Cousin Marriage in Islamic Law - Revision history

Lightyears: Couldn't find any evidence for the claim that it is considered sunnah or recommended (as opposed to just permitted). In fact the claim has been contested. Also could find no evidence to back up Jone's claim about avunculate marriage which in any case is expressly forbidden in 4:23 quoted.

2025-10-03T14:47:20Z

Couldn't find any evidence for the claim that it is considered sunnah or recommended (as opposed to just permitted). In fact the claim has been contested. Also could find no evidence to back up Jone's claim about avunculate marriage which in any case is expressly forbidden in 4:23 quoted.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 3 October 2025
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	[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]		[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]
	'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah\|Muhammad]] himself as well as [[Sahabah\|his companions]]. Muhammad's practice of cousin marriage~~, in addition to cementing~~ the legality of the practice, ~~renders the practice a ''[[sunnah]]''~~, or a ~~good deed worthy~~ of ~~commendation, given Muhammad~~'s ~~status as ''al~~-~~insan al-kamal'' (lit. '~~the ~~perfect man')~~. Cousin marriages have been ~~the~~ common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population of these nations.		'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah\|Muhammad]] himself as well as [[Sahabah\|his companions]]. The Quran and Muhammad's practice of cousin marriage have cemented the legality of the practice in all Islamic legal schools, though some scholars said that marriage to non-relatives is preferable, and a few hadiths of contested authenticity discourage marriage to close relations.<ref>[https://fiqh.islamonline.net/en/marrying-ones-close-relative/ Marrying one's close relatives] - fiqh section of the Islamonline website.</ref> Cousin marriages have been common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population of these nations.

	Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref> 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.		Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref> 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.

	There is an increasing awareness in the Muslim world of the risks of multi-generational cousin marriage, and an increasing number of voices calling for it to be discouraged (even if it remains permitted).		There is an increasing awareness in the Muslim world of the risks especially of multi-generational cousin marriage (which compounds the above dangers), and an increasing number of voices calling for it to be discouraged, even if it remains permitted.

	==Cousin marriage in scripture==		==Cousin marriage in scripture==
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	===Quran===		===Quran===
	{{Quran\|4\|23}}, in leaving out mention of one's cousins in its list of those relatives to whom marriage is prohibited, permits cousin marriage.		{{Quran\|4\|23}}, in leaving out mention of one's cousins in its list of those relatives to whom marriage is prohibited, permits cousin marriage.
	{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|34}}\|Forbidden to you (are) your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your father's sisters and your mother's sisters and daughters (of) brothers, and daughters (of) sisters and (the) mothers who nursed you and your sisters from the nursing and mothers (of) your wives and your step daughters who (are) in your guardianship of your women whom you had relations with them, but if not you had relations with them, then (there is) no sin on you. And wives (of) your sons, those who (are) from your loins and that you gather together [between] two sisters except what has passed before. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.}}		{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|23}}\|Forbidden to you (are) your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your father's sisters and your mother's sisters and daughters (of) brothers, and daughters (of) sisters and (the) mothers who nursed you and your sisters from the nursing and mothers (of) your wives and your step daughters who (are) in your guardianship of your women whom you had relations with them, but if not you had relations with them, then (there is) no sin on you. And wives (of) your sons, those who (are) from your loins and that you gather together [between] two sisters except what has passed before. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.}}
	{{Quran\|33\|50}}, in discussing the exclusive marital rights of the prophet Muhammad, explicitly permits him to marry his first cousins.{{Quote\|{{Quran\|33\|50}}\|O Prophet! Indeed, We [We] have made lawful to you your wives (to) whom you have given their bridal money and whom you rightfully possess from those (whom) Allah has given to you, and (the) daughters (of) your paternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your paternal aunts and (the) daughters (of) your maternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your maternal aunts who emigrated with you, and a woman believing if she gives herself to the Prophet if wishes the Prophet to marry her - only for you, excluding the believers. Certainly, We know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and whom they rightfully possess, that not should be on you any discomfort. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}}		{{Quran\|33\|50}}, in discussing the exclusive marital rights of the prophet Muhammad, explicitly permits him to marry his first cousins.{{Quote\|{{Quran\|33\|50}}\|O Prophet! Indeed, We [We] have made lawful to you your wives (to) whom you have given their bridal money and whom you rightfully possess from those (whom) Allah has given to you, and (the) daughters (of) your paternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your paternal aunts and (the) daughters (of) your maternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your maternal aunts who emigrated with you, and a woman believing if she gives herself to the Prophet if wishes the Prophet to marry her - only for you, excluding the believers. Certainly, We know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and whom they rightfully possess, that not should be on you any discomfort. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}}
	===Hadith and sirah===		===Hadith and sirah===
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	==In the Islamic world today==		==In the Islamic world today==
	The British geneticist, Professor Steve Jones, giving The John Maddox Lecture at the 2011 Hay Festival had stated in relation to inbreeding in the Islamic world, "It is common in the Islamic world to marry your brother’s daughter, which is actually [genetically] closer than marrying your cousin."<ref>Jonathan Wynne-Jones - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8544359/Hay-Festival-2011-Professor-risks-political-storm-over-Muslim-inbreeding.html\|2=2011-05-31}} Hay Festival 2011: Professor risks political storm over Muslim 'inbreeding’] - The Telegraph, May 29, 2011</ref>

