Medical Guidelines on Cousin Marriages In the Light of Objectives of Islāmic Shariᶜah: An Analytical Study حول التوجيهات الطبية بشأن زواج الأقارب في ضوء مقاصد الشريعة الاسلامیہ،دراسة تحليلية

Abstract

Islam has provided the rules for marriage based on the natural attraction andinclination between men and women, establishing clear and permissible relationships. It hasspecified all the limits and conditions for marriage, allowing a person to marry any woman,provided they fulfill the necessary requirements and avoid permanent and temporary prohibitions.This applies whether the woman is from the same family or from a different tribe. However, in oursociety, cousin marriage is a common practice. The advancements made in modern medicalscience are well-known to anyone with awareness. In this field, new research and discoveriesemerge constantly. Today, the human genetic code, DNA, has been deciphered, revealing howdiseases can travel from one generation to another. In this context, medical experts have indicatedthat cousin marriages lead to a significant number of congenital deaths each year. Often, childrenare born with disabilities or various diseases, or they may develop serious conditions as they growolder. This is because the closer the genetic relationship between a man and a woman, the moresimilar their DNA becomes, increasing the likelihood of congenital issues and diseases in theiroffspring. For example, conditions such as thalassemia, high blood pressure, learning difficulties,mental and physical disabilities, and schizophrenia are more prevalent in such scenarios. There isno doubt that cousin marriage is permissible in Sharia, and that there are many benefitsassociated with familial marriages in practice. The question arises: if such marriages result inoffspring facing issues or pose risks, does this warrant medical restrictions, and does this conflictwith Sharia? Particularly, how can this are aligned with the objectives of Sharia? Is there anyguidance on this matter from the early centuries of Islam? This paper will discuss these issues.