Islamic Verdicts - Volume V

The Book of Marriage

Miscellaneous Rulings on Marriage

Infertility is of Two Types

Q: What is your Eminence opinion regarding one who says: "Infertility may be cured," when Allah says: "and He renders barren whom He wills” (Ash-Shura 42: 50). May Allah reward you with goodness.

A: Our opinion is that infertility is of two types: One for which there is some cause — and this may be treated — and one which is congenital that is, that Allah created that person infertile — and this cannot be cured, and even if it was treated, it will be of no benefit, because Allah willed that he be infertile and there is none who can oppose His Decree.

Ibn 'Uthaimin

There is no Necessity For a Medical Examination Before Marriage

Q: I want to marry my paternal uncle's daughter, but she and some of my close companions advised me to have a medical examination so that we may rest assured regarding the genes of heredity. Does this involve any interference in Allah's Decree and His Divine Predestination? And what is the ruling of the religion on this examination, may Allah grant you success?

A: There is no need for this examination and you should both have a good opinion of Allah, for Allah, Most Glorified says, in the narration attributed to Him by the Prophet (Salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam): "I am according to how My servant perceives Me" (Al-Bukhari no. 7505 and Muslim no. 2675).

And also because the examination might give an untrue result. May Allah free us and you from every evil.

Ibn Baz

The Ruling on Giving a Daughter in Marriage to One Who Does Not Pray

Q: One of my kin has proposed to my daughter and I am under an obligation to him,[For example, for having lent him money, or shown some kindness to him etc.] but he is addicted to alcohol and he keeps company with bad people and prays little, or does not pray at all. He is also addicted to watching videos and television and other time-wasting devices and I am in difficulty regarding him. I request clarification of the ruling of Islam in the matter.

A: If the person proposing to your daughter is as you have described him, then it is not permissible for you to give her in marriage to him, because she is a trust in your hands, so it is incumbent for you to choose for her the most righteous man in his religion and his character.

It is not permissible for a person who does not pray to be married to a Muslim woman who does pray, since he is not a suitable match for her, because abandoning prayer is an act of major disbelief, according to the saying of the Prophet (Salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam): "Between a man and polytheism and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer" (Muslim no. 82).

And the saying of the Prophet (Salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam): "The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has committed an act of disbelief" (At-Tirmithi no. 2621).

Narrated by Imam Ahmad and the compilers of the Sunan, with an authentic chain of narrators.

There are many other evidences in the Book (of Allah) and the Sunnah which prove the disbelief of one who abandons prayer, even if he does not reject its obligation, according to the most correct of two opinions held by the scholars. However, if he rejects its obligation or mocked it, then he is guilty of major disbelief according to the consensus of the Muslims.

As for one who drinks alcohol but prays, he is not guilty of disbelief by doing this, as long as he does not claim that it is permissible, but he has committed a major sin and he has gone astray thereby. Therefore, it is lawful for you not to give her in marriage to him, even if he prays, due to his sin and because he might lead his wife and children to this great crime.

We ask Allah to improve the situation of the Muslims and guide them to His Straight Path, and to preserve us and them from obeying vain desires and Satan, for verily, He is Most Generous, Most Noble.

Ibn Baz