The most commonly misunderstood and misrepresented topics in Islamic history: the age of Aisha (RA) at the time of her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

This issue is not only frequently weaponized by Islamophobes, but also causes confusion among Muslims who encounter contradictory narratives. So today, we aim to present a clear, historically grounded explanation supported by authentic sources, scholarly opinions, and chronological data.

Why the Controversy Exists

The controversy stems primarily from a single hadith that states Aisha (RA) was six when her marriage contract was drawn up and nine when the marriage was consummated. This narration is often cited in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, and is the sole report mentioning this specific age.

However, what many fail to realize is that this narration is a mursal hadith—meaning the chain of narrators does not directly trace back to the Prophet ﷺ, but to a companion—in this case, Aisha (RA) herself. Moreover, it contradicts other pieces of well-documented historical evidence that suggest a different narrative entirely.

Understanding Arab Culture and Age Calculation

Before we delve into dates, it’s important to understand the Arab tradition of age calculation. According to historian Musah (referenced in Hatun, p. 81), Arab girls—especially among the nobility—began counting their age from the onset of puberty, typically marked by a ceremony called Mu’ay, not from birth.

This custom means when Aisha (RA) said she was “nine,” it may have referred to years after reaching puberty, not her biological age from birth.

When adjusted for actual birth years, this could place her at approximately 17 or 18 at the time of marriage.

Strong Historical Evidence Supporting A Higher Age

Let’s explore four key evidences from Islamic scholarship and history that directly contradict the nine-year-old claim:

1. The Age Gap with Her Sister Asma (RA)

Asma bint Abu Bakr (RA), Aisha's older sister, is a critical reference point.

• Asma (RA) died in 73 AH (after Hijrah) at the age of 100, as reported in numerous biographical sources.

• This means she was 27 years old at the time of the Hijrah (622 CE).

• Asma was 10 years older than Aisha (RA), which means Aisha was 17 at Hijrah.

• Since Aisha (RA) married the Prophet ﷺ after the migration to Medina (some sources say about 6 months later), this places her at 17 or 18 years old at marriage.

Sources:

• Hayat al-Sahaba by Hikmet Burki, p. 21

• Asr-e-Saadat by Maulana Shibli (Volume 2, p. 9)

2. Her Early Acceptance of Islam

Historical texts confirm that Aisha (RA) was among the early converts to Islam, in the first few years after revelation (610 CE).

If she had truly been born in 614 CE (as the nine-year theory suggests), she could not have embraced Islam during its early years, because she wouldn’t have been born yet.

This makes the timeline mathematically impossible and further supports a birth year closer to 605 CE—making her around 17 during Hijrah.

3. Hadith Indicating She Was a Young Girl at Revelation of Surah Al-Qamar (54:46)

In a hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, Aisha (RA) says:

“I was a young girl playing with toys when this verse was revealed: ‘But nay - the Last Hour is the time when they shall truly meet their fate; and that Last Hour will be most calamitous, and most bitter’” (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:46)

This verse was revealed 9 years before the Hijrah, around 613 CE. If Aisha (RA) was already a "young girl playing with toys" at that time, she must have been at least 5–6 years old, meaning she was born around 605–608 CE, not 614 CE.

4. Scholarly Consensus in Key Historical Works

Renowned scholars such as:

• Imam Nawawi (Volume 2, p. 597)

• Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri (al-Mustadrak, Hadith 3635)

...have corroborated that Asma (RA) was born in 595 CE, and that Aisha (RA) was 10 years younger. This aligns consistently with the 605 CE birthdate and an age of 17–18 at the time of marriage.

Why This Matters

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the most noble, truthful, and morally upright figure in history. To slander his character based on misunderstood or isolated reports—while ignoring a mountain of credible historical evidence—is not only unjust but deeply misleading.

As Muslims, it’s essential to critically engage with our sources, understand the historical context, and equip ourselves with knowledge to counter false narratives with truth and dignity.

All credible historical data and early Islamic sources indicate that Aisha (RA) was around 17 or 18 years old when she married the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - not 9 as commonly misunderstood.

This conclusion is drawn from:

• Calculated timelines of early Islamic events

• Age gaps with her sister Asma (RA)

• Her participation in early Islam

• Verifiable hadith and scholarly works

Rather than relying on a single hadith with debated context, we must uphold academic integrity by reviewing multiple, corroborating sources.