	===Pakistan===		===Pakistan===
	Cousin marriage has been common in Pakistan for generations. According to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is about 70%.<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref>		Cousin marriage has been common in Pakistan for generations. According to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is about 70%.<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref>

Asmith at 04:24, 5 June 2025

2025-06-05T04:24:21Z

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Asmith at 04:24, 5 June 2025

2025-06-05T04:24:08Z

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	[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]		[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]

Lightyears at 00:14, 29 January 2023

2023-01-29T00:14:48Z

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	Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref> 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.		Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref> 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.

			There is an increasing awareness in the Muslim world of the risks of multi-generational cousin marriage, and an increasing number of voices calling for it to be discouraged (even if it remains permitted).

	==Cousin marriage in scripture==		==Cousin marriage in scripture==

IbnPinker at 21:15, 6 March 2021

2021-03-06T21:15:51Z

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	The British geneticist, Professor Steve Jones, giving The John Maddox Lecture at the 2011 Hay Festival had stated in relation to inbreeding in the Islamic world, "It is common in the Islamic world to marry your brother’s daughter, which is actually [genetically] closer than marrying your cousin."<ref>Jonathan Wynne-Jones - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8544359/Hay-Festival-2011-Professor-risks-political-storm-over-Muslim-inbreeding.html\|2=2011-05-31}} Hay Festival 2011: Professor risks political storm over Muslim 'inbreeding’] - The Telegraph, May 29, 2011</ref>		The British geneticist, Professor Steve Jones, giving The John Maddox Lecture at the 2011 Hay Festival had stated in relation to inbreeding in the Islamic world, "It is common in the Islamic world to marry your brother’s daughter, which is actually [genetically] closer than marrying your cousin."<ref>Jonathan Wynne-Jones - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8544359/Hay-Festival-2011-Professor-risks-political-storm-over-Muslim-inbreeding.html\|2=2011-05-31}} Hay Festival 2011: Professor risks political storm over Muslim 'inbreeding’] - The Telegraph, May 29, 2011</ref>

	=== Pakistan ===		===Pakistan===
	Cousin marriage has been common in Pakistan for generations. According to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is about 70%.<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref>		Cousin marriage has been common in Pakistan for generations. According to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is about 70%.<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref>

	==== Pakistani emigrants ====		====Pakistani emigrants====
	A BBC report on Pakistanis in the United Kingdom finds that 55% of them 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.<ref>Justin Rowlatt - [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/4442010.stm The risks of cousin marriage] – BBC News, November 15, 2005</ref>		A BBC report on Pakistanis in the United Kingdom finds that 55% of them marry a first cousin. Many of the children of such consanguine marriages themselves marry cousins. The report states that these children born from repeated generations of first-cousin marriages are 13 times more likely than the general population to suffer from genetic disorders. Nearly one in ten of the children born of these marriages in Birmingham either dies in infancy or develops a serious disability. The BBC report 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.<ref>Justin Rowlatt - [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/4442010.stm The risks of cousin marriage] – BBC News, November 15, 2005</ref>

