Q. In a book published by Dar Al-Gasem, it is mentioned that it is not permissible to marry the children of one’s father’s brothers or one’s mother’s sisters. This is contrary to the practice in many Muslim communities. Please explain.
Baduruzzaman, Tabuk
A. Verses 22-24 of Surah 4 give a list of women to whom marriage is not permitted in Islam. We do not find in this list any mention of first cousins, such as the children of one’s parents’ brothers and sisters.
This is a well-known fact, and the practice in all Muslim countries shows that such marriages are permissible. I am amazed that any Muslim could write otherwise. It may be, however, that there is a mistake either in translation, or printing.
It may be understandable if the author said that such marriages may not be recommended, but to say that they are not permissible is a wide claim that cannot be supported by any evidence. When we say that they may not be recommended, it is only because of the higher likelihood of passing hereditary diseases to one’s children.
Palestine conflict and Imam Mahdi
Q.1. Is it true that the conflict between Palestine and Israel has no ending, according to the Qur’an?
Q.2. I am told that it is only when Imam Mahdi comes to help the Palestinians that the Muslims will liberate the Aqsa Mosque. Who is Imam Mahdi and when will he come?
A.M. Salomabao, Jeddah
A.1. The Qur’an does not mention anything about the conflict between the Jews and the Palestinians. What is mentioned in Surah 17 is the promise given by God to the Jews to twice achieve great power on Earth. Each time, however, they spread corruption and act unjustly. Hence, they incur God’s displeasure and they are overcome by His good servants.
People suggest that this is the second time they achieve this supremacy in the land, but this may not be true. What is true according to what God mentions is that they will be defeated and destroyed because of the great injustice they perpetrate.
A.2. A number of Hadiths speak about the appearance of Imam Mahdi, who comes after a long period in which corruption and disbelief are widespread. He will gather a number of followers who will believe in God’s final message, i.e. Islam, to defeat unfaith and falsehood. There are indications about his appearance in various Hadiths, but most of these are lacking a degree or more of authenticity.
As to the timing of his appearance, we have no indication. It is wrong to say that we better wait for his appearance, because this represents abstention from doing our duty. What we must do is to exert our maximum efforts in support of God’s cause and leave the question of victory to God. He will grant us victory when we show that we are sincere in our advocacy of Islam and that we are prepared to make whatever sacrifices needed. It is only when we have demonstrated this very clearly that victory will be soon coming.