𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (545)

Is a Marriage Valid If Parents Proceed Despite the Legal Minimum Age of 18? Sheikh ’Abdurraḥmān Al-Barrāk ḥafidhahullāh said: Any law that contradicts the rulings and objectives of Shari'ah is considered to be judging by other than what Allāh has revealed. Therefore, prohibiting the marriage of minors or setting a fixed age for marriage amounts to forbidding what is lawful. Such a law carries no binding authority, may be disregarded, and its violation does not invalidate a marriage.(*) Preventing early marriage is among the greatest causes of falling into immorality, particularly in this age, which is rife with influences that stir desires and inflame passions. The complete Shari'ah, therefore, encourages marriage, both to secure its benefits and to prevent the harms of neglecting it. Any harms, injustices, or grievances associated with marrying young girls or early marriage—such as those claimed by certain guardians—should be addressed through Sharia-compliant methods, not by enacting secular laws. Such laws are far more damaging, undermining faith and moral conduct, and they do not avert the intended harms. Those with ulterior motives often exploit such laws to serve their own agendas. Accordingly, the competent authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, should reconsider this approach regarding the age of marriage and leave the matter as it has traditionally been among Muslims, where Sharia does not impose fixed ages or restrictions. Any resulting disputes should be resolved through Shari'ah courts, as is customary in other legal matters. [End of quote] Source: http://albrrak.net/index.php?option=...4978&Itemid=28 --------------- (*) May Allāh protect the youth and grant them chastity.