Most-asked question

Is marrying a cousin permissible?

69 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 4 South African Darul Iftas (Ask Imaam, Mufti Online, MUBZ, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“It is permissible to marry your first cousin’s daughter.”

Ask Imaam — Can I get married to my first cousin’s daughter? · 14 Mar 2021

“Yes it is permissible for you to get married to your cousin.”

Mufti Online — Marrying one's cousin · 24 Jan 2015

“Your father’s cousin (grandmother’s sister’s daughter) is considered to be a stranger (non- Mahram) to you. It is permissible for you to marry her. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 11/268)”

Jamiat KZN — Marriage to the father’s cousin · 30 Jan 2019

“We commend you for your concern in guiding others towards what is correct according to Sharīʿah, and for seeking clarification in matters where there may be uncertainty. It is permissible for an individual to marry their direct cousin or second cousin.”

MUBZ — Marrying One’s Second Cousin · 9 Apr 2026

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Marrying One’s Second CousinMUBZ · 9 Apr 2026
  2. Can I get married to my first cousin’s daughter?Ask Imaam · 14 Mar 2021
  3. Marrying my cousinMufti Online · 22 Apr 2013
  4. Marriage to the father’s cousinJamiat KZN · 30 Jan 2019
  5. My cousin raped me and forced me to sign a marriage documentAsk Imaam · 2 Apr 2019
  6. Marrying one's Mothers CousinMufti Online · 28 Aug 2012
  7. I wanted to get married to a certain boy but he got engaged to his cousin, now I am feeling depressed. What can I do?Ask Imaam · 30 Nov 2018
  8. Marrying one's first cousinMufti Online · 3 Apr 2018
  9. Can one marry his first cousin?Ask Imaam · 4 Nov 2018
  10. Male giving a ring to his married cousinMufti Online · 23 Apr 2016
  11. Marrying CousinsAsk Imaam · 2 Nov 2018
  12. Marrying one's cousinMufti Online · 24 Jan 2015
  13. Can I marry my mother’s cousin brotherAsk Imaam · 1 Sep 2018
  14. Marrying a girl who was engaged to one's cousinMufti Online · 1 Oct 2013
  15. Cousin MarriageAsk Imaam · 1 Jun 2018

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