To protect our youth from falling into zina (physical and of the eyes), we should allow them get married while they are still in school.

do you agree? Why and why not?

I. Maturity and responsibility - Being mature is often times independent of age and parents should be able to assess if the child can take up the responsibility of raising a home. Save them from falling into Zina by getting them married early or allow them to obtain all the degrees.

II. Financial responsibility- Most youths are unable to take care of families financially, Do the families (bride and groom) support them until they are through with their education and on their two feet.

At least they are married,right??

III. Taqwa not marriage - Some argue that taqwa is the cure not marriage... So what are the ways of building taqwa within the general populace of muslim youth.

Iv. Gender segregation: Our tertiary institutions are mixed and free interaction between both sexes does lead to Zina.

These are some arguments for and against, i found online

Argument for early marriage by Zeshan:

I always find questions like: Should parents allow children to get married while in school a little strange. Because Islam already allows them to get married at a young age but we think that parents have a right to stop them?

Please do not misunderstand me. I do believe that parents have a big role in this matter but they are our advisers not our supervisors. I know most of us (the muslim community) is not ready to hear what i'm going to mention, but it is my personal opinion that a shift in our perception of this whole concept needs to occur.

Secondly, one of the purposes of marriage is finding tranquility and comfort in another person. And people at a young age need that most. They can start to feel lonely, have low self esteem etc. Most people think that girlfriends and boyfriends are only for sex. But most youngsters get into these relationships also to avoid feelings of loneliness and have that partner to support them emotionally. And what is marriage except an amazing friendship after all?

Thirdly- Marriage today is not only a solution to physical zina (haraam relationships) but also as a protection from the zina of the eyes Watching pornography). Most young muslims suffer from this problem as well. And this leaves their emaan destroyed. And most never recover from it.

I highly encourage marriage for young muslims in between the ages of 16-20. But not without prior education and training. I believe there needs to be a system set up. A model. That we can apply in our communities in North America. A balance between the parents concerns and the children's needs. I am currently working to create a model and if anybody is interested in working with me, you can contact me. I am in the beginning stages of this. Keep in mind I myself am 22 and not yet married. And that is the very reason I understand the importance of marriage at an early age. We discredit our youngsters quite easily, without giving them a real chance. And then we restrict them because they are "incapable".

Also shaykh, i always hear how the sahaba and sahaabiyaat were so mature at a young age so they got married. How can we help our children grow in the same way? ANd if we can replicate that, then perhaps it would make it easier for young muslims to carry a good marriage.

Also have you heard of teh concept of High School sweet hearts? I think that's a beautiful concept. Can you imagine experiencing all the things in high school with a person that you will spend the rest of your life with in shaa ALLAH? That brings in so much richness into the marriage. So many memories to recall. And i know people are worried about hearts changing, which is a legitimate concern, but have you ever noticed how your high school friends are mainly the ones you always remain close with? Just because you've been part of something together?

All this is POSSIBLE! and can actually bring out positive and responsible adults out of our youth. But we need to help them. Obviously. Nobody learns to live from the womb.

As for financial problems, we can easily make a plan for our children. We can go to the bank and make a retirement plan for ourselves, but cannot make a marriage plan for our young muslims?

I guess to summarize: We need to get with the times!
There is a lot more to this, but i hope i presented the idea clearly.

And ALLAH knows best.

Against by Farook:

No. That's too easy an answer, and doesnt cover the problem. Most youth today are too immature to get married and SUSTAIN that relationship. There's a tendency to believe in fairy tale marriages. Getting kids married at 16 or 18 - by and large - will result in more divorces once they realize the gravity of what they've gotten themselves into.

Also, marriage HELPS to protect from zina, but it is not the cure. The cure is taqwa, and that develops through trial and fitna.

Thirdly, marriage entails responsibility - financial, emotional, and physical. Most kids only look at the third aspect, and not too much attention is given to the first two. In today's society, kids aren't mature enough to hold that responsibility.

Is it possible for a 16 year old to successfully get married and hold it down responsibly? Of course. But those cases are far and few in between.

Your views are appreciated:::