By Finding a life partner for marriage is dependent on so many things. Some people look for status, while others look for wealth. Some put faith first, while others consider looks. One important factor that every person should take into account is health, along with conditions that their potential partner may be susceptible to from genetic or environmental reasons. The definition of what is acceptable in this regard can differ from person to person. This leads us to ask, “Can I ask my fiancé for a medical test before marriage?”
Get the Test Before You Marry
Mandatory disease testing before marriage is not considered a high priority in Western countries, but it is a legal requirement in many Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, to name a few. Additionally, depending on the couple’s unique circumstances, such as if one spouse is a foreign national or if the couple plans to have children, various nations may have additional criteria for disease testing. These laws primarily aim to limit the spread of certain diseases.
Many people, regardless of culture or religion, view medical testing as a very practical and prudent thing to do. There are numerous things to think about, including how your partner’s health challenges might affect them, you, or any future children. Do you think your partner will be able to handle your health concerns if you have any? Will you be able to face difficult challenges if they arise from your husband? Your response to these questions could determine how you move forward in the marriage.
At least knowing the probability of risks prepares you and your husband for the unexpected.
Marriage changes the privacy of one’s personal health. It would be wrong to hide important information that you may already know about yourself regarding your health from your future husband. If a person cannot speak honestly to someone they intend to marry regarding their health or other medical-related issues, what makes them confident they can do so afterward? Or, if a person is concerned that their partner will not be open-minded or understanding enough to accept their health issue, why would they be willing to move forward with the marriage in the first place? Isn’t it necessary to marry someone we believe wants and accepts us for who we are, flaws and all? And one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the health of your future children. At least knowing the probability of risks prepares you and your husband for the unexpected. It allows you time to do research, gather specialists if needed, and gives you the time to accept whatever may come because you were ready for the chance that this may happen.
Here’s What the Quran Has to Say
The essence of getting medically tested before marriage is a matter of transparency and honesty. The Quran also gives general advice about honesty as it related to marriage:
“There is no blame upon you if you announce your engagement to the women, or keep it to yourself. God knows that you will think about them, but do not meet them secretly unless it is for saying righteous words. Do not execute the marriage contract until the interim is fulfilled. And know that God knows your innermost thoughts, so beware of Him, and know that God is Forgiver, Forbearing”. [2:235]
While the verse may appear unclear about the meaning of “saying righteous words,” the message is actually quite straightforward. It encourages two people who are considering marriage to meet and discuss important matters. Health concerns are just one of many important topics that married couples should discuss, and there should be no debate about whether men and women have the right to know about their potential spouse’s health. In fact, it’s very beneficial for couples to discuss hypothetical scenarios, such as how they would handle unexpected situations. This can help them understand each other’s mindset and level of preparedness.
There are numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of being righteous and truthful. Disclosing relevant information during the process of finding a spouse is one such responsibility of being a righteous and truthful Muslim spouse. We have a moral, Islamic, and social responsibility to be honest and considerate individuals, treating others as we would like to be treated. By fulfilling this responsibility, we can hope to live our lives surrounded by people who share the same values as us. May Allah (SWT) guide us toward leading a life of honesty and righteousness.