Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Is Marrying Your Cousin Haram? Marrying your cousin is a cultural practice in some parts of the world, but it marrying your cousin haram according to Islamic law has been quite a doubt among people who are still unaware.
We decided to do some research about marrying your cousin and get the facts straight. In this article, we clear up doubt about Is Marrying Your Cousin Haram In Islam or not?
Islam permits marrying one’s cousins, as long as there is no risk of any genetic deformity or mental retardation in the children that may result from such a marriage.
Surah Al Nisa in the holy Quran listed all the prohibited marriages where no reference to cousins was mentioned hence Marrying cousins in Islam is not haram.
Is Marrying Your Cousin Haram In Islam
In order to answer this question clearly, we must look at the Islamic teachings on marriage and family. According to Islamic teachings, marriage between two individuals who are closely related by blood is considered haram, as stated in Surah An-Nisa 4:23 of the Quran:
“And do not marry those [women] whom your fathers married, except what has already occurred. Indeed, it was an immorality and hateful [to Allah].”
This verse prohibits people from marrying their close relatives who were married to their fathers. This includes first cousins, as they are considered close relatives according to Islamic law.
However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, if two people are distant relatives (such as second cousins), then their union may be permissible under certain circumstances.
Additionally, if both parties involved in the relationship agree to observe all of the necessary rules and regulations regarding marriage outside of one’s family line, then it would also be permissible in some cases.
Despite the fact that marrying your cousin is permissible in Islam, it is still important to consider any negative consequences of marrying your cousin.
In some cases marrying a cousin can cause health issues with the children born from such a marriage. Therefore marrying someone who is too closely related should be avoided.
Apart from that, Muslims are advised to marry someone who is compatible with them in terms of faith, beliefs, and interests. Before marrying your cousin, it is important to ensure that both parties are compatible with each other and willing to make the marriage work.
Is Marrying Your First Cousin Haram Or Halal In Islam?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Marrying your first cousin is permissible in Islam, but it is not recommended as it can have serious health risks for any children born from the marriage.
The Quran does not specifically prohibit marrying one’s cousin; however, marrying close relatives is generally frowned upon. To know all the details regarding marrying your cousin one must go through the hadith included below:
Forbidden to you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, 36 your father’s sisters and your mother’s sisters, your brother’s daughters and your sister’s daughters, your milk-mothers, your milk sisters, the mothers of your wives, and the stepdaughters – who are your foster-children, born of your wives with whom you have consummated the marriage; but if you have not consummated the marriage with them, there will be no blame upon you (if you marry their daughters).
Also, [forbidden are] married women—except [female] captives in your possession. This is Allah’s commandment to you. Lawful to you are all beyond these—as long as you seek them with your wealth in a legal marriage, not in fornication.
-Surah Al Nisa
Did Our Prophets Marry Their Cousins?
The Prophet Muhammad married his first cousins Zaynab and Zayd ibn Harithah who was the daughter of Umaymah (parental aunt of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
Additionally, the Prophet Ibrahim also married his sister Sarah as did Jacob marry Rachel who was both his cousin and niece.
In addition, it is to be noted that Prophet married off his precious daughter Fatima (R.A) to his cousin Hazrat Ali (R.A). Based on this, marrying your cousin is considered lawful in Islam.
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Why Do Muslims Believe In Marrying Their Cousins?
Many Muslims believe in marrying their cousins to keep the family ties strong and to maintain the wealth within the family.
They also believe that marrying close relatives helps avoid any disputes between them, which is why many wealthy families prefer marrying off their children to their relatives.
Additionally, marrying one’s cousin can also bring about a sense of familiarity and trust as both parties already know each other’s family background.
Finally, marrying one’s cousin is also beneficial in terms of Islamic obligations such as paying Zakat or fasting during Ramadan. Since the husband and wife are related to each other, they can be supportive of one another and help fulfil their religious duties together.
What Health Danger Does Marrying Cousin Can Possess?
Studies have shown that intermarriage between two individuals who are closely related can lead to a greater risk of passing along genetic diseases and disorders from generation to generation.
Due to an increased chance of recessive genes being expressed in subsequent generations with each successive generation having higher frequencies of those same diseases or disorders present due to a lack of genetic diversity within families caused by intermarriage between close relatives.
Marriages among cousins and family can lead to social stigma within society which can create difficulties for couples when trying to establish themselves in society due to negative perceptions that exist towards such unions among many members of society leading them to feel outcasted amongst their peers.
At times making integration into society is difficult for them creating various problems ranging from psychological distress leading up to depression or anxiety among other mental health issues along with even physical ailments caused by those psychological issues that could potentially arise from such unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Muslims Marry Their First Cousins?
Muslims throughout history have been reported to marry their first cousins. Additionally, marrying a close relative is allowed in Islam as long as there is mutual consent and both parties are mature enough to understand the consequences of such an act.
2. Is Marrying Your Cousin Halal?
Yes, marrying a cousin is considered halal in Islam provided that there is mutual consent from both parties involved.
3. Can I Marry My Niece In Islam?
Yes, marrying a niece is allowed in Islam as long as there is mutual consent from both parties and they are mature enough to understand the consequences of such an act.
4. Is It A Sin To Marry Your Cousin?
No, marrying one’s cousin is not considered a sin according to Islamic laws and beliefs.
Conclusion
Is Marrying Your Cousin Haram? At present, there appears no consensus within Islam on whether is marrying your cousin haram. Both sides present valid arguments but ultimately it comes down to individual interpretation based on personal beliefs and understanding of Islamic scripture regarding marriages between relatives closely related by blood ties or relationships.
Ultimately however it remains pivotal for couples considering such unions to discuss their decisions openly with qualified religious scholars so that they can weigh up their options accordingly before making any final decision about proceeding with a proposed union involving two closely related people or otherwise.
