Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Disclosing flaws that may hinder a marriage when consulted
Sayyidah Fathimah bint Qays Radiyallahu Anha narrates, “I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said to him: Muawiyah and Abul-Jahm sent me a proposal of marriage.” Rasullullah (ﷺ) replied, “Muawiyah is destitute and he has no wealth, and Abul-Jahm is very hard on women.” (Bukhari)
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Question and Answer
- Recently I have found out a friend of mine is homosexual. But the worst part is his parents are getting him married to a girl from another province. In order to save their name, they have not disclosed that he is homosexual to the girl or the parents nor have they told the girl that he had a boyfriend in the past. Do they get sin for doing this and do I get sin for keeping quiet as I was threatened?
- Your concern about the situation involving your friend’s forced marriage and the concealment of his homosexuality is indeed troubling, and it’s important to address this matter in accordance with Islamic principles.
Firstly, it’s crucial to recognise that honesty and transparency are fundamental values in Islam, especially in matters as significant as marriage. Concealing important information such as one’s sexual orientation from a potential spouse is deceptive and Haraam. Marriage should be based on mutual consent, trust, and honesty, and withholding such crucial information violates the rights of both parties involved.
As for your friend’s parents arranging his marriage without disclosing his homosexuality to the girl or her family, this action is a grave sin and will likely lead to severe consequences for all parties involved. Marrying someone under false pretences is not only deceitful but also unjust and harmful to the well-being of the individuals involved.
Regarding your role in this situation, it’s understandable that you may feel conflicted or even fearful about speaking out, especially if you’ve been threatened. However, remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing is not the right course of action. Islam emphasizes the importance of standing up for justice and speaking the truth, even if it is against oneself or one’s loved ones.
Allah Ta’ala states, “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor…” (Quran 4:135)
If you are in a position to do so, it’s important to advise your friend and his family about the ethical and religious implications of their actions. Encourage them to reconsider their decision and to address the situation with honesty and integrity.
If this does not help, seek support from trusted individuals, such as your local Imaam or Jamiat, who can provide guidance and assistance in resolving this matter in a responsible manner.
It would be a great injustice for the marriage to continue under false pretences. It is important not only for the girl to know about this but it is also important for your own mental well-being that you absolve yourself from this matter or else this burden may weigh upon you for the remainder of your life.
May Allah guide us all to uphold truth, justice, and compassion in our actions and dealings, and may He grant us the courage and strength to do what is right. Ameen.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Moosa Salie
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163
Website : www.jamiat.org.za
