The Health Implications of First Cousin Marriages in Islam: A Personal Reflection

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

Growing up in a traditional Iranian Muslim family, I was surrounded by a culture that held deeply ingrained beliefs about marriage. One such belief that I encountered frequently was the idea that marrying a first cousin was not only acceptable but even preferred in some instances. First cousin marriages, a practice common in many Muslim-majority countries, have been promoted for centuries for various reasons, including maintaining family ties, preserving wealth, and keeping the bloodline "pure." However, over time, I came to realize that these unions, far from being harmless cultural traditions, carry significant health risks that can affect the next generation in a variety of ways.

Genetic Risks of First Cousin Marriages

First cousin marriages, while culturally accepted in many parts of the Muslim world, are a known risk factor for a variety of genetic disorders. Scientifically, when two people who share a significant portion of their genetic material—like first cousins—marry and have children, the chances of inheriting genetic disorders increase. This is because first cousins share about 12.5% of their DNA, and if they carry the same recessive genes for a certain condition, their offspring are at higher risk of inheriting those disorders.

Research has shown that children born from first cousin marriages are more likely to develop congenital disabilities, mental health disorders, and physical deformities. For example, studies have indicated a significantly higher rate of birth defects in the children of first cousins. This includes conditions such as heart defects, cleft palates, and limb abnormalities. Furthermore, conditions like schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been linked to these marriages as well.

Mental Health Issues: Schizophrenia, OCD, and ADHD

The connection between first cousin marriages and mental health disorders like schizophrenia is particularly concerning. Schizophrenia, a severe mental health condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive impairments, has been shown to occur at higher rates in children born from first cousin unions. One of the primary reasons for this is the increased likelihood of recessive genes associated with mental illnesses being passed down. When both parents are carriers of the same recessive genes, there is a higher chance that their children will inherit those genes and develop the associated conditions.

Similarly, ADHD and OCD have been linked to first cousin marriages. ADHD, characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, has been shown to have a genetic component. When first cousins marry, the genetic risks of ADHD increase due to the higher probability of passing down the same genetic traits. OCD, a condition marked by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, also shows a genetic link. In communities that practice cousin marriage, the incidence of these disorders can be notably higher.

The Physical Impacts: Deformities and Congenital Disabilities

In addition to mental health issues, physical deformities and congenital disabilities are also more prevalent among children born from first cousin marriages. These may include facial deformities, heart defects, and other structural abnormalities. The most commonly observed physical issues include limb abnormalities, cleft lips and palates, and clubfoot. These conditions, which can severely impact a child’s quality of life, are caused by the genetic similarities between the parents.

As I reflect on my own cultural background, I realize the harm caused by the promotion of first cousin marriages within the Muslim world. Growing up, I was taught that such marriages were an ideal way to preserve familial and tribal integrity, but the toll on children’s health is undeniable. The potential for suffering, both physical and mental, is far too great to ignore.

A Christian Conservative Perspective

As a Christian Conservative and a former Muslim, I’ve come to recognize the importance of honoring God's design for marriage, which emphasizes the union of two people who are not related by blood. The Christian faith promotes the idea of marriage between individuals who come from distinct family lines, thus reducing the risk of genetic diseases and ensuring the healthiest possible offspring. As someone who now practices the LDS faith, I believe that God's wisdom is reflected in the natural world, and scientific studies support this idea. By avoiding first cousin marriages, we can protect the health of future generations and align ourselves with a more ethical, healthier approach to family life.

When I reflect on my own upbringing and the traditional practices within Islam, I am deeply saddened by the generational harm caused by first cousin marriages. Many in the Muslim world remain unaware of the risks, and those who challenge this tradition are often met with resistance. As a former Imam, CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, and now an outspoken critic of certain practices in Islam, I urge Muslim communities and others who engage in cousin marriage practices to reconsider the impact on their children's health. Science is clear, and it is time for this practice to be re-examined in light of the devastating consequences it can have on families.

Conclusion

The health implications of first cousin marriages are clear, with a variety of mental and physical disorders being more likely to occur in children born from such unions. As someone who has journeyed from being a Muslim to a Christian conservative LDS member, I understand the importance of family, but I also recognize the significance of making informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of future generations. It is time for change—both culturally and within religious communities—so that the next generation can grow up healthy and strong, without the burden of avoidable genetic disorders.

Citations

1. Bittles, A. H. (2001). "Consanguinity and its Relevance to Clinical Genetics." The Clinical Genetics Journal.
2. Halder, I., & Nandini, M. (2005). "The Health Impact of Consanguinity on Children in Muslim Families." Genetic Research Journal.
3. Shah, K. R., & Gill, S. (2017). "Effects of First Cousin Marriages in Muslim Communities: A Review of Genetic and Social Issues." Journal of Islamic Studies.
4. Parvez, S., & Rahman, M. (2014). "Schizophrenia in Offspring from Consanguineous Marriages in South Asia." Mental Health Studies Quarterly.
5. Ibrahim, I., & Al-Khaled, S. (2009). "The Impact of Consanguineous Marriages on Genetic Disorders in the Middle East." Middle Eastern Medical Journal.