Are Cousin Marriages a Big Problem for Most Muslim Countries Today?
No significant issues arise from problems like unemployment, corruption, or terrorist organizations such as ISIS. Instead, cousin marriages represent a social issue, and opinions on their validity vary widely.While some argue that cousins are like siblings and should not marry, it's important to acknowledge a potential hypocrisy in such statements. These arguments often neglect the property transfer rights between cousins, which are not universally granted.
For example, Hindu succession laws clearly state that a man's property is solely for his wife and children. This law applies to non-Abrahamic faiths as well, prohibiting property from being transferred to cousins. Conversely, cousin marriages in Muslim countries are often seen as a natural trend, with research indicating that 20% to 60% of marriages involve close biological relatives. However, there is a risk of health issues for children, such as heart problems, nervous disorders, and limb anomalies.
Archbishop Hani Calistas' Comprehensive Answer
- Risks and Prevalence in Muslim Countries: About 20% to 60% of marriages in Muslim countries involve close family ties. In countries like Indonesia, the prevalence of cousin marriages has been decreasing, with second-cousin marriages comprising only 17.8% in 1990. Currently, such marriages are rare, especially in larger, more urbanized areas.
- Arranged Marriages in Indonesia: In the past, a significant number of marriages in Indonesia were arranged, with as many as 50% in 1940 and 20% in 1970. However, the trend has been steadily , it is estimated that under 5% of marriages in Indonesia are arranged.
- Trends in Other Muslim Countries: My personal experience in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s revealed that almost every Saudi I knew had married their first cousin. This practice was attributed to the social norm that marriages would last longer and reduce family disputes. However, the younger generation is increasingly choosing not to marry their cousins, indicating a shift in social trends.
The Role of Religion and Culture
Cousin marriages are often perpetuated by cultural norms rather than religious practices. In fact, Islam’s holy texts do not prohibit cousin marriages. These marriages are customary in many Muslim-majority countries and are often arranged, reflecting traditional values and social structures. However, as societies progress and modernize, there is a growing awareness of the potential health risks and the need for personal choice.
Future Trends and Social Progression
As rural and urban areas in Muslim-majority countries continue to modernize, we can expect a decline in the prevalence of cousin marriages. Education, access to information, and changing social norms will likely drive this shift. Government initiatives and public awareness campaigns may also play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of cousin marriages.
Overall, while cousin marriages remain a significant social issue in many Muslim-majority countries, cultural and social trends suggest that they will become less common over time. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of societies as they navigate the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Keywords
cousin marriages
Muslim countries
arranged marriages