Personally speaking I find cousin marriages very disgusting and it makes me sick seeing cousins marry each other. Many people in my extended family have got married to their cousins. I know that Islam allows it but it doesn't mean that we have to go ahead and marry our cousins. It's not compulsory or anything. From what I've heard, cousin marriages are popular in Pakistanis. I don't understand how anyone can feel comfortable marrying their cousins and then sleeping with them. For me that's wrong. It's like marrying your brother or sister. Any other Muslim here who feels the same way?
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Muslims - Do you agree with cousin marriages?
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WebGuru
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There is nothing wrong with cousin marriages and it's normal in our family and society and i am ok with it. Most of my cousins and uncles/aunts are married to their cousins even my mother and father are cousins.
WebGuru
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Yes Arabs do practice it and Islam allows it. Hazrat Ali (R.A) was cousin and son-in-law of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Truth Prevails
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Few Questions :
If say after the age of 12-13 male and female cousins stop talking to each other and in their adulthood they see there cousins as other Na-Mehrum than will they think about their different gender cousins as brothers or sisters ?
Hazur Pbuh married his cousin Hazrat Zainab RA. Does anyone think He felt like marrying his sister ?
If say after the age of 12-13 male and female cousins stop talking to each other and in their adulthood they see there cousins as other Na-Mehrum than will they think about their different gender cousins as brothers or sisters ?
Hazur Pbuh married his cousin Hazrat Zainab RA. Does anyone think He felt like marrying his sister ?
WebGuru
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From Holy Quran [MENTION=141520]troodon[/MENTION]
Prohibited to you [for marriage] are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your [milk] mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters under your guardianship [born] of your wives unto whom you have gone in. But if you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And [also prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins, and that you take [in marriage] two sisters simultaneously, except for what has already occurred. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. Surah An-Nisa [4:23]
Prohibited to you [for marriage] are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your [milk] mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters under your guardianship [born] of your wives unto whom you have gone in. But if you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And [also prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins, and that you take [in marriage] two sisters simultaneously, except for what has already occurred. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. Surah An-Nisa [4:23]
TSA321
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Not a fan of it, especially given the kids are more likely to be disabled. Thankfully no one in my family does this.
TSA321
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Barragan
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It is not prohibited, so nothing wrong with it and neither should anyone feel ashamed about marrying their cousin or be made to feel ashamed.
WebGuru
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I know medical says that cousin marriages double the risk of birth defects but i haven't noticed any special case in my extended family where cousin marriages are normal and going on from centuries. My parents are cousins, my grandparents were also cousins.
Just a question. Did your parents grow up together? Or at least been seeing each other since childhood?
It would feel weird to marry someone who is closely related to you and you have seen that person since childhood and played with them.
James
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Different cultures are different. Got no qualms with that aspect of it.
From what I understand though, there is a higher risk of birth defects, disabilities and learning difficulties, which would certainly not be fair on the children being brought into the world.
So on that basis it is probably not something that is recommended.
From what I understand though, there is a higher risk of birth defects, disabilities and learning difficulties, which would certainly not be fair on the children being brought into the world.
So on that basis it is probably not something that is recommended.
WebGuru
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Grow up in same village but my family is conservative so cousins (girls & boys) don't see each other much after a certain age.
kingusama92
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Same here.
In Pakistan I know multiple families who've been through this. One cousin marriage led to TWO disabled children.
Justcrazy
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Cousin marriage is not compulsory In Islam , it is just allowed.
Yossarian
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Most of European aristocracy are related to each other to varying extent. Intermarriage between the European royal families was not just common, but was the norm.
For example, Queen Victoria married her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Even the current Queen Elizabeth is a blood relative of her husband Prince Philip, who was born as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, and only gave up that title when he became a British citizen (yes - the Queen's husband is not a British citizen by birth but an immigrant, making Prince Charles, the future King, as being the son of an immigrant). Furthermore, Prince Phillip was born as a Greek Orthodox and baptised into the Greek Orthodox Church, and only converted to the Anglican Church just before his marriage to the then Princess Elizabeth, who is now the Head of the Church of England.
For example, Queen Victoria married her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Even the current Queen Elizabeth is a blood relative of her husband Prince Philip, who was born as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, and only gave up that title when he became a British citizen (yes - the Queen's husband is not a British citizen by birth but an immigrant, making Prince Charles, the future King, as being the son of an immigrant). Furthermore, Prince Phillip was born as a Greek Orthodox and baptised into the Greek Orthodox Church, and only converted to the Anglican Church just before his marriage to the then Princess Elizabeth, who is now the Head of the Church of England.
