Is cousin marriage obligatory in Islam?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

At the outset, it is important to understand that Shari’ah merely permits marriages between first cousins. Such marriages are categorized only as permissible in the light of Shari’ah. They are neither prohibited nor emphasised in Islam.

Shari’ah has granted every adult male and female an independent right to choose his or her marriage partner. You have correctly stated that piety should be of utmost importance as the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa sallam) has said:

"The whole world is a provision, and the best provision of this world is a pious woman."(Muslim)

We make dua Allah Taala grants you peace and happiness and grant you a compatible marriage partner. Ameen.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Huzaifah Deedat

Student Darul Iftaa
Lusaka, Zambia

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.