What Is the Ruling on Marrying Someone with the Same OCD?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I read online that if both males and females in a marriage have OCD, then the children have a 50% chance of having OCD, too. In such cases of diseases that can be inherited, what is the ruling on getting a spouse with the same disease?
Won’t it be oppression on the children born if the parents knew that the children could inherit that disease with a high probability?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
In Islam, if both the potential husband and wife are genuinely interested in marrying each other, they should communicate openly about their personal issues, such as intending to change their physical, spiritual, emotional, and dietary lifestyles.
OCD comes from trauma and learned behaviors, so if you get some professional therapy, you may be able to heal to the point that it will not induce OCD in your children. So, in your specific situation, it is important to consult a reliable physician and a genetic counselor.
Two Essential Perspectives
A believer perceives the world through two essential perspectives: the eye of divine oneness (tawhid) and the eye of moral responsibility (taklif). The first perspective highlights that Allah is the sole doer, the only Creator, and the Sustainer at all times. The second perspective involves recognizing the causal relationships in the world and responding appropriately.
This may include seeking guidance from reliable doctors and scholars while also focusing on enhancing their physical, spiritual, emotional, and dietary well-being.
Istikhara
Pray Istikhara, the Prayer of Seeking Guidance, and consult family and friends.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
- Concepts of Health and Disease within an Islamic Framework, by Shaykh Jamir Meah
- Are Diseases Contagious?
- Disclosing Health Concerns to Prospective Spouse
- Should I Inform My Potential Spouse That I Am a Carrier for a Genetic Disease?
- A Guide to Marriage: SeekersGuidance Reader
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum or the Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