	~~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.<ref>Alan H. Bittles - [http://www.jstor.org/pss/2137601 The Role and Significance of Consanguinity as a Demographic Variable] - JSTOR</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-06/15/content_895516.htm Polygamist community faces genetic disorder] – China Daily, June 15, 2007</ref><ref>John Dougherty - [http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-12-29/news/forbidden-fruit/1 Forbidden Fruit] – Phoenix New Times, December 29, 2005</ref><ref>A. H. Bittles and M. L. Black - [http://www.pnas.org/content/107/suppl.1/1779.full Consanguinity, human evolution, and complex diseases] – PNAS, June 25, 2009</ref>		Multiple scientific studies show that the mean (average) perinatal mortality in the Pakistani community of 15.7 per thousand significantly exceeds that of the indigenous population and all other ethnic groups in Britain. Congenital anomalies also account for 41 percent of all British Pakistani infant deaths.<ref>Alan H. Bittles - [http://www.jstor.org/pss/2137601 The Role and Significance of Consanguinity as a Demographic Variable] - JSTOR</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-06/15/content_895516.htm Polygamist community faces genetic disorder] – China Daily, June 15, 2007</ref><ref>John Dougherty - [http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-12-29/news/forbidden-fruit/1 Forbidden Fruit] – Phoenix New Times, December 29, 2005</ref><ref>A. H. Bittles and M. L. Black - [http://www.pnas.org/content/107/suppl.1/1779.full Consanguinity, human evolution, and complex diseases] – PNAS, June 25, 2009</ref>

	=== Turkey ===		===Turkey===
	In Turkey the percentage of total marriages that are contracted between cousins is between 25-30 percent.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece\|2=2012-03-15}} More stillbirths among immigrants] - Jyllands-Posten, February 27, 2009</ref>		In Turkey the percentage of total marriages that are contracted between cousins is between 25-30 percent.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece\|2=2012-03-15}} More stillbirths among immigrants] - Jyllands-Posten, February 27, 2009</ref>

	=== Arab nations ===		===Arab nations===
	Statistical research on Arab countries shows that up to 34% of all marriages in Algiers are consanguine (blood related), 46% in Bahrain, 33% in Egypt, 80% in Nubia (southern Egypt), 60% in Iraq, 64% in Jordan, 64% in Kuwait, 42% in Lebanon, 48% in Libya, 47% in Mauritania, 54% in Qatar, 67% in Saudi Arabia, 63% in Sudan, 40% in Syria, 39% in Tunisia, 54% in the United Arabic Emirates and 45% in Yemen.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/6/1/17/table/T1\|2=2012-03-15}} Consanguinity and reproductive health among Arabs] - Tadmouri et al. ''Reproductive Health'' 2009 6:17</ref><ref>[http://europenews.dk/en/node/34368 Muslim Inbreeding: Impacts on intelligence, sanity, health and society] - Nicolai Sennels - EuropeNews, August 9, 2010</ref>		Statistical research on Arab countries shows that up to 34% of all marriages in Algiers are consanguine (blood related), 46% in Bahrain, 33% in Egypt, 80% in Nubia (southern Egypt), 60% in Iraq, 64% in Jordan, 64% in Kuwait, 42% in Lebanon, 48% in Libya, 47% in Mauritania, 54% in Qatar, 67% in Saudi Arabia, 63% in Sudan, 40% in Syria, 39% in Tunisia, 54% in the United Arabic Emirates and 45% in Yemen.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/6/1/17/table/T1\|2=2012-03-15}} Consanguinity and reproductive health among Arabs] - Tadmouri et al. ''Reproductive Health'' 2009 6:17</ref><ref>[http://europenews.dk/en/node/34368 Muslim Inbreeding: Impacts on intelligence, sanity, health and society] - Nicolai Sennels - EuropeNews, August 9, 2010</ref>

IbnPinker at 21:06, 6 March 2021

2021-03-06T21:06:28Z

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	[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]		[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]
	'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah\|Muhammad]] himself as well as [[Sahabah\|his companions]]. Muhammad's practice of cousin marriage, in addition to cementing the legality of the practice, renders the practice a ''[[sunnah]]'', or a good deed worthy of commendation, given Muhammad's status as ''al-insan al-kamal'' (lit. 'the perfect man'). Cousin marriages have been the common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population of these nations.		'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah\|Muhammad]] himself as well as [[Sahabah\|his companions]]. Muhammad's practice of cousin marriage, in addition to cementing the legality of the practice, renders the practice a ''[[sunnah]]'', or a good deed worthy of commendation, given Muhammad's status as ''al-insan al-kamal'' (lit. 'the perfect man'). Cousin marriages have been the common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population of these nations.

	Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref>		Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref> 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.

	==Cousin marriage in scripture==		==Cousin marriage in scripture==

	=== Quran ===		===Quran===
	{{Quran\|4\|23}}, in leaving out mention of one's cousins in its list of those relatives to whom marriage is prohibited, permits cousin marriage.		{{Quran\|4\|23}}, in leaving out mention of one's cousins in its list of those relatives to whom marriage is prohibited, permits cousin marriage.
	{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|34}}\|Forbidden to you (are) your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your father's sisters and your mother's sisters and daughters (of) brothers, and daughters (of) sisters and (the) mothers who nursed you and your sisters from the nursing and mothers (of) your wives and your step daughters who (are) in your guardianship of your women whom you had relations with them, but if not you had relations with them, then (there is) no sin on you. And wives (of) your sons, those who (are) from your loins and that you gather together [between] two sisters except what has passed before. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.}}		{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|34}}\|Forbidden to you (are) your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your father's sisters and your mother's sisters and daughters (of) brothers, and daughters (of) sisters and (the) mothers who nursed you and your sisters from the nursing and mothers (of) your wives and your step daughters who (are) in your guardianship of your women whom you had relations with them, but if not you had relations with them, then (there is) no sin on you. And wives (of) your sons, those who (are) from your loins and that you gather together [between] two sisters except what has passed before. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.}}
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	==In the Islamic world today==		==In the Islamic world today==
	From a biological point of view it becomes clear that first cousin marriage is not recommended because close relatives have a higher than normal consanguinity which means an increased chance of sharing genes for recessive traits. With this high amount of shared DNA, ~~you have a higher risk of birth defects~~ in ~~a baby. Even if cousin marriages are not performed~~, ~~you can still have such genetic defects~~ in ~~populations where there~~ is ~~a restricted social structure~~.		The British geneticist, Professor Steve Jones, giving The John Maddox Lecture at the 2011 Hay Festival had stated in relation to inbreeding in the Islamic world, "It is common in the Islamic world to marry your brother’s daughter, which is actually [genetically] closer than marrying your cousin."<ref>Jonathan Wynne-Jones - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8544359/Hay-Festival-2011-Professor-risks-political-storm-over-Muslim-inbreeding.html\|2=2011-05-31}} Hay Festival 2011: Professor risks political storm over Muslim 'inbreeding’] - The Telegraph, May 29, 2011</ref>

	~~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%,<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref> 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.		=== Pakistan ===
			Cousin marriage has been common in Pakistan for generations. According to professor Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen from South Danish University, the current rate is about 70%.<ref>[http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece Flere dødfødsler blandt indvandrere (Danish language)] - fpn.dk,February 27, 2009</ref>

	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.<ref>Justin Rowlatt - [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/4442010.stm The risks of cousin marriage] – BBC News, November 15, 2005</ref>		==== Pakistani emigrants ====
			A BBC report on Pakistanis in the United Kingdom finds that 55% of them 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.<ref>Justin Rowlatt - [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/4442010.stm The risks of cousin marriage] – BBC News, November 15, 2005</ref>

	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.<ref>Alan H. Bittles - [http://www.jstor.org/pss/2137601 The Role and Significance of Consanguinity as a Demographic Variable] - JSTOR</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-06/15/content_895516.htm Polygamist community faces genetic disorder] – China Daily, June 15, 2007</ref><ref>John Dougherty - [http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-12-29/news/forbidden-fruit/1 Forbidden Fruit] – Phoenix New Times, December 29, 2005</ref><ref>A. H. Bittles and M. L. Black - [http://www.pnas.org/content/107/suppl.1/1779.full Consanguinity, human evolution, and complex diseases] – PNAS, June 25, 2009</ref>		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.<ref>Alan H. Bittles - [http://www.jstor.org/pss/2137601 The Role and Significance of Consanguinity as a Demographic Variable] - JSTOR</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-06/15/content_895516.htm Polygamist community faces genetic disorder] – China Daily, June 15, 2007</ref><ref>John Dougherty - [http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2005-12-29/news/forbidden-fruit/1 Forbidden Fruit] – Phoenix New Times, December 29, 2005</ref><ref>A. H. Bittles and M. L. Black - [http://www.pnas.org/content/107/suppl.1/1779.full Consanguinity, human evolution, and complex diseases] – PNAS, June 25, 2009</ref>

