Islamic View to Pre-marital Care

Introduction

In spite of the widespread prevalence of numerous diseases, advancements in genetic engineering have led to substantial improvements in diagnosing these conditions. Consequently, there is increased pressure on future spouses to undergo premarital medical exams. Many Islamic countries have responded to this rising necessity by making some premarital screening tests obligatory for marriage. The acceptance of these policies stems from the core message of Islam, which encourages counseling to protect future generations from harm and ensure the continuity of worshipping God. However, some people refuse these obligatory tests, considering them contrary to Islamic rules.

Importance of Pre-marital Lab Tests

Pre-marital lab tests are crucial in determining potential health risks for couples intending to marry, as well as for their offspring. Couples are tested for blood-transmitted, infectious, and genetic diseases. The last is particularly significant in consanguineous marriages (marrying a blood relative), as such marriages place partners at a greater risk of having children with genetic disorders, such as autosomal recessive disorders. These tests hold importance in regions where consanguineous marriages are relatively common, such as in Arab countries. Consequently, the need for premarital counseling is essential.

Although some countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran have established centers to identify the likelihood of having any blood disorders such as thalassemia among couples intending to marry, some people remain unaware of the significance of genetic testing. Increasing community awareness of genetic testing can be achieved by highlighting the alignment of these practices with Islamic regulations. The fundamental goal of Islam is to preserve what are known as the five necessities: life, honor, faith, intellect, and the continuity of humanity. To maintain these necessities, individuals must be in good health.

Islamic Perspective on Health and Marriage

When Muslims feel ill, they are encouraged to seek medical counsel promptly. When Prophet Mohammad was asked about the legitimacy of seeking medical treatment and advice, he said, "You ought to search for medical treatment, since God has let no disease exist without a treatment, excepting one disease, namely, old age" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Therefore, followers of Islam are encouraged to seek medical treatment to maintain good health and the ability to worship God.

The continuity of worshipping God can also be assured through marriage and the birth of healthy children who are capable of carrying the message of Islam—worshipping God. Islam encourages individuals to prevent risky events from occurring and to manage their consequences. Islam urges couples preparing to marry to undergo premarital screening tests to prevent communities from having ailing children and to maximize the probability of having a new generation free from diseases.

The Role of Counseling in Islam

Prophet Mohammed advises his followers to seek counseling, as he said, "Religion (Islam) is honest counseling and good advice" (Sahih Muslim). From another perspective, Islam views the actions of couples who marry without undergoing premarital counseling as a form of risky behavior. Allah says, "Do not fling yourselves into damage by your own hands" (Quran 2:195). A couple could have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and a premarital medical examination can identify and prevent the spread of such diseases to their spouse.

Furthermore, Islam forbids sick individuals with genetic and/or inherited diseases from gathering together to prevent the transmission of illnesses. The Prophet said, "Do not collect the sick with healthy people" (Sahih Muslim). The majority of Muslim scholars have concluded that if individuals carry out premarital investigations and the results indicate a probability of illness being transmitted to their spouse or the likelihood of having a child with a hereditary disease, the marriage should not proceed.

Conclusion

Obligatory premarital screening tests do not compromise individual freedom, as some might claim; rather, they protect individuals and society at large. Even though the results of these tests might occasionally result in negative consequences for an individual, the juristic principles outlined by Islamic rule teach us to choose the lesser of two evils and to permit individual harm to avoid greater harm.

In conclusion, Islam encourages counseling to protect future generations and ensure the continuity of worshipping God. In fact, Islam considers couples who undergo premarital investigation, receive positive results for certain illnesses, and then proceed to marry as engaging in wrongful behavior. By adhering to the principles of counseling and medical examinations, Muslim communities can work towards a healthier and more harmonious society.

References

• Sahih al-Bukhari
• Quran 2:195
• Sahih Muslim