Affinity in Islam
Definition and Etymology
Affinity in Islamic terminology refers to the close relationships that prohibit marriage due to consanguinity (blood relations), affinity (marriage relations), and fosterage (milk relationships). The Arabic term for affinity is Qarābah (قرابة), which denotes relationships bound by kinship and close familial ties.
Prohibited Degrees of Marriage (Ḥurmah)
In Islam, certain degrees of affinity (ḥurmah) establish prohibitions against marriage to prevent issues of morality and purity within the family structure.
Relationships Prohibited for Marriage:
- Mother (أم)
- Daughter (بنت)
- Paternal Aunt (عمة)
- Maternal Aunt (خالة)
- Brother’s Daughter (بنت الأخ)
- Sister’s Daughter (بنت الأخت)
- Grandmother (جدة)
- Granddaughter (حفيدة)
- Mother-in-law (حماة)
- Step-mother (زوجة الأب)
- Daughter-in-law (زوجة الابن)
- Granddaughter-in-law (زوجة الحفيد)
These prohibitions extend also to relationships formed through fosterage (milk kinship).
Scriptural Basis
The Qurʾān explicitly outlines these prohibited degrees in Sūrah An-Nisa (4:22-23):
And [forbidden to you are] all married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, provided that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
Cultural Practices
Cousin Marriages
Marriage among cousins is often considered desirable in many Muslim societies as it helps maintain family unity and strengthens tribal affiliations.
Marriage of Deceased Brother’s Wife
The marriage of a deceased brother’s wife is common and viewed as a commendable way to support the widow, though it is not obligatory.
Key Takeaways
- Affinity (Qarābah) is a critical concept in Islamic marital law, governing ethical and lawful matrimonial relationships.
- There are clearly delineated prohibited degrees of marriage in Islamic jurisprudence to uphold family integrity and moral standards.
- The Qurʾān sets out these rules to guide Muslims, emphasizing the importance of lawful and chaste unions.
Further Reading
- “Marriage and Morals in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
- “Women’s Rights in Islam” by Asghar Ali Engineer
- “Islamic Family Law” edited by Chibli Mallat and Jane Connors
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht
Conclusion
Understanding the concept of affinity (Qarābah) in Islam illuminates the intricate guidelines that govern familial relationships and marital laws within the religion. These rules protect the moral fiber of the Muslim community by ensuring that marriages are ethically and legally sound, fostering stable family structures.
This structure provides a comprehensive insight into the term ‘Affinity’ in the context of Islamic law, its implications for marriages, and includes a scriptural reference for further clarity.
