The Marriage of Fatimah: Understanding the Timing and Wisdom Behind It

Was Fatimah’s Marriage Delayed? Uncovering the Truth and Wisdom

Question: Since girls in the Arabian desert tend to reach puberty early, why was the marriage of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, delayed until around 15 years of age or more? What was the wisdom behind this?

Answer: It is historically noted that girls in the Arabian Peninsula often reach puberty early, but puberty is not a fixed rule for everyone to mature early. It is a natural matter—some girls mature at 9, some at 10, 12, or 15. It is generally stated that boys and girls reach maturity by the age of 15.

Looking at today’s societies, whether in the Indian subcontinent or globally, some girls mature as early as eight years old, but it is not a rule that every girl matures at that age. Some mature early, while others mature later, and this was also the case in Arabia.

As for the marriage of Sayyidah Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), there is no sign of delay. The age of 15 is the period of youth, and this is the age at which the Prophet ﷺ instructed young people to marry. Delay would be if one passes the stage of youth and enters old age without marrying.

Regarding marriage, the Prophet ﷺ’s command is very clear. He said:

"O young men, whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it helps in lowering the gaze and protecting one's modesty. And whoever cannot afford it should fast, as fasting diminishes sexual desire." (Muslim: 3400)

In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ addressed young men, indicating that marriage should occur during youth. Puberty begins at youth, and around the age of 15, youth is in full swing. Thus, it cannot be said that the marriage of Sayyidah Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) was delayed; rather, it happened at the appropriate time.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

The Crisis of Delayed Marriage in Society

In an era of profound social change, the age of marriage is steadily rising, creating silent fractures in our communities.… Read More

2 days ago

Buffalo Sacrifice: Salaf View vs. Ijma Claims

Explore the early Islamic view (Salaf) on buffalo sacrifice. This analysis refutes claims of scholarly consensus (Ijma'), showing how Zakat… Read More

2 days ago

Intimacy in Islam: Guide for Couples in Their 30s

Explore how Islamic teachings can deepen intimacy in your marriage as you enter your thirties. Discover practical tips, Sunnah practices,… Read More

4 days ago

Free Sahih Bukhari PDF Download: English, Urdu & More

Access the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with our free Sahih Bukhari PDF downloads. Available in English, Urdu, French,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Hajj in Quran and Sunnah: A Comprehensive Guide with Key References

Discover the profound significance of Hajj, a pillar of Islam, through a comprehensive analysis of its primary references in the… Read More

4 weeks ago

Beware: Shaytan’s Seven Traps to Misguide You

Discover the seven cunning traps Shaytan uses to lead believers astray, as explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim. Learn how to… Read More

1 month ago