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Genotype: The Wall between our Marriage

14 November, 2020
Q What is the Islamic view on marrying someone based on genotype?

Also if you happen to have genotype AS or AC and the person you truly love has either of them then What to do? Since medically it's not advisable to marry such a genotype?

Answer


In this counseling session:

 “As such, Islam does not prohibit marrying someone on the basis of genotype. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you have a certain genotype, and if the person you wish to marry also has it; the main concern is that when you plan to start a family with the spouse your children may be born with some genetic defects – this is probably the only reason why it is medically inadvisable to marry someone who have genotypes AS or AC. “


Assalamu Alaikum Brother, 

Thank you for your question. As such, Islam does not prohibit marrying someone on the basis of genotype.  However, it is important to keep in mind that if you have a certain genotype, and if the person you wish to marry also has it; the main concern is that when you plan to start a family with the spouse your children may be born with some genetic defects – this is probably the only reason why it is medically inadvisable to marry someone who have genotypes AS or AC. 

Seek Medical Advice

Genotype: The Wall between our Marriage - About Islam



Brother, as you have already mentioned that it’s not medically advisable to marry someone of both spouses carry a certain genotype, for instance, genotype AC or AS – therefore – it is essential to seek proper medical consultation.

Discuss the issue openly and to the minutest details with a qualified doctor who can guide you of all the potential dangers and implications with you both marry. I would also suggest that if you decide to follow through the marriage, keep a long-term family doctor, who can assist you both in being aware of and preventing complications. 

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Discuss With Your Potential Spouse 

It is also essential to discuss all these matters very openly with your potential spouse. As marriage is a lifelong commitment, and entails a lot of things which also includes family planning. Hence, in a situation like this; it is essential that both of you are on the same page. Regarding family planning, dealing with possible birth defects in children in future (May Allah SWT protect you from hardship, Ameen.)  

While it is not necessary that you’ll have complications in your future family. There would definitely be some likelihood of it. So it is important to put out all your fears together. And see if your love for this person (and vice versa) outweighs all the fears of the future. 


Check out this counseling video:


Weigh Personal Benefits And Costs of the Marriage

I do understand that you are very closely and emotionally attached to this person. However, if you can put your emotions aside for a while – and make a list of goals which you have from your life, present and future. Imagine about the things that give your life meaning and purpose. Now consider, how much of these goals include this person.

Say for instance – that you really want to have children and a family in the near future – but for medical reasons, if the doctors advise you against it with this particular person because of genotype, what would you do? Would you feel stuck and helpless?

If so, is there a point in pursuing the relationship and causing more pain to yourself and this person? Or may you plan to marry someone else to start a family – would that be fair to this woman and would she be okay with it? These are all things that need very deep considerations. 

Life In This World Is A Test 

Brother, it is also important to acknowledge that life in this world is a test for each and every one of us. Starting from the beginning of the human race – that is, from Hazrat Adam Alaiy his Salam, and each of the Prophets of Allah SWT as well as all the Believers.

He tests some with health, some with wealth, others with children and progeny – hence, there is no one in this world who is not facing some kind of test. 

In the Quran, Allah SWT says, 

“Do you suppose that you will enter the Garden without encountering what those before you encountered? They were afflicted by misfortune and hardship, and they were so shaken that even [their] messenger and the believers with him cried, ‘When will God’s help arrive?’ Truly, God’s help is near.” [2:214] 

In another place, He says, 

“The present world is only an illusory pleasure: you are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with God. If you are steadfast and mindful of God that is the best course.” [3:186]

Seek Guidance and Help From Allah Subhanahu Wa’Taala 

Brother, the least I can say is, ask Allah SWT for help and guidance. Do an Istikhara and supplicate to Allah SWT about all your problems. He is the one Who Listens to everyone and ultimately has all the solutions to all the problems in the world that we carry in our hearts and shoulders. 

In the Quran, Allah SWT says, 

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…”[2:286]

May Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala make things easy for you. Ameen. 

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees are liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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About Zainab Farrukh
Zainab Farrukh is a Counseling Psychologist. She is deeply inspired to bring about change at the individual, interpersonal and global levels.  She can be reached on her Facebook page – Thrive Now