In Islam, specific individuals are prohibited from marrying each other based on blood relations, marriage ties, and foster relationships. This is detailed in the Quran, particularly in Surah An-Nisa (4:23), which outlines these restrictions.
Prohibited Marriages in Islam
The following table summarizes who is prohibited from marrying each other based on Islamic law, according to the referenced verse:
| Category | Individuals Prohibited From Marriage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Relations (Consanguinity) | Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Paternal Aunts, Maternal Aunts, Brother's Daughters, Sister's Daughters | These are direct family relationships where marriage is forbidden due to close genetic connections. |
| Marriage Ties (Affinity) | Mothers-in-law, Stepdaughters (under guardianship if marriage is consummated with the mother) | These relationships become a barrier to marriage through marriage itself. |
| Fosterage (Milk-Kinship) | Foster-mothers, Foster-sisters | Fosterage, where a child is nursed by a woman, creates a relationship similar to that of blood relations, leading to marriage prohibition. |
Explanation of Prohibitions
- Blood Relations (Consanguinity): The prohibition on marriage within immediate families is a common feature across various religions and cultures. It is to preserve the sanctity of close family relationships and prevent inbreeding.
- Examples: A man cannot marry his mother, daughter, sister, paternal aunt (father's sister), maternal aunt (mother's sister), the daughter of his brother, or the daughter of his sister.
- Marriage Ties (Affinity): Certain relationships formed through marriage create a barrier to marriage.
- Examples:
- A man cannot marry his mother-in-law (the mother of his wife).
- If a man has consummated marriage with a woman, he is not allowed to marry her daughter if she is under his guardianship.
- Examples:
- Fosterage (Milk Kinship): Breastfeeding creates a unique bond in Islam that extends familial prohibitions to those who are foster relatives.
- Examples: A man cannot marry his foster mother (the woman who breastfed him as an infant) or his foster sister (a girl who was breastfed by the same woman).
Practical Insights
- The intent behind these prohibitions is to maintain social harmony, preserve family bonds, and prevent complexities arising from marriages between close relatives.
- These restrictions are not meant to impose undue hardship but are part of the framework of Islamic family law.
- Understanding these restrictions is crucial for Muslims to adhere to the principles of marriage outlined in the Quran.
