Marriage Should Be Founded on
Transparency
I am about to get married and there is
something that is bothering me a great deal. I have done a medical checkup and
found out that I have herpes. I have been taking medications for this disease
in order to prevent or suppress the virus from transferring. I talked to my
doctor and she said that the medication would almost guarantee that the virus
would not be transmitted. I have been hesitating to tell the truth to my fiancée.
I am afraid that this will cause problems and I can't get married. Should I
inform my fiancée of my disease?
Name of Mufti Group of Muftis
Content of
Reply In the Name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah,
and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear sister in Islam, we would like to
thank you for the great confidence you place in us. We really appreciate your
question, which reflects your care about the Islamic teachings. May Allah help
you lead a righteous life!
Sister, you are to know that marriage,
in Islam, should be based on transparency and frankness. Successful marriage
depends on some requirements, amongst which are faithfulness and righteousness.
Focusing more on your question, Dr. Rif`at Fawzi, professor of
"Sister, you are to be clear and
transparent with your would-be husband. It is your duty to tell him the whole
issue. Rely upon Allah Who can grant you a righteous
husband that consider your condition. The Qur'an and
the Prophet's Sunnah command Muslims to steer clear
of deception. Concealing this disease and not telling your fiancée about it is
a form of deception, which is prohibited in Islam."
Sister, you are to bear in mind the
fact that Islam does not adopt the principle that says: ends justify means. Though
marriage is a religious requirement, it does not justify deception.
The eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh
Muhammad Al-Hanooti, member of the North American Fiqh Council, adds:
"Dear sister, you cannot conceal
it from the future spouse, because you are cheating in case you don’t reveal
that you have herpes."
If you are still in need of more
information, don't hesitate to contact us. Do keep in touch. May Allah guide us
all to the straight path!
Allah Almighty knows best.