Fatwa: 422

Category: fatwas about marriage

The disease that requires informing the suitor about

The question:

My sister is engaged. Before, she had a disease. The doctor told her that she can get married, but she is not completely cured. The disease may appear again in the future. So, is it obligatory to inform the suitor about that?

The answer:

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon whom Allah sent as a mercy to the Worlds, upon his Family, his Companions and his Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

If the disease is chronic, it is obligatory to inform the suitor about it lest he should be deceived. If he accepts her with her disease, he will help her to seek for cure and to respond to her needs and the needs of those who are under his charge. Nevertheless, if he does not accept to marry her, Allah will grant her another