QUESTION
What is the ruling on marrying a cousin?
ANSWER
Marriage between cousins is permissible in Islamic law, as cousins are not considered mahram (those permanently forbidden to marry). However, the syara’ encourages marrying non-relatives (those outside the family) because the offspring and lineage resulting from such unions are generally healthier and stronger.
EXPLANATION
Cousins are family members who are not considered as mahram. Therefore, Allah SWT has permitted marriage between them. Allah SWT says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِنَّآ أَحْلَلْنَا لَكَ أَزْوَٰجَكَ ٱلَّـٰتِىٓ ءَاتَيْتَ أُجُورَهُنَّ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُكَ مِمَّآ أَفَآءَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ وَبَنَاتِ عَمِّكَ وَبَنَاتِ عَمَّـٰتِكَ وَبَنَاتِ خَالِكَ وَبَنَاتِ خَـٰلَـٰتِكَ ٱلَّـٰتِى هَاجَرْنَ مَعَكَ
Meaning: “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…”
Surah al-Ahzab (50)
Furthermore, Sheikh Zainuddin stated that marriage between cousins is permitted by Islamic law:
فيحرم به آخر لآية: {حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ} نساء قرابة غير ما دخل في ولد عمومة وخؤولة
Meaning: “It is forbidden to marry, as stated at the end of the verse (Prohibited to you for marriage), women who are relatives except those who fall within the category of cousins from the father's and mother's sides.”
In addition, Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhaili also stated that marriage between cousins is not forbidden (haram). This is based on the words of Allah SWT:
...وَأُحِلَّ لَكُم مَّا وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكُمْ...
Meaning: “…it is lawful for you to seek out all women except these…”
Surah al-Nisa (24)
Furthermore, Dr Wahbah al-Zuhaili mentioned that although marriage between cousins is permitted, it is not encouraged. This is because the outcome of such marriages may affect the health of the children to be born, such as causing disabilities and physical weakness."
CONCLUSION
The explanation above clearly shows that marriage between cousins is permitted in Islamic law. However, it is encouraged to marry non-relatives or women outside kinship, as the offspring from such unions are generally healthier, with stronger lineage, and familial ties are better preserved. Therefore, it is reminded that the objective of marriage should be prioritized so that the relationship achieves the pleasure of Allah SWT.