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. 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 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.