Early marriages were common across various civilizations and were not unique to Islam. Societies throughout history considered marriage at puberty as socially acceptable. Below are some notable examples from non-Muslim cultures:
1. Ancient Jewish and Christian Traditions
- Mary, Mother of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him):
- Historical sources suggest that Mary (Maryam) was betrothed to Joseph at around 12-14 years of age, which was a common marriageable age in Jewish society at the time.
- Rebecca and Isaac (Jewish Tradition):
- In the Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b), Rebecca, the wife of Prophet Isaac (Peace Be Upon Him), is said to have been around 3-10 years old at marriage, although interpretations vary.
- Medieval European Marriages:
- Many Christian noblewomen in Europe were married off young due to political alliances.
2. Ancient Hindu Marriages
- Rukmini and Krishna (Hindu Tradition):
- Rukmini, one of the main consorts of Krishna, was married at a young age, as per Hindu scriptures.
- Child Marriage in Hindu Society:
- Ancient Hindu texts, such as Manusmriti, mention girls being married off before puberty, a common practice among high-caste families.
3. Roman and Greek Marriages
- Ancient Rome:
- Roman law permitted girls to marry as early as 12.
- Emperor Augustus’ wife, Livia Drusilla, was married at around 12.
- Ancient Greece:
- Spartan women married between 12-15 years of age, while Athenian girls typically married by 14.
4. European Royalty and Middle Ages
- Margaret Beaufort (England, 15th Century):
- The mother of King Henry VII was married at 12 and gave birth at 13.
- Isabella of France (14th Century):
- Married Edward II of England at age 12.
Conclusion
Early marriages were widely practiced in history, including in Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Greek, and Roman traditions. The concept of childhood and adulthood was different from modern times, with puberty being a key marker for maturity. Given this historical context, the marriage of Aisha (RA) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not an anomaly but aligned with global norms of that era.