Does the phrase "bana biha" (he built with her) or "dakhala biha" (he entered with her) mean the coming together of the spouses in one dwelling, or does it mean sexual intercourse?
Debating disbelievers is impermissible unless one is qualified with religious knowledge and the ability to engage in goodly disputation. It is established that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, married Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, when she was six years old, and consummated the marriage with her when she was nine. "Al-binaa'" (building) and "al-dukhool" (entering) are euphemisms for intercourse, not explicit terms. "Al-binaa'" meant setting up a canopy for the spouses on the wedding night, and "al-dukhool" (entering) in the verse: "whom you have entered" (al-Nisa: 23) was interpreted as intercourse by Imam Shafi'i, and as enjoyment like touching and kissing by Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifa.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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