In a recent statement that has sparked debate and introspection across communities, a prominent Islamic scholar based in America has asserted that there is nothing inherently wrong with cousin marriage, both from a religious and medical standpoint. He explained that cousin marriages are historically and culturally accepted in many parts of the Muslim world, including the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa. Quoting from Islamic jurisprudence, the scholar emphasized that cousin marriage is not only permissible in islam but also has been practiced by many respected figures throughout Islamic history, including members of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) own family.
Addressing concerns about genetics and modern medical discourse, the scholar acknowledged that while there is a slightly elevated risk of hereditary diseases in repeated generations of close-relative marriages, a single-cousin marriage does not pose a statistically alarming threat. He noted that many misconceptions about cousin marriages are rooted more in cultural biases than in scientific fact. “Informed decision-making and genetic counseling can go a long way in minimizing any potential risks,” he said, urging people not to stigmatize such unions based solely on cultural discomfort or isolated incidents.
What added a personal dimension to his remarks was his own revelation — that his parents are first cousins. He shared this to underline that such marriages can and do result in healthy, loving families when approached responsibly. His intention, he explained, was not to promote cousin marriage over other forms of union but to challenge the negative stereotyping often associated with it, especially in Western societies. He called for a more nuanced and respectful understanding of cultural diversity, particularly when it comes to family and marital traditions.
Addressing concerns about genetics and modern medical discourse, the scholar acknowledged that while there is a slightly elevated risk of hereditary diseases in repeated generations of close-relative marriages, a single-cousin marriage does not pose a statistically alarming threat. He noted that many misconceptions about cousin marriages are rooted more in cultural biases than in scientific fact. “Informed decision-making and genetic counseling can go a long way in minimizing any potential risks,” he said, urging people not to stigmatize such unions based solely on cultural discomfort or isolated incidents.
What added a personal dimension to his remarks was his own revelation — that his parents are first cousins. He shared this to underline that such marriages can and do result in healthy, loving families when approached responsibly. His intention, he explained, was not to promote cousin marriage over other forms of union but to challenge the negative stereotyping often associated with it, especially in Western societies. He called for a more nuanced and respectful understanding of cultural diversity, particularly when it comes to family and marital traditions.
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