Zohaib Shah
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Its ok for some but not for me.
Pakistanian
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I certainly wouldn't marry a first cousin or even a second cousin, wouldn't mind a third cousin or more distant provided I don't know them too well but I'd actually prefer to marry out, perhaps a different ethnicity.
That said, I believe in marriage equality and people should marry whomever they want though I do hope Pakistanis would marry out of their families, biraderis and ethnicities more often.
That said, I believe in marriage equality and people should marry whomever they want though I do hope Pakistanis would marry out of their families, biraderis and ethnicities more often.
Uncomfortable with it as you're reducing the gene pool and increasing the risk of disability. Would never want a child to experience such abnormalities in their life because their parents were too wedded to "cultural traditions".
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Pakistanian
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My parents aren't remotely related. My grandparents on both sides aren't related either, so nobody in my fam has married a cousin in the last 3 generations. I suppose it wouldn't cause deformities if I married a cousin, though the idea of it grosses me out but like I said, a third cousin or more distant isn't a cousin at all. In fact having a kid with a third cousin is just as likely to cause abnormalities as marrying somebody totally unrelated to you.
HussainRx8
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The empirical evidence is unequivocal: Cousin marriages lead to high rates of birt defects among children. There's no question that we need to discourage this outdated practice. I would go as far as to say that we need to prohibit cousin marriages because they carry public health implications.
It is absolute lunacy to say that since Islam doesn't disapprove cousin marriages, there's nothing wrong with it. Islam neither approves nor disapproves cousin marriages. It is indifferent. It is the same logic as saying that we should overindulge in high-cholesterol foods because Islam doesn't disapprove of it.
This is what perpetuates a false impression about Islam. Islam doesn't care whether you marry your cousin or not. But God did give you a mind that allows you to discern. If you still choose to marry your cousin, then fine - but don't use Islam as a cover.
It is absolute lunacy to say that since Islam doesn't disapprove cousin marriages, there's nothing wrong with it. Islam neither approves nor disapproves cousin marriages. It is indifferent. It is the same logic as saying that we should overindulge in high-cholesterol foods because Islam doesn't disapprove of it.
This is what perpetuates a false impression about Islam. Islam doesn't care whether you marry your cousin or not. But God did give you a mind that allows you to discern. If you still choose to marry your cousin, then fine - but don't use Islam as a cover.
Exactly. Just because Islam doesn't prohibit it doesn't mean it isn't wrong. Cousin marriages are disgusting and should be made illegal.
Third_Umpire
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For medical reasons, it should be highly discouraged if not disallowed. Not fair to knowingly create life that has a higher propensity towards disability.
Culturally too, it is strange and distasteful. To think, you grow up with your cousins playing together as brothers/sisters, and when you grow up, you are supposed to have an intimate relationship and bear children.
Culturally too, it is strange and distasteful. To think, you grow up with your cousins playing together as brothers/sisters, and when you grow up, you are supposed to have an intimate relationship and bear children.
Black Zero
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People are marrying cousins for thousands of years which is an evidence that they do not find it disgusting.
If you feel it disgusting, then it's your opinion. I find pork disgusting but I am aware enough to realize that's it is the outcome of social feeding I got.
Though I am against cousin marriages as this poses health risk.
But once we will be able to sort this challenge, then I would be fine with practice.
Yeah times have changed now buddy so it's time to get rid of these backwards and old fashioned practices from the society. And don't you find it weird that the person you grew up playing with as kids, you are now married to them and have an intimate relationship with? Doesn't that disgust you? For me marrying your cousin is like marrying your sibling and that's gross.
HussainRx8
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As you can see from the quote, there's no outright approval or disapproval. There's no endorsement of cousin marriages in Islam. In Islam, it is obligatory on you to practice sound and evidence-based judgement.
Again, since Islam only outlaws pork, would you overindulge in high cholesterol or high sugar foods? Of course, not.
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Thivagar
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Cousin marriage is okay as long as the related parents of the groom and bride are different genders. Meaning, no two brothers or two sisters should get their kids married with the other.
Islam allowed it but that didn't mean keep marrying your cousins and never stop. I find it absolutely disgusting. My family has had multiple cousins marriage 2 3 times and there was this one instance where the child was disabled.
In Pakistan it's more about not trusting the other family than actually wanting to marrying your cousin.
In Pakistan it's more about not trusting the other family than actually wanting to marrying your cousin.
MABA
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It might be allowed in Islam but I do not support it whatsoever. Also as a Pakistani I find it very concerning that so many people get married to their cousin in Pakistan, just for the sake of convenience they have abused this allowance in Islam.
