In article <512o2v$ngl@shellx.best.com>, m-14719@mailbox.swip.net (SVENHOLM) writes:

How old was Mohammad's favorite wife, Aisha?

I was hoping that there would be at least some who would venture to come closer to the truth. I am adding my notes here, if only because we just have had an international congress on the prevention of sexual abuse of children, and there were a few enlightened Muslims who had demonstrated against the sort of practice described below, and which still continues in some countries.

Here are my notes with the specific references:

Already, when Aisha was about 4-5 years old Muhammad started dreaming of a union with her[a]. When she was 6, Muhammad asked Abu Bakr, Aisha's father, for her hand. Abu Bakr thought it was improper, because, as he said "I am your brother"; Muhammad brushed aside Abu Bakr's reservation by saying that it was perfectly lawful for him to marry Aisha[b]. So, Aisha was bethroted to Muhammad, and 3 years later, i.e. when Aisha was 9, the marriage was consumed.[c] And Muhammad was 53 then. The 3 year waiting period probably had to do with the fact that at that time Aisha had contracted some disease, whereby she, temporarily lost her hair. Aisha was then socially and psychologically still a child as is evidenced by the fact that she was still given to her toys, she was unaware of what was happening around her, and her playmates behave as would the children at present times[d]. Aisha became Muhammad's favourite wife. And the sexuality in the relationship was predominant[e]. Later, Aisha was to be called the "mother of believers"

If you are wondering, yes, the relationship was pedophilic.

SVENHOLM