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] *************************************************************************** Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ppiindia *************************************************************************** __________________________________________________________________________ Mohon Perhatian: 1. Harap tdk. memposting/reply yg menyinggung SARA (kecuali sbg otokritik) 2. Pesan yg akan direply harap dihapus, kecuali yg akan dikomentari. 3. Reading only, http://dear.to/ppi 4. Satu email perhari: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5. No-email/web only: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6. kembali menerima email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ppiindia/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/