To contract the marriage of a young girl

Q 1: Is it true that the Prophet's marriage to `A'ishah while still young was one of his particularities or was it a legislation for the whole Ummah?Is it permissible to consummate marriage with immature girl? If not, how then should she observe three months as `Iddah (waiting period)?

A: The Prophet (peace be upon him) betrothed `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) while she was six years old. He consummated the marriage in Al-Madinah when she was nine years old. Actually, this is not a particularity just for him. Thus, it is permissible to contract the marriage of an immature girl and consummate it (Part No. 18; Page No. 125) even before maturity if she is able to. As for the `Iddah of an immature girl, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) defined the `Iddah of those who have passed the age of monthly courses and those who are still immature to be three months. Allah (Exalted be He) said, And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) In fact, immature girls are included under the category: ...and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death]. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.