	~~Worldwide, it has been estimated~~ that ~~almost half of all Muslims~~ are ~~inbred~~:		=== Turkey ===
			In Turkey the percentage of total marriages that are contracted between cousins is between 25-30 percent.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece\|2=2012-03-15}} More stillbirths among immigrants] - Jyllands-Posten, February 27, 2009</ref>

	A rough estimate shows that close to half of all Muslims in the world are inbred: In Pakistan, 70 percent of all marriages are between first cousins (so-called "consanguinity") and in Turkey the amount is between 25-30 percent.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=~~http://fpn.dk/liv/krop_valvare/article1616165.ece\|2~~=~~2012-03-15}} More stillbirths among immigrants] - Jyllands-Posten, February 27, 2009</ref>~~		=== Arab nations ===
			Statistical research on Arab countries shows that up to 34% of all marriages in Algiers are consanguine (blood related), 46% in Bahrain, 33% in Egypt, 80% in Nubia (southern Egypt), 60% in Iraq, 64% in Jordan, 64% in Kuwait, 42% in Lebanon, 48% in Libya, 47% in Mauritania, 54% in Qatar, 67% in Saudi Arabia, 63% in Sudan, 40% in Syria, 39% in Tunisia, 54% in the United Arabic Emirates and 45% in Yemen.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/6/1/17/table/T1\|2=2012-03-15}} Consanguinity and reproductive health among Arabs] - Tadmouri et al. ''Reproductive Health'' 2009 6:17</ref><ref>[http://europenews.dk/en/node/34368 Muslim Inbreeding: Impacts on intelligence, sanity, health and society] - Nicolai Sennels - EuropeNews, August 9, 2010</ref>
	Statistical research on ~~Arabic~~ countries shows that up to 34 ~~percent~~ of all marriages in Algiers are consanguine (blood related), 46 ~~percent~~ in Bahrain, 33 ~~percent~~ in Egypt, 80 ~~percent~~ in Nubia (southern ~~area in~~ Egypt), 60 ~~percent~~ in Iraq, 64 ~~percent~~ in Jordan, 64 ~~percent~~ in Kuwait, 42 ~~percent~~ in Lebanon, 48 ~~percent~~ in Libya, 47 ~~percent~~ in Mauritania, 54 ~~percent~~ in Qatar, 67 ~~percent~~ in Saudi Arabia, 63 ~~percent~~ in Sudan, 40 ~~percent~~ in Syria, 39 ~~percent~~ in Tunisia, 54 ~~percent~~ in the United Arabic Emirates and 45 ~~percent~~ in Yemen.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/6/1/17/table/T1\|2=2012-03-15}} Consanguinity and reproductive health among Arabs] - Tadmouri et al. ''Reproductive Health'' 2009 6:17</ref><ref>[http://europenews.dk/en/node/34368 Muslim Inbreeding: Impacts on intelligence, sanity, health and society] - Nicolai Sennels - EuropeNews, August 9, 2010~~</ref>~~

	The British geneticist, Professor Steve Jones, giving The John Maddox Lecture at the 2011 Hay Festival had stated in relation to Muslim inbreeding, "It is common in the Islamic world to marry your brother’s daughter, which is actually [genetically] closer than marrying your cousin."<ref>Jonathan Wynne-Jones - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8544359/Hay-Festival-2011-Professor-risks-political-storm-over-Muslim-inbreeding.html\|2=2011-05-31}} Hay Festival 2011: Professor risks political storm over Muslim 'inbreeding’] - The Telegraph, May 29, 2011</ref>

	==See Also==		==See Also==

	* [[Marriage]]		*[[Marriage]]
	* [[Health]]		*[[Health]]

	==External Links==		==External Links==

IbnPinker at 20:57, 6 March 2021

2021-03-06T20:57:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 6 March 2021
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	[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's ~~daugther~~).]]		[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daughter).]]
	'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Sahabah\|Muhammad's ~~companions~~]]. Cousin marriages have been the common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population.		'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Muhammad ibn Abdullah\|Muhammad]] himself as well as [[Sahabah\|his companions]]. Muhammad's practice of cousin marriage, in addition to cementing the legality of the practice, renders the practice a ''[[sunnah]]'', or a good deed worthy of commendation, given Muhammad's status as ''al-insan al-kamal'' (lit. 'the perfect man'). Cousin marriages have been the common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population of these nations.

	Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref>		Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref>

	==~~Scripture~~==		==Cousin marriage in scripture==

	~~Due to [[#History~~\|~~the actions]] of Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly-Guided Caliphs~~, ~~marriage between cousins is explicitly allowed and even [[Uswa Hasana\|encouraged]]~~ in ~~Islam. The Qur~~'~~an itself does not discourage or forbid this practice~~ in ~~any way~~. ~~In fact it implicitly allows it, as seen in [[Surah~~\|~~chapter]]~~ 4 ~~verse 23<ref>Prohibited~~ to you (~~For marriage~~) ~~are:- Your~~ mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters~~, Mother~~'s sisters~~; brother's~~ daughters, ~~sister's~~ daughters~~; foster-~~mothers (~~Who gave you suck~~)~~, foster-sisters;~~ your wives~~' mothers;~~ your step-daughters ~~under~~ your guardianship~~, born~~ of your ~~wives to~~ whom ~~ye have gone in~~,~~- no prohibition~~ if ~~ye have~~ not ~~gone in;-~~ (~~Those who have been~~) wives of your sons ~~proceeding~~ from your loins; and two sisters in ~~wedlock at one~~ and the ~~same time~~, ~~except~~ for what ~~is past; for~~ Allah is Oft-~~forgiving~~, Most Merciful;-		=== Quran ===
			{{Quran\|4\|23}}, in leaving out mention of one's cousins in its list of those relatives to whom marriage is prohibited, permits cousin marriage.
			{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|34}}\|Forbidden to you (are) your mothers and your daughters and your sisters and your father's sisters and your mother's sisters and daughters (of) brothers, and daughters (of) sisters and (the) mothers who nursed you and your sisters from the nursing and mothers (of) your wives and your step daughters who (are) in your guardianship of your women whom you had relations with them, but if not you had relations with them, then (there is) no sin on you. And wives (of) your sons, those who (are) from your loins and that you gather together [between] two sisters except what has passed before. Indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.}}
			{{Quran\|33\|50}}, in discussing the exclusive marital rights of the prophet Muhammad, explicitly permits him to marry his first cousins.{{Quote\|{{Quran\|33\|50}}\|O Prophet! Indeed, We [We] have made lawful to you your wives (to) whom you have given their bridal money and whom you rightfully possess from those (whom) Allah has given to you, and (the) daughters (of) your paternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your paternal aunts and (the) daughters (of) your maternal uncles and (the) daughters (of) your maternal aunts who emigrated with you, and a woman believing if she gives herself to the Prophet if wishes the Prophet to marry her - only for you, excluding the believers. Certainly, We know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and whom they rightfully possess, that not should be on you any discomfort. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}}
			===Hadith and sirah===

	~~{{Quran\|4\|23}}</ref>~~		====Muhammad====

	~~So everyone besides these relatives named can be~~ married~~. Such marriages in Muslim majority countries are often preferred~~ and ~~even encouraged~~ in ~~some regions~~. ~~This is in contrast with China~~, ~~India, most~~ of the ~~United States and some other nations where cousin-marriage is against~~ the ~~law and regarded as incest~~.		Muhammad married his cousin [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines#Zainab_bint_Jash\|Zaynab bint Jahsh]] who, in addition to being the daughter of Umaimah bint Abd al-Muttalib (a sister of Muhammad's father), was also the former wife of his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harith. The marriage proved immensely controversial - not because Zaynab and Muhammad were cousins (cousin marriages being fairly common throughout much of the ancient world), but because Zaynab had been previously been married to Muhammad's adopted son. The controversy was of such scale that Muhammad ultimately produced revelation in the Quran addressing the matter, absolving him of any proposed guilt.

