60-year-old hakeem marries young woman, viral video sparks online debate

KARACHI (Web Desk) – A video showing a 60-year-old herbal practitioner (hakeem) marrying a young woman has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread reactions and sparking debate over the couple’s significant age difference.

The footage, which circulated widely online, shows moments from the wedding ceremony and photographs of the couple. Social media users flooded the comments section, questioning the nature of the marriage and highlighting the considerable age gap between the bride and groom.

Responding to the criticism, the groom said the marriage was both arranged and based on mutual affection. “It is both an arranged marriage and a love marriage. My wife developed feelings for me, and later our families arranged the marriage. We chose each other before solemnising the nikah,” he explained.

The bride also addressed the controversy, confirming that the marriage was conducted with her consent. She urged people to promote marriage rather than criticize it. “Many people say one should marry someone of the same age. I believe when there is genuine love, age does not matter,” she said.

The groom further defended the union, stating that emotional maturity was more important than numerical age. “The heart should be young; age is just a number,” he remarked. He added that his wife is divorced and that he married her in accordance with religious principles. “I followed the command of Allah and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). There is nothing wrong in what I have done. I did not engage in any unlawful relationship,” he said.

He also criticised negative commenters, alleging that many of those leaving harsh remarks were themselves involved in inappropriate relationships while opposing lawful marriage.

The video continues to circulate, with opinions divided between those criticizing the age gap and others defending the couple’s right to marry by mutual consent.