Why did Prophet Muhammad marry a child, Aisha? Is that not illegal?
According to widely accepted accounts, Prophet Muhammed , married Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), when she was six. The marriage was consummated three years later. It is interesting to note however, that Ibn Ishaq, the most authoritative historian of the life of the Prophet Muhammed , mentioned the names of Aisha and, her sister, Asma amongst the earliest of people who accepted Islam. The Prophet’s (SAW) marriage with Aisha was consummated (i.e. she moved to his house) three years after the contract/engagement, and this took place in Madina. Since the Meccan period alone was 13 years, it is much more likely that the contract took place at the age of 16 and that the marriage was consummated at the age of 19. Whether or not this is true, it is an interesting point to note. Acceptability in certain practices varies across culture and across time. Even in America there was a time when there were no laws restricting the age of marriage, and some were married at the age of 12 or 13. S
