Marrying a thirteen year old girl
Question

                I'm a boy of 26, and i have come to know a very nice girl, belonging to a very good family. I wish to marry her and to propose to her parents for this purpose. But the problem is that the girl is still a child, and only 13 years old, which makes her 13 years my junior in age.

I wish to ask if its morally acceptable for me to think about her, be attracted to her and to propose for her in marriage. And do u think our relationship would be legitimate and socially and religiously acceptable with this age difference.

Also, if per chance it is acceptable, it raises a question that islam advocates soliciting a girl's opinion in marriage, but how can such a young girl make an intelligent decision for herself. In such case, what are the basis for islam's allowing such a marriage to take place.
Praise be to Allah.Note that the following answer is purely based on the Islamic point of view in theory. One must be conscious and aware of laws in the land they reside in and not do that which would bring harm to them. The believer must be wise in making decisions.

    
    There is nothing wrong with your marrying this girl, even 
    though there is this difference in age between you. What matters is that she 
    should be religiously committed and of good character. These are what 
    matters when it comes to marriage, and are the factors that lead to harmony 
    and happiness in sha Allaah. 

    The validity of marriage to a minor girl is proven by the 
    words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): 

    “And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly 
    courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about 
    their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses [(i.e. 
    they are still immature) their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is three months 
    likewise, except in case of death]”

    [al-Talaaq 65:4] 

    So the ‘iddah for those who do not menstruate because they 
    are too young is three months, and ‘iddah has to do with divorce after 
    getting married, which indicates that the girls in question has been married 
    and divorced. 

    The Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 
    married ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) when she was six years 
    old, and he consummated the marriage with her when she was nine, and at that 
    time he was over fifty. 

    Al-Bukhaari (3894) and Muslim (1422) narrated that ‘Aa’ishah 
    said: The Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married 
    me when I was six years old and consummated the marriage with me when I was 
    nine. 

    A girl who is thirteen years old may have reached the age of 
    puberty, in which case her consent is essential according to the more 
    correct of the two scholarly opinions, because the Prophet  (peace and 
    blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A previously-married woman should 
    not be married until she has been consulted, and a virgin should not be 
    married until her permission has been sought.” They said: “O Messenger of 
    Allaah, what is her permission?” He said: “If she remains silent.” Narrated 
    by al-Bukhaari, 5136; Muslim, 1419, from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may 
    Allaah be pleased with him). See also question no.
    22760. 

    If she has not reached the age of puberty, then her father 
    has the sole right to arrange her marriage and does not have to ask her 
    permission. 

    Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: With regard 
    to a virgin who is still a minor, there is no difference of opinion 
    concerning her (i.e., that her father may marry her off even if she 
    objects). Ibn al-Mundhir said: Every scholar from whom we learned was agreed 
    that it is permissible for a man to marry off his virgin daughter who is 
    still a minor, if he marries her to someone who is compatible, and it is 
    permissible for him to marry her off even if she objects and refuses.” 
    Al-Mughni, 9/398 

    But it was narrated from Imam Ahmad that whoever reaches the 
    age of nine years comes under the same ruling as a girl who has reached 
    puberty, so her permission must be sought. But if the father opts to be on 
    the safe side and ask her permission, that is better.  Al-Mughni, 
    8/398-405. 

    And Allaah knows best.