‘Two eight-year-olds or four four-year-olds’: Pakistani cleric’s child bride ‘joke’ sparks outrage

Pakistani Islamic preacher Mufti Tariq Masood, who commands a large following across social media platforms, has faced criticism over a series of sermons and remarks defending child marriage.In a report published by Daily Mirror Sri Lanka, the influential Deobandi cleric’s comments have been reported in detail.One of the remarks highlighted in the report came from a viral video in which Masood joked that if someone could not find a 16-year-old bride, he could provide “two eight-year-olds” or “four four-year-olds”. The comment drew criticism from people who said it trivialised child marriage and normalised the sexualisation of minors.The Daily Mirror said the backlash was dismissed by supporters as a misunderstanding, with the remark defended as a joke taken out of context.The newspaper also pointed to Masood’s repeated opposition to statutory minimum marriage-age laws. According to the report, he has argued that Islamic jurisprudence does not prescribe a universal minimum age of 18 and that parents or guardians should retain discretion over when a girl marries.A recurring theme in his sermons, the newspaper said, is the emphasis on physical development and perceived maturity rather than chronological age when determining whether a girl is ready for marriage. The preacher had made remarks discussing the physical suitability of girls aged nine and ten in the context of marital relations.Pakistan as a country has been grappling with child sexual abuse, forced marriages and gender equality and positioning such leaders as popular figures raises extreme concerns.

Education and women’s autonomy

The Daily Mirror also highlighted Masood’s remarks on women’s education, saying that some of his statements appear to place a husband’s authority above a young wife’s decision to continue her studies.It further cited comments about women marrying late, including references to them becoming “aunties”, and discussions of the benefits husbands derive from marriage.Masood has also been criticised for presenting early marriage as a way to manage men’s sexual desiresMasood’s sermons have reportedly become difficult to access after copyright complaints and takedown requests. Critics have alleged that this limits public scrutiny of his statements, while his supporters maintain that some remarks are circulated without their original context.Masood has built a substantial following on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms through a preaching style that combines religious instruction with informal language and humour. His reach extends beyond traditional religious institutions, particularly among younger and urban audiences.