for marriage.
There is no best age but rather the best time for marriage. It is when a person feels comfortable and is ready to shoulder their responsibilities as a spouse.
When Should I Get Married?
In Islam, it is recommended you get married as early as possible to avoid committing sins. But first, you’ll need to be mature to be eligible for marriage. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Virgin girls are like fruits on trees. If not plucked in time, the sun will rot them and the wind will disperse them. When girls reach maturity and their sexual instincts arise, like that of women, their only remedy is marriage. If they aren’t married, they are prone to moral corruption. It is because they are human beings and human beings are prone to making mistakes.”
From this message, it is clear that there is a proper timing for marriage just like there is a proper timing for plucking fruits.
How do I Know if I Should Get Married?
If you’re a girl or a woman who’s unsure of when exactly to married, look for the following signs.
1. You Have Great Communication Skills
Communication is the key to a successful marriage. If you’re capable of communicating effectively while being thoughtful and respectful, there’s no doubt you can build a strong connection with your spouse. Even in times of conflict, you can resolve them with your communication skills.
When you get married, make sure to make eye contact with your spouse while talking. Also, listen to him actively and express your thoughts and feelings openly.
2. You Have Patience
As a marital life has ups and downs, being patient during the hard times will allow you to understand the situation better instead of finalizing decisions, like divorce.
Whenever you face challenges in marital life, always take a deep breath and put yourself in your partner’s shoes to understand their perspective.
3. You Are Ready to Take Responsibilities
Marriage involves taking responsibility. As a wife, you should be able to take care of the household, raise your child, protect your husband’s wealth, consider your husband’s needs and desires, and so on.
To make your spouse be pleased with you, show appreciation for his support and spend quality time with him.
4. You Have Good Qualities
Who doesn’t appreciate having a wife with good qualities? If you are someone who is pious, caring, loving, compassionate, and patient, there’s no doubt you will make a good wife to your husband.
Before getting married, it is a good idea to work on your personal growth. This includes problem-solving abilities and building good habits.
5. You Are Selfless
Learning to be selfless will help you strengthen the bond between you and your partner. When you are in a situation where your partner enjoys doing certain activities, but you don’t, you’ll need to consider his happiness. Your partner is likely to do the same for you.
If your partner has a particular interest, you’ll need to accept it and make plans for activities related to it. Also, make sure to celebrate for his achievements.
6. You Are Kind and Generous
Small acts of kindness and generosity can make your marriage even more fulfilling.
When your husband returns home after a long day, he will be delighted to see his favorite meal on the table. He will also appreciate if you give him thoughtful gifts and letters at times. If he’s having a hard time, make sure to offer him emotional support.
7. You Are Righteous
You will be united with your spouse by no one other than Allah. If you pray regularly and seek guidance from Him, you will be blessed with the right companion and also be prepared to tackle the challenges involved in a married life. Your future husband will appreciate having a righteous spouse by his side.
Always pray regularly, and seek guidance from the Quran and the Hadith. It is also crucial that you remain grateful for the blessings that you are given in life. And also, it is a good practice to join local community groups that work for charitable causes.
FAQ
1. Is 21 a Good Age to Get Married?
The age of marriage depends on a girl’s maturity. If the girl is capable of shouldering her responsibilities at the age of 21, she will have no trouble getting married to the man she likes.
2. Is 23 a Good Age to Get Married?
In Islam, a girl’s age equals maturity when it comes to the right age for marriage. If a girl is ready to take on the responsibilities as a wife at the age of 23, she is eligible for marriage. If she is not ready, then she must wait until she is prepared to carry out her duties.
3. Is 26 a Good Age to Get Married?
At the age of 26, most girls usually complete her studies and start working. At this stage, she has already reached puberty and is a fully-matured adult. This means she can understand her duties well as a wife and so is eligible for marriage. If she is working, then she might have to maintain her work-life balance.
4. What is the Best Age to Get Married for a Woman?
According to Islam, there is no specific age that is regarded the best age for marriage. A woman can get married when she reaches maturity, which means she understands her duties as a wife. This includes obeying her husband, raising a child, and differentiating between right and wrong.
Final Thoughts
Again, there’s no best age for girl to get married. The same goes for boys. If you’re a sister wishing to get married, make sure to look for the signs that tell you that you’re ready for marriage. We wish you all the best for a successful journey ahead!
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