Yes, but then look at what happened to certain European dynasties - e.g Spanish Habsburg family. Inbreeding caused their own extinction.
It may be allowed, and have become cultural practice, but when you know that there are significant risks with it, why do it? Better to widen the gene pool, no?
Yossarian
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Wasn't defending, or arguing against the practice of cousin marriage. But simply pointing out to some of those in the West that there's no need to try and be high and mighty on the topic by insinuating that it's only unique to 'backward 3rd world Muslim societies'.
Black Zero
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No it does not disgust me cause there is no rational reason to disgust it.
It's only in your mind.
I am critical of cousin marriage due to associated heath risks.
There are far too many racist tropes being attached to this topic. In the UK especially it is used by racists to try to attack some sections of the Pakistani/Asian muslim communities so everyone should be wary of their language here. Note if you subscribe to judeao-christian traditions God tells us we are all created from Adam and Eve so the very start of mankind was from cousin marriages!
There is a statistic claiming that of all marriages in history as much as 80% have been first cousin marriages.
This website has that and some other good facts
https://www.cousincouples.com/?page=facts
There is a statistic claiming that of all marriages in history as much as 80% have been first cousin marriages.
This website has that and some other good facts
https://www.cousincouples.com/?page=facts
Black Zero
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Eagle_Eye
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As a species, we are a sub clonal population. More genetic diversity exists in a species of bacteria than us. On the whole, we share the same genes, albeit different variations of it.
Cousin marriages become a problem when inherited traits are a problem in that lineage.
Cousin marriages become a problem when inherited traits are a problem in that lineage.
don't marry your first cousin, marrying a distant cousin is not a health risk at all as compared with any other marriage.
I won't marry any cousin at all. First, second, distant.
Mian
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Why even get married? We are living in modern times so getting married shouldn't be a concern we can always have kids without getting married.
aloo paratha
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I don't really care to be honest, I wouldn't do it, but I wouldn't be disgusted by it.
Belawal2014
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Against it full stop.
Adil_94
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not a fan of it myself if others want to do it fair enough but what annoys me is the families that do it generation after generation and wont let the kids marry out the family and they have to make sure that the inbreeding continues which medically is more of a risk. Now and again cousin marriage ok but to only restrict yourself to cousin rishtas is wrong.
TSA321
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Is it on the decline within those communities in the UK that practise it?
The town of Bradford in England, with a large Pakistani population inside an overall population of 528,000, has more Special School places for intellectually disabled children than the whole of the rest of the UK combined (with a population of 65 million!).
I find it appalling, and I think western countries should ban the practice completely.
Mind you, I have difficulties with followers of ANY religion who take literally edicts which were aimed at the primitive and uneducated humans of thousands of years ago. Following the guidelines aimed at our illiterate, uneducated, ignorant ancestors is a sure way to ensure that we live uneducated and ignorant lives too.
And I must say, cousin marriage is a spectacular illustration of that.
Exactly.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam each have scriptures permitting absurd and unacceptable practices transcending the whole range from rape to slavery to murder.
Whoever takes those ancient scriptures literally is going to lead an ignorant and pretty unsavoury life. Surely we all have to act as sophisticated 21st century adults and filter such scriptures and ancient laws in the context of our greater scientific knowledge and more advanced humanity and ethics?
Rayyman
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Well in Islam, scholars are constantly debating on what is right and wrong. Nothing is really set in stone. Obviously killing and drinking are forbidden, but things like credit cards, etc. aren't necessarily forbidden. It depends on your situation too. Someone on a deserted island with nothing to drink, but (alcohol) will be allowed to drink it in that particular situation. Polygamy is only allowed if the man is a saint and he can each wife with equal love and care. Which is highly impossible so the ethics are intact with the high morals of modern society.
Madplayer
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Wont do it myself. Not compulsary. Just allowed. Maybe if you can't find Anyone else 
hussain.r97
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Totally against it.
To me, my cousins are just like my brothers and sisters, so I can never even dream of marrying them.
People in the past were unaware of the dangers of marrying their cousins. Now, I find it ignorant for people to continue this practice despite knowing of the possible dangers. I say this, despite of the fact that my own parents are second cousins.
To me, my cousins are just like my brothers and sisters, so I can never even dream of marrying them.
People in the past were unaware of the dangers of marrying their cousins. Now, I find it ignorant for people to continue this practice despite knowing of the possible dangers. I say this, despite of the fact that my own parents are second cousins.
imrankhannsu
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Personally I find it quite akward that close cousins marry each other. I went to a marriage function was, cousin brother married first cousin sister. They live in the same building on different floors. Also there is an issue of health of the children too.
