Since it is the shadi season in Pakistan, why not talk about the health benefits of early marriages? While marriage should not be the sole purpose of anyone’s life, it still is an extremely important aspect. So, how do you decide if you want to dip in your feet early in life or later? Let’s see some of the advantages of early marriage in this article, and you can decide for yourself!
Difference between Early Marriage and Child Marriage
Early marriage refers to getting married after the legal age for marriage (mostly after 18 years) with the consent/approval of both people. On the other hand, child marriages are a crime, and the legal age to get married in Pakistan for girls is 16 years. However, in the Province of Sindh, the minimum age was increased to 18 to prevent child marriages in 2019. Despite it being a serious crime, Pakistan has the sixth-highest number of child brides in the world, according to UNICEF.
5 Advantages of Early Marriage
We all must carefully evaluate the pros and cons of marriage before making this life-altering decision. To assist you make the best decision about your future, we have listed some of the health benefits of early marriage down below:
1. Better Mental Health
Most people want to share their journey with a special partner, someone who can support them and give them a shoulder to cry on during the hard times. After growing up together, it will be easier to grow old together as well because you will understand each other’s habits better. All of this is good for a person’s mental health and helps them stay away from depression, anxiety, or sadness. If you are facing any mental health issues, you can talk to the Best Psychologists in Pakistan online through Marham.
2. Married People Live Longer
According to Harvard Health Publishing, married couples have greater health than unmarried persons and tend to live longer, as per research results. However, it is further stated that this is not true for everyone, and people who are in stressful, unpleasant relationships may be worse off than single people. And there are more benefits of early marriage for men than women.
3. Better Immune System
People who have high cortisol levels, also called the stress hormone, can have a weak immune system. It has been found that happily married people have fewer levels of stress hormones in their system, which improves their immune system and helps them fight diseases better.
4. Fewer Fertility Problems
Many experts suggest that the best time to have a child is between your late 20s and early 30s. If you get married in your early twenties, you will have more time to figure out when you want to have children. Moreover, it is to plan a family because there is a lesser risk of fertility problems in young couples. To get the best treatment for infertility, book an appointment with Gynecologists in Lahore via Marham now!
5. Better Chance to Survive Heart Attacks
Scientists have found a positive link between marriage and better heart attack survival. A study conducted on 25,000 adults in England discovered that married people who had a heart attack were 14 percent more likely to survive and were able to leave the hospital two days sooner than unmarried persons who had a heart attack.
Early marriage Benefits in Islam
Islam has placed great importance on getting married at an early age, and it has been associated with completing one’s faith. Some of the benefits of early marriage in Islam are:
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry should marry.”
Guards Chastity
Marriage has been described as a shield to guard one’s spirit against falling into the trap of shaytan. It ensures the physical and spiritual chastity of the spouses. The Prophet (PBUH) has said:
“Those believers who marry protect half of their religion from danger.”
Allah’s Blessings
Allah has promised rewards, mercy, and love for people who want to get married in this life and in the Hereafter. The first and foremost mission of every Muslim is to attain the mercy and affection of their creator. To attain this honor, Muslims should get married early.
A Route to Paradise
Allah has promised paradise to the people who stay away from immoral acts and protect their honor. Married people are dear to Allah because they are fulfilling the sunnah and commands of the Prophet (PBUH). In order to complete one’s faith and to receive rewards in the afterlife, it is important for Muslims to get married young if possible.
5 Disadvantages of Early Marriage
Along with the advantages of early marriage, let’s look at some of the downsides of this situation as well. Some of the common problems associated with marrying at an early age include:
1. High Risk of Infant Deaths
Women who get pregnant in their early reproductive years can face the problems of infant deaths and stillbirths. According to research on early marriage and reproductive patterns, it was found that babies born to mothers who were under the age of 20 have lower chances of survival.
2. Immaturity
Young adults who rush into marriage often have compatibility issues and can not understand handle marriage problems with maturity. It can result in divorce within the first ten years in most cases and lead to mental health issues for both of the spouses.
3. Financial Instability
Most people do not have financial stability before or during their early twenties, which can lead to money issues, especially if children are born during the first years of marriage. This situation can be handled if both the spouses are in the workforce and earning. But, the financial burden is mostly on men in our society which leads to stress, anxiety and causes disputes between spouses.
4. Education Takes the Back Seat
The early years of adulthood are the best time to focus on your education, and getting married can cause disruption in that. It is especially true for females in Pakistan, as most girls who get married young don’t continue their higher education. Meanwhile, men also mainly focus on earning money to provide for the family and don’t complete their education.
5. Unplanned Pregnancies and Abortions
Due to a wide fertility window, the chances of conception in an early marriage are higher. It has both its pros and cons. Unplanned or frequent pregnancies without a gap can be a negative aspect. Having children without breaks can be harmful to the overall health of females, especially if proper nutrition and medical treatments are not administered. Such situations can also lead to miscarriages or abortions.
Young adults are often confused and have mixed thoughts about getting married these days, which is completely understandable. Because one should never get married under the pressure of society or their family, one should make this decision carefully, which is why we have listed the health benefits of early marriages and their disadvantages in this blog for you.
Consult a Marriage Counselor
For readers who are already married and believe their marriage is falling apart, you can improve your relationship with your partner again by consulting a therapist. Marriage counselors can help your sort out your problems and provide solutions. You can now ask questions to the Best Marriage Counselors in Lahore for free Online via Marham.
Maryam is a Nutritionist who firmly believes in the power of words. With her advanced knowledge, she hopes to spread awareness regarding nutrition and health among the masses.