Muslims do not marry their biological sisters. The claim that they do is a misconception.
The reference provided is misleading. While it mentions that Muslims "marry their sisters if [the] sisters are not directly blood related to them," this is a significant oversimplification that can lead to serious misunderstandings. It's crucial to clarify the Islamic rules regarding marriage and family relations.
Islamic Marriage Restrictions
Islam has very specific rules outlining who a person can and cannot marry. These prohibitions are detailed in the Quran (the holy book of Islam) and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad). Key points include:
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Prohibition of Marriage to Close Relatives: Islam forbids marriage to close relatives, including:
- Mothers
- Daughters
- Sisters (full, half, and foster sisters)
- Aunts (both paternal and maternal)
- Nieces (both from brothers and sisters)
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Clarification of "Sister": The term "sister" in Islamic law refers not only to biological sisters (related by blood) but also to foster sisters (women who breastfed a child alongside the mother).
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Marriage to Cousins: Marriage to cousins is permitted in Islam. This practice is culturally prevalent in some Muslim communities, but it is by no means obligatory. It is this practice that sometimes leads to the misconception of Muslims marrying "their sisters." Cousins are not considered siblings in any way, shape, or form within the religion of Islam.
Addressing the Misconception
The confusion likely arises because in some cultures, the term "sister" or "brother" can be used to refer to close friends or cousins. However, in the context of Islamic marriage laws, the term "sister" specifically refers to someone who is considered a sister in Islamic law, meaning someone who is closely related by blood or through breastfeeding.
Summary
To reiterate, marrying a biological sister (or a foster sister) is strictly forbidden in Islam. Marriage to cousins is permissible. The notion that Muslims marry their own sisters is a misunderstanding rooted in a misinterpretation of kinship terms and cultural practices.
