Dr. Saad Eddin El-Hilali, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, has sparked controversy with his recent comments on child marriage. In an interview with TV host Amr Adib on MBC Egypt, El-Hilali stated that Islamic law does not specify a minimum age for marriage, suggesting that girls as young as five can be married. He claimed that there is a "quasi-consensus" among Islamic scholars on this issue, although he emphasized that it is not a unanimous agreement.
El-Hilali's comments have generated significant attention and criticism. He argued that Islamic scholars throughout history have believed that God did not specify a minimum age for marriage. As a result, he claimed that it is permissible for girls to be married at a young age, citing examples of girls as young as one, two, five, seven, and nine years old being married. According to El-Hilali, the Imamiyyah school of thought considers nine years old as the minimum age, while other scholars believe that girls can be married at any age.
The professor's views on child marriage have been met with widespread criticism. El-Hilali also discussed other topics, including the issue of a woman's dower or dowry. He stated that some Islamic scholars have suggested that a woman's dower should be equal to that of a man, although he noted that this view is not widely accepted. El-Hilali cited a hadith, or saying, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad's companion, Mu'adh ibn Jabal, which suggests that a woman's dower should be half that of a man's.
El-Hilali's comments have sparked concerns about the rights of women and children in Egypt. The issue of child marriage has been a significant concern in Egypt, with many advocating for laws to prevent the practice. According to Egyptian law, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years old. However, El-Hilali's comments suggest that some Islamic scholars may not consider this law to be in line with Islamic teachings.
The professor's views have also been criticized by many who argue that they are out of touch with modern values. El-Hilali's comments have been widely reported in the Egyptian media, with many expressing concern about the potential impact on women's rights. The issue of child marriage has been a contentious one in Egypt, with many advocating for stricter laws to prevent the practice.
El-Hilali's comments have also raised questions about the role of Islamic scholars in shaping public policy. As a prominent Islamic scholar, El-Hilali's views carry significant weight. However, his comments have been widely criticized, with many arguing that they are not in line with the values of modern society. The controversy surrounding El-Hilali's comments is likely to continue, with many advocating for a more nuanced discussion about the issue of child marriage.
The Egyptian government has taken steps to address the issue of child marriage. In 2019, the government passed a law raising the minimum age for marriage to 18 years old. However, the law has not been effectively enforced, and many cases of child marriage continue to be reported. The controversy surrounding El-Hilali's comments highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of child marriage in Egypt.
Key points
- El-Hilali's comments have sparked controversy and concern about the rights of women and children in Egypt.
