Concealing Mental illness from a Potential Spouse – Jamiatul Ulama KZN
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Nasihah (Advice): Fulfil your Trusts
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Fulfil the trust of those to whom they are due, and do not be treacherous to the one who betrays you.” (Sunan Tirmidhi)
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Question and Answer:
- A relative of mine is set to be married in the near future.
Unfortunately, he has struggled with mental health issues for some time and is currently on medication for this.
In terms of transparency, he has only told his future wife that he has an anger problem and has not shared his actual diagnosis, nor the fact that he is on medication and that he sees a psychiatrist. His family is satisfied with the information he has shared and has asked us multiple times not to jeopardise his marriage.
My question is what is our moral obligation? Should she not have all the facts before entering into this marriage? Is it not our duty to tell her so that she can decide if she is able to deal with his illness? Will we be answerable if we do not say anything?
- It is impermissible and sinful for the boy’s family to hide this information from his fiancée. Mental illness is a serious defect which will have drastic consequences on the marriage.
It is most unfortunate that incidents of this nature are on the increase and many individuals are duped into marriages under false pretences.
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has stated, “Whoever deceives us is not from us.” (Muslim #164)
The girl has every right to know the condition of her fiancé. It is then up to her to choose whether to marry him or not.
Someone in the family must inform her of this. If no one informs her, then whoever was party to the deceit will be sinful.
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
