http://www.arabnews.com/?page=5§ion=0&article=78585&d=5&m=9&y=2006&pix=islam.jpg&category=Islam
Friday, 1, September, 2006 (08, Sha`ban, 1427)
Marriage With Close Relatives: Doubts and Clarification
Adil Salahi, Arab News
Q. A booklet, published by Dar Al-Gasem, Riyadh, says it is forbidden to
marry the children of one's mother's sisters or one's father's brothers. In the
Muslim world, there are numerous such marriages. How could this happen if they
are forbidden. Please clarify.
B. Zaman, Tabuk
A. Marriage between first cousins, such as the ones you have mentioned,
is permissible. God has listed all the marriages that are not allowed in Islam,
then said that any marriage other than those He has specified is permissible.
In this list of prohibitions we do not find marriage with children of one's
maternal aunt's or paternal uncle's. Therefore, such marriages are perfectly
legitimate.
I am inclined to say that the book has been wrongly quoted. It might have
suggested that it is better, for health reasons, not to marry close relatives.
If so, then this is a personal opinion that may have some validity.
Q. If a Muslim intends to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman, how many
witnesses are required to make the marriage valid? Are non-Muslims and women
acceptable as witnesses? What paper work is required to confirm the marriage?
Any other recommendations or suggestions from you will be highly appreciated.
A. Q. Hassan, Toronto, Canada
A. There is no difference in the requirements of the marriage contract if
one is marrying a Muslim, Christian or Jewish woman. Islamic marriage is based
on commitment by the bride's father or guardian who acts for her and acceptance
by the bridegroom. Two men witnesses are needed, or one man and two women. The
presence of the witnesses is the minimum requirement of publicity. Therefore,
if there are others present, that should be better. Scholars differ as to the
acceptability of non-Muslims as witnesses. Perhaps the view that they are
acceptable is more valid. However, to get out of such difference of opinion,
one can easily ask some of his Muslim friends to attend the marriage ceremony,
even though they may not have to sign any document as witnesses. Their presence
makes them witnesses. Islam does not require the marriage contract to be
documented in writing. It is sufficient that the contract is done verbally.
However, if the regulations of the country require that it should be recorded,
then this becomes a requirement of Islam.
Since you are asking for advice, I will tell you that although marriage
to a Christian or a Jew is permissible, it is better for you to marry a Muslim.
May God guide you to what is best for you and your family.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg
Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny.
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