EngrOmair
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Possibly if some one can shed some light on the biology behind it.
For a case cousin whose father is not related to the family
For a case cousin whose father is not related to the family
uberkoen
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In Pakistan, where there has been cousin marriage for generations, and according to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is 70%, one study estimated infant mortality at 12.7 percent for married double first cousins, 7.9 percent for first cousins, 9.2 percent for first cousins once removed/double second cousins, 6.9 percent for second cousins, and 5.1 percent among non-consanguineous progeny. Among double first cousin progeny, 41.2 percent of pre-reproductive deaths were associated with the expression of detrimental recessive genes, with equivalent values of 26.0, 14.9, and 8.1 percent for first cousins, first cousins once removed/double second cousins, and second cousins respectively.
A BBC report discussed Pakistanis in the United Kingdom, 55% of whom marry a first cousin. Given the high rate of such marriages, many children come from repeat generations of first-cousin marriages. The report states that these children are 13 times more likely than the general population to produce children with genetic disorders, and one in ten children of first-cousin marriages in Birmingham either dies in infancy or develops a serious disability.
The BBC also states that Pakistani-Britons, who account for some 3% of all births in the UK, produce "just under a third" of all British children with genetic illnesses. Published studies show that mean perinatal mortality in the Pakistani community of 15.7 per thousand significantly exceeds that in the indigenous population and all other ethnic groups in Britain. Congenital anomalies account for 41 percent of all British Pakistani infant deaths.
A BBC report discussed Pakistanis in the United Kingdom, 55% of whom marry a first cousin. Given the high rate of such marriages, many children come from repeat generations of first-cousin marriages. The report states that these children are 13 times more likely than the general population to produce children with genetic disorders, and one in ten children of first-cousin marriages in Birmingham either dies in infancy or develops a serious disability.
The BBC also states that Pakistani-Britons, who account for some 3% of all births in the UK, produce "just under a third" of all British children with genetic illnesses. Published studies show that mean perinatal mortality in the Pakistani community of 15.7 per thousand significantly exceeds that in the indigenous population and all other ethnic groups in Britain. Congenital anomalies account for 41 percent of all British Pakistani infant deaths.
Adil_94
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[MENTION=135388]TSA321[/MENTION] it depends tbh on the community where i live there is a high percentage of Pakistanis and a lot of Pakistanis come from rural conservative backgrounds so cousin marriage is still quite popular but with the younger generation it is changing and more and more are marrying out of their own choice. Its still quite prevalent though and there are a still a sizeable percentage who only give rishta to their cousins.
Looks like you are not from Pakistan. In Pakistan 50% plus marriages are Cousin marriages and overwhelming majorities of those are first Cousin... I don't know about other families but we don't have Parda with first Cousins, even for my Ultra religious Nanayal (mother side family), only difference is that as we grow older, we stop playing and joking around with female Cousins of our age, older ones we still joking and treating them like sisters...I am personally against it, when I refused to marry Cousin, I never had Cousin who I really liked to marry, so my resistance was not tested that much...
This is again one of those thing where religion fails... Cousin marriages is medically bad practice...I heard even in Saudi Arab, they have started Genetic testing(in certain cases) and discourage family marriages because of history of medical problems... Pakistan at some point will do that, once we are developed a bit, right now there are too many other issues before we get to this one
Looks like you are not from Pakistan. In Pakistan 50% plus marriages are Cousin marriages and overwhelming majorities of those are first Cousin... I don't know about other families but we don't have Parda with first Cousins, even for my Ultra religious Nanayal (mother side family), only difference is that as we grow older, we stop playing and joking around with female Cousins of our age, older ones we still joking and treating them like sisters...I am personally against it, when I refused to marry Cousin, I never had Cousin who I really liked to marry, so my resistance was not tested that much...
This is again one of those thing where religion fails... Cousin marriages is medically bad practice...I heard even in Saudi Arab, they have started Genetic testing(in certain cases) and discourage family marriages because of history of medical problems... Pakistan at some point will do that, once we are developed a bit, right now there are too many other issues before we get to this one
I am from South India where cousin marriages exist. Not to the extent of 50% like in Pakistan. But its a bit different.
Kids of 2 brothers cannot marry. Only kids of Brother and Sister can marry.
Uncle and Neice can marry too.
Its a cringeworthy tradition. Even now films glorify this tradition. There are many songs even to this day where romance between cousins is shown in such a deplorable way. This part of the culture is slowly fading away. Most youth are refusing to marry close relatives.
North India totally restricts any cousin marriages completely.
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