Teenager Siti Maryam Mahmod married 23-year-old Abdul Manan Othman, a family friend in July. They were one of 250 couples at the 1Malaysia mass wedding held at the Federal Territory mosque on Saturday. She is 14 years old. He is 23 years old.

under the law, currently Muslim girls below the age of 16 can marry with the Syariah Court’s consent while non-Muslim girls between 16 and 18 years old can marry with the authorisation of the Mentri Besar or Chief Minister.

As far as i’m concerned, she is still a child. Children below 16 years are still in need of guidance, protection and the chance to form their own character.

I am disappointed with the religious authorities for allowing this to happen. What would a 14 year old child understand about what it takes to make a marriage tick at that age? the girl should be allowed to focus on her studies, to find out about herself better. under the law even, a person below the age of 18 is assumed not to possess the level of maturity needed to make proper informed choices on their own hence their guardians are given the powers to do so on their behalf.

What were the parents thinking when they allowed it? they are depriving their child of not only learning and living her teenage years but also subjecting their child to a life meant for someone who is ready to lead a life filled with numerous responsibilities. is she ready? what are the yardsticks used?

they may argue that in Islam, as long as you have reached puberty, you may get married and used the example of the Prophet Muhammad who got married to Aisyah when she was a child. but they have missed the point. The Prophet did indeed married her when she was 12 BUT the marriage was only carried out and solemnized when she was 18.  When she was able to be educated and form her own character. he was only promised her. even then when she turned 18, she had the choice to decide whether she wants to go to the Prophet. if only people choose to read more. they would understand that she made an informed choice to do so.

i still feel that the syariah court should maintain at least 18 years old as a minimum. let the girl have her basic education and formative years to enable her to make a proper informed choice later on.