I have heard that it is scientifically proven that first cousin marriages can cause disabled children and genetic problems. If that is the case then why does Islam allow such marriages? | Ask A Question | Al-Islam.org

Cousin Children Disability Marriage

I have heard that it is scientifically proven that first cousin marriages can cause disabled children and genetic problems. If that is the case then why does Islam allow such marriages?

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Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 5 years ago

There are advantages and disadvantages to marrying closely (like a first cousin). Sometimes the advantages, such as having greater trust, might outweigh the disadvantages. To my understanding, occasional close marriages are not usually a problem with genetics, rather, problems tend to arise when people do this over a long span of generations. Also they have been common in many cultures not just among some Muslim cultures. Genetic problems can also arise in any marriage. However there is nothing in Islam recommending this particular type of marriage.