By Ayesha Shahid
Cousin marriage, the practice of marrying within the extended family, has been a part of various cultures throughout history. While it may be seen as a way to preserve family ties and traditions, it also raises significant concerns, particularly regarding health and genetics. The current era explore or focus on the disadvantages associated with cousin marriage and why some countries have chosen to ban or restrict it.
In Islam, marrying one’s first cousin is not only permitted but is also a common practice in many Muslim communities. The Quran and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad) do not prohibit marriage between cousins.
There are several reasons why cousin marriage is accepted.
Cultural and Social Factors: In many Muslim cultures, marrying within the family, including cousins, is seen as a way to strengthen family bonds, preserve family wealth, and maintain cultural traditions (Family Norms & tradition).
Economic Considerations: Cousin marriages can help keep assets within the family (Land properties & Gold jewels).
Familiarity and Compatibility: Cousins may already know each other well, which can lead to a better understanding of each other’s personalities, values, and family backgrounds. This familiarity can contribute to a more successful marriage.
Religious Texts: The Quran does not explicitly forbid cousin marriages. The Prophet Muhammad himself married a cousin, and many of his companions also married their cousins.
However, there are also considerations to keep in mind, because in current era these factors play important role, because cousin marriage is origin of many disorders & abnormalities due to genetic defects & also become problematic among families if it’s a mismatch connection due to lack of mental compatibility, leading towards family disputes.
Genetic Factors: There is a slightly higher risk of certain genetic disorders in children born to parents who are closely related. This is because the likelihood of both parents carrying the same recessive gene increases. Genetic counseling is often recommended to assess the risks.
Informed Consent: As with any marriage, consent is crucial. Both individuals should freely agree to the marriage without any pressure from family or others, otherwise it leads towards whole clan dispute.
Personal Compatibility: Compatibility in terms of personality, values, and goals is essential for a successful marriage, regardless of whether the couple is related.
One of the primary concerns with cousin marriage is the increased risk of genetic disorders. When closely related individuals have children, there is a higher probability that they will both carry the same recessive genes. If both parents carry a recessive gene for a particular disorder, there is a 25% chance that their child will inherit the disorder. This can lead to a higher incidence of conditions like cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and certain forms of intellectual disability.
Furthermore, cousin marriage can have social and economic implications. In some societies, it can lead to a narrowing of the gene pool, potentially affecting the overall health and vitality of the population. Additionally, the care and treatment of children with genetic disorders can place a significant burden on families and healthcare systems. For these reasons, many countries have implemented laws and regulations to discourage or ban cousin marriage. These measures are aimed at protecting the health and well-being of future generations.
Here are some countries where cousin marriages are either banned or restricted: China, North Korea, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan.
In conclusion, marrying a cousin is permissible in Islam. While there are potential genetic risks to consider, require genetic counseling. The decision to marry a cousin should be based on mutual consent, compatibility, and an understanding of the potential challenges and benefits. But maxium try ur best to avoid regarding current case studies of genetic defects or abnormalities in babies due to cousin marriage & save life.
