A medical student who suffers from a 'doubt' that has ruined the joy of his worship reaches out to me: Why did Islam permit consanguineous marriage despite its 'genetic risks'? In this segment, we discuss the response systematically #Scientific_Research #Islam_and_Science #Doubts #Consanguineous_Marriage
A medical student reached out to me for help in dispelling a doubt that was troubling him. I answered his question, and he was convinced and at ease, praise be to God. I wanted to share the question and answer with you so that the benefit may be widespread.
The student writes in his message:
"I am a student at the Faculty of Medicine. A question began to arise in me as a scientific thought due to my study of genetics and hereditary diseases, but unfortunately, it took root in my mind until it became a doubt that disturbs my sleep and follows me everywhere. This doubt, in short, is: How did Islam permit opening the door to consanguineous marriage when science proves with absolute certainty that it is a major cause of the exacerbation of hereditary diseases (autosomal recessive disorders) and inflicting harm on future generations?"
He adds:
"The matter, Doctor, is no longer just an academic debate; it has begun to spoil the joy of worship and devotion for me greatly. I know that permissibility does not mean desirability, but why did the Sharia not close this door or explicitly warn against it, given that the harm is likely and observable?"
I will answer this question in several points, the most important of which is the last:
In terms of statistics, studies indicate a limited increase in recessive genetic diseases in marriages between first cousins (first-degree relatives), where the percentage rises from approximately 1.7% to 2.8%, meaning an increase of less than 3% above the natural rate found in the general population.
This means that more than 97% of children born from consanguineous marriages are free from these diseases. Is it legislatively wise to prohibit a broad avenue of social benefits due to a limited statistical increase?
Ask yourself: Does Islam expect to prohibit every action that may increase the likelihood of a certain disease? If we adhere to this logic, we would have to prohibit marriage for those over forty, as the risks of chromosomal diseases (such as Down syndrome) increase. We would also have to prohibit marriage to those with diabetes or obesity, as the risks of pregnancy complications are higher.
Even beyond pregnancy, we would have to prohibit careers in medicine and nursing due to the risk of infection, and prohibit driving cars due to the risk of accidents! Sharia builds its rulings on the predominance of harm and leaves room within permissible actions for human movement.
If we say that marriage between first cousins increases the percentage slightly, while in more distant relatives the percentage is lower, what is the boundary at which Sharia should prohibit marriage to be considered "precise"? Should it stop at a 2% increase or 1%? Marriage, in general, carries the possibility of health issues. Does wisdom necessitate an absolute prohibition of marriage for the sake of these percentages?
Today, with the availability of medical examinations, relatives and non-relatives can undergo "genetic counseling" before marriage. Sharia establishes general rules that apply to all times and places and does not base rulings on technological advancements that did not exist at the time of legislation. Sharia established the original permissibility and encouraged people to seek knowledge and take necessary measures, including modern screening tools.
Permissibility of consanguineous marriage takes into account social conditions and needs. Completely closing this door would create legislative hardship and contradict human reality, especially in tribes and geographically isolated areas.
This marriage also has human dimensions. A man may marry his orphaned or widowed cousin to protect her and preserve her dignity, a social benefit that outweighs a limited increase in the likelihood of disease. Islam also expanded the scope of what is permissible to block the path to forbidden relationships. For those who desire a female relative, let them come to the houses through their doors:
They ask you about the new moons. Say, "They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj." And it is not righteousness that you enter houses from their backs, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors. And fear Allah that you may succeed. (Quran 2:189)
Sharia did not command consanguineous marriage but permitted it. There is a vast difference between permissibility and desirability. In fact, some Islamic scholars encouraged "tazweej al-ghuraba" (marrying outsiders) to avoid weakening the lineage. It is narrated that Umar ibn al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, said to the family of al-Sa'ib: "You have weakened your lineage; marry among the noble strangers (to avoid weakening your offspring)."
The birth of a sick child—whether in consanguineous marriages or otherwise—is not outside the decree and wisdom of God. The religious obligation is to care for and support this child, which is part of the trials through which God tests human patience and gratitude:
[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed—and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving. (Quran 67:2)
This is the most important point: one who builds their certainty in Islam on solid foundations will not be shaken by doubts, as they refer ambiguous matters to clear ones. The principle that your certainty should be shaken by the slightest doubt means that the "table of your faith" is not stable.
The failure of the educational system lies in its inability to build this firm faith and sound thinking. Instead of sciences being a means to strengthen faith, they become sources of doubt in the minds of some youth. Therefore, I urge everyone, especially university students, to regularly attend beneficial knowledge courses that build certainty, so they may know that Islam, built on major certainties, has answers to all questions.
We ask God to guide us all to what He loves and is pleased with.
Peace be upon you and the mercy of God.