	~~Even though there is some debate~~ on ~~this issue~~, ~~scientists tend~~ to ~~agree it~~ is ~~genetically unhealthy. There are other problems with cousin marriages~~.		{{Quote\|{{quran\|33\|37}}\|And when you said to the one, Allah bestowed favor on him and you bestowed favor on him, "Keep to yourself your wife and fear Allah." But you concealed within yourself what Allah (was to) disclose. And you fear the people, while Allah has more right that you (should) fear Him. So when ended Zaid from her necessary (formalities), We married her to you so that not there be on the believers any discomfort concerning the wives (of) their adopted sons when they have ended from them necessary (formalities). And is (the) Command (of) Allah accomplished.}}
	~~==History==~~

	~~===~~Muhammad~~===~~		According to Ibn Sa'd, after Zaynab's marriage to Zayd, Muhammad went to visit him, but instead encountered a hastily clad Zaynab. Though he did not enter the house, the sight of her pleased him. [[Tabari]] states that Zaynab was only wearing a single slip and that the wind pushed away a curtain when Muhammad entered, revealing her 'uncovered'. Thereafter, Zayd no longer found her attractive and thought of proposing divorce, but Muhammad told him to keep her. Eventually, however, Zayd did divorce her. After this, Muhammad and Zaynab were wed.<ref>Bewley/Saad 8:72; [[The History of al-Tabari\|Al-Tabari,]] [[The History of al-Tabari#Volume%20VIII:%20The%20Victory%20of%20Islam\|Vol. 8, p. 4]]; [[The History of al-Tabari\|Al-Tabari,]] [[The History of al-Tabari#Volume%20XXXIX:%20Biographies%20of%20the%20Prophet.27s%20Companions%20and%20Their%20Successors\|Vol. 39, p. 180]]; cf. Guillaume/Ishaq 3; Maududi (1967), ''Tafhimul Quran'', "''Al Ahzab''"</ref>

	Prophet [[Muhammad]] himself married cousins, as he did with [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines#Zainab_bint_Jash\|Zaynab bint Jahsh]], who was not only the daughter of Umaimah bint Abd al-Muttalib, one of his father's sisters,<ref>Bewley/Saad 8:72; {{Tabari\|8\|p. 4}}; {{Tabari\|39\|p. 180}}; cf Guillaume/Ishaq 3; Maududi (1967), Tafhimul Quran, Chapter Al Ahzab</ref> but was also divorced from a marriage with Muhammad's adopted son, Zayd ibn Haritha. It was this last issue that caused the most controversy, with traditional Arab norms at the time being opposed, though not the Qur'an (Sura Al-Ahzab 33:37).<ref>{{Quran\|33\|37}}</ref>		====Ali====

	~~According~~ to ~~Ibn Sa'd~~, ~~after Zaynab's~~ marriage to his ~~adopted son Zayd~~, ~~Muhammad went~~ to ~~visit him~~, ~~but instead found a hastily clad Zaynab. Though he did not enter the house~~, the ~~sight of her pleased him.~~ [[~~Tabari~~]] ~~states that Zaynab was only wearing a single slip, and the wind pushed away a curtain when Muhammad entered, revealing her "uncovered." Thereafter Zayd no longer found her attractive and thought~~ of ~~proposing divorce, but Muhammad told him to keep her. Eventually, however, Zayd did divorce her~~.		In addition to marrying a first cousin himself, Muhammad also allowed the marriage of his daughter, Fatimah, to his first cousin, [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], who would later become the fourth [[Rashidun Caliphs\|Rightly-Guided]] [[Caliph]] of Islam.

	===~~Ali~~===		====Umar====

	~~Muhammad also allowed the marriage of his daughter, Fatimah, to his cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who would later go on to become the fourth~~ Rightly-~~guided~~ [[~~Caliph]] of Islam.~~		The second Rightly-Guided Caliph, [[Umar ibn al-Khattab]], also married his cousin, Atikah bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl.<ref>History of the Prophets and Kings 4/ 199 by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari</ref><ref>al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah 6/352 by ibn Kathir</ref>

	~~===Umar===~~

	~~The second Caliph,~~ Umar ibn al-Khattab, also married his cousin, Atikah bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl.<ref>History of the Prophets and Kings 4/ 199 by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari</ref><ref>al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah 6/352 by ibn Kathir</ref>

	~~==Relevant Quotes==~~
	{{Quote\|{{Quran\|4\|23}}\|Prohibited to you (For marriage) are:- Your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster-mothers (Who gave you suck), foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone in;- (Those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;-}}{{Quote\|{{Quran\|33\|50}}\|O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her, [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.}}
	~~==Science and Statistics==~~

			==In the Islamic world today==
	From a biological point of view it becomes clear that first cousin marriage is not recommended because close relatives have a higher than normal consanguinity which means an increased chance of sharing genes for recessive traits. With this high amount of shared DNA, you have a higher risk of birth defects in a baby. Even if cousin marriages are not performed, you can still have such genetic defects in populations where there is a restricted social structure.		From a biological point of view it becomes clear that first cousin marriage is not recommended because close relatives have a higher than normal consanguinity which means an increased chance of sharing genes for recessive traits. With this high amount of shared DNA, you have a higher risk of birth defects in a baby. Even if cousin marriages are not performed, you can still have such genetic defects in populations where there is a restricted social structure.

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	==See Also==		==See Also==

	~~{{Hub4\|Health\|~~Health}}		* [[Marriage]]
			* [[Health]]
	~~{{Hub4\|Marriage\|Marriage}}~~

	==External Links==		==External Links==

IbnPinker at 20:33, 6 March 2021

2021-03-06T20:33:58Z

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	[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daugther).]]		[[File:Ali x fatimah.jpg\|thumb\|319x319px\|Early painting depicting Ali's wedding to his cousin Fatimah (Muhammad's daugther).]]
	'''Cousin ~~marriage~~''' in [[~~Islam~~]] ~~is a~~ [[~~marriage~~]] ~~to a person who shares a fairly recent ancestor (within a few generations). In some communities cousin marriages are encouraged~~ and ~~in others they are stigmatized~~. Cousin marriages ~~are illegal and prohibited in some countries.~~<ref>~~"The Surprising Truth About Cousins~~ and ~~Marriage". 14 February 2014.~~</ref>~~<ref>Paul~~, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. ~~PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref>~~ Children of cousin marriages ~~may have~~ increased risk of genetic disorders and ~~child~~ mortality.<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> ~~Cousin marriages has been the norm throughout all Islamic recorded history~~<ref>~~Goody~~, Marriage ~~and the Family~~ in ~~Europe~~</ref> ~~and remains so in Islamic world today.~~		'''Cousin marriages''', including those between first cousins, are permitted by [[Shari'ah (Islamic Law)\|Islamic law]] and [[scriptures]] and were practiced by [[Sahabah\|Muhammad's companions]]. Cousin marriages have been the common throughout Islamic history<ref>Goody, Marriage and the Family in Europe</ref> and remain so in Muslim-majority nations today, comprising a significant percentage of the total population.

			Children born of cousin marriages face an increased risk of genetic disorders and childhood mortality<ref>Bittles, Alan H.; et al. (10 May 1991). "Reproductive Behavior and Health in Consanguineous Marriages". Science. 252 (5007): 789–794. doi:10.1126/science.2028254. PMID 2028254, p. 790</ref><ref>Bittles, A.H. (May 2001). "A Background Background Summary of Consaguineous marriage" (PDF). consang.net consang.net. Retrieved 19 January 2010. citing Bittles, A.H.; Neel, J.V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variation at the DNA level". ''Nature Genetics''. '''8''' (2): 117–121</ref> and are thus prohibited in some countries.<ref>"The Surprising Truth About Cousins and Marriage". 14 February 2014.</ref><ref>Paul, Diane B.; Spencer, Hamish G. (23 December 2008). ""It's Ok, We're Not Cousins by Blood": The Cousin Marriage Controversy in Historical Perspective". ''PLOS Biology''. '''6''' (12): 2627–30. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060320. PMC 2605922. <nowiki>PMID 19108607</nowiki>.</ref>

	==Scripture==		==Scripture==

IbnPinker at 18:49, 23 February 2021

2021-02-23T18:49:01Z

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	[[Category:Hygiene]]		[[Category:Hygiene]]
			[[Category:Criticism of Islam]]

IbnPinker at 18:13, 23 February 2021

2021-02-23T18:13:54Z

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	{{Reflist\|30em}}		{{Reflist\|30em}}

	[[Category:Women]][[Category:Islam and Science]]		[[Category:Women]]
			[[Category:Islam and Science]]
	[[Category:Health]]		[[Category:Health]]
	[[Category:Marriage]]		[[Category:Marriage]]
	[[Category:Sex]]		[[Category:Sex]]
			[[Category:Reproductive sciences]]
			[[Category:Shariah (Islamic Law)]]
			[[Category:Hygiene]]