Pedophilia & Child Marriage

Islam strictly forbids any form of harm, exploitation, or abuse, including pedophilia and child marriage. The religion's principles are based on justice, protection of the vulnerable, and respect for human dignity, and these values clearly prohibit practices that harm children.

Protection of Children in Islam

Islam places a high emphasis on the protection of children and their well-being. The Qur'an and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) stress the importance of treating children with kindness, mercy, and care. The Prophet Muhammad himself is reported to have shown deep compassion for children and condemned any form of injustice or abuse against them.

Age of Maturity and Consent

Marriage in Islam is meant to be a consensual contract between two mature individuals who are capable of fulfilling its responsibilities. The Qur'an emphasizes that marriage requires mutual consent and should be based on love, compassion, and understanding (Surah Ar-Rum 30:21). For a marriage to be valid in Islam, both parties must be of sound mind and mature enough to understand the obligations of marriage.

The concept of maturity in Islamic law goes beyond physical puberty; it also includes emotional and psychological readiness. Therefore, forcing a child into marriage before they reach an age of maturity beyond 16 years of age and understanding is against Islamic teachings.

Harm and Prohibition (Haram)

The core principle in Islamic law is that anything that causes harm is forbidden (haram). The Prophet Muhammad stated, "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm" (Sunan Ibn Majah). Pedophilia and child marriage inflict physical, emotional, and psychological harm on children, violating this principle. Hence, these practices are considered haram because they fail to protect the welfare and dignity of children, which is a fundamental requirement in Islam.

Islam’s Stance on Justice and Consent

Islamic teachings emphasize the necessity of justice and the free consent of individuals in marriage. Child marriage contradicts these principles because a child is not capable of giving informed consent or understanding the responsibilities of marriage. The lack of genuine consent and the potential for harm render such practices haram under Islamic law.