Definition and Significance
Prohibited Degrees of Marriage
In Islamic law, certain familial relationships render marriage impermissible. These proscribed relationships are delineated in the Qur’an to maintain social harmony, family integrity, and ethical boundaries. The primary text addressing these prohibitions is Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4), Verse 23 of the Qur’an.
Qurʾānic Reference
According to the Qur’an, there are seven core prohibited degrees of marriage:
- Mother: A man cannot marry his birth mother, stepmother, or even a maternal figure who has suckled him.
- Daughter: A man is forbidden from marrying his own daughter or a stepdaughter under his care and upbringing.
- Sister: This prohibition extends to both full sisters and half-sisters, whether through the mother or father.
- Paternal Aunt: This term includes the father’s sister as well as the father’s paternal cousins.
- Maternal Aunt: Includes the mother’s sister and, by extension, the mother’s maternal cousins.
- Sister’s Daughter: This encompasses all niece relationships from one’s sister.
- Brother’s Daughter: Includes the man’s nieces from his brother.
Additional Prohibitions
Islamic law also extends these prohibitions similarly to women. For example, a woman cannot marry her father, son, brother, paternal uncle, maternal uncle, sister’s son, or brother’s son.
In-laws and Fosterage
Additionally, it is unlawful for a man to marry:
- His wife’s sister during the lifetime of his wife.
- His wife’s aunt during the lifetime of his wife.
In Islam, fosterage (Arabic: الرِضاعة [Ar-Riḍāʿa], Turkish: süt kardeşliği) – kinship through breastfeeding – can also establish prohibitive marital relationships. A foster-sister (a girl breastfed by the same woman who nursed the potential groom) or a foster-brother (a boy breastfed by the same woman who nursed the potential bride) is likewise forbidden in marriage.
Etymology and Arabic and Turkish Translations
Etymology
The regulations surrounding these prohibitions are derived from the Arabic term “حُرُمَات” (hurumat), meaning sacred things or prohibitions, denoting the inviolable nature of these relationships.
Translations
- Arabic: حُرُمَات الزواج (Hurumat al-Zawaj)
- Turkish: Evlilikte Yasak Dereceler
Books for Further Studies
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht – Offers a comprehensive overview of Islamic legal traditions, including marital prohibitions.
- “Islamic Law and Society” by Raj Bhala – Explores the societal implications of Islamic law.
- “Marriage and Morals in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi – Discusses the moral and ethical considerations around marriage in Islam.
- “Family Law in Islam: Divorce, Marriage and Women in the Muslim World” by Maaike Voorhoeve – Details the specific aspects of Islamic family law, including prohibitive degrees of marriage.
- “Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Interpretation” by John Wansbrough – Provides insights into Qur’anic interpretations that influence family and societal laws.
Takeaways
- Direct Relationships: Marriages within direct bloodlines and specific in-law relationships are impermissible.
- Fosterage Impact: Breastfeeding establishes a kinship that impacts marriage eligibility.
- Ethical Boundaries: These rules uphold ethical boundaries and social morality in Muslim communities.
Conclusion
The prescribed prohibitions of marriage within Islam are clear and detailed, aimed at protecting social fabric and ethical standards. Understanding these is critical for both adherents and scholars of Islam to navigate marital decisions in an informed manner.
By learning about these rules, readers can appreciate the intricacies of Islamic matrimonial law and its implications for family and societal structure.
