Whenever a woman becomes pregnant, people around her often begin guessing whether it will be a boy or a girl. However, the first and most important prayer should be that the child is born healthy and free from any physical or mental disability. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the number of children born with conditions such as hearing impairment, speech difficulties, blindness, or mental disabilities is increasing. Raising such children can be emotionally and physically challenging for parents, requiring patience, strength, and proper understanding. Awareness about these conditions can help families manage these challenges more effectively.
According to estimates, nearly five million people in Pakistan are living with disabilities, and about 43.4% are children. Among these, 58.4% are boys while 41.6% are girls, meaning boys are slightly more affected. Only around 14% of individuals with disabilities can work, while the majority depend on their families for support. This situation not only affects individuals but also creates emotional and financial pressure on families.
One of the major causes behind many of these disabilities is genetic inheritance. Health experts point out that repeated cousin marriages can significantly increase the chances of children being born with inherited disorders. Although cousin marriages have been practiced for generations and are still common in many societies, modern research highlights the health risks associated with them.
From a scientific standpoint, cousin marriages increase the amount of shared DNA between partners. The closer the relationship, the higher the percentage of shared genes, which increases the possibility that recessive genetic disorders will appear in children. For example, first cousins share about 12–13% DNA, which increases the risk of conditions such as thalassemia, learning disabilities, and other inherited illnesses. Research shows that the risk of genetic disorders rises to 4–7% in cousin marriages, compared to 3–4% in the general population.
From a religious perspective, cousin marriage is permissible in Islam, but it is not obligatory. Islam also strongly emphasizes consent in marriage, and no individual should be forced into a relationship. Therefore, cousin marriage should not be followed blindly as a cultural tradition, but should be a conscious and informed decision.
If someone still chooses cousin marriage, a responsible approach is to undergo medical screening before marriage. Premarital testing and genetic counseling can help identify potential risks and reduce the chances of inherited diseases. Awareness and precaution are essential for building healthier future generations.
In today’s time, choosing a life partner should go beyond tradition and include compatibility, informed decision-making, and responsibility. Platforms like Dil Ka Rishta are helping individuals make better choices by connecting people based on values, preferences, and understanding. This modern approach encourages people to move beyond pressure and build relationships that are healthier, balanced, and based on mutual respect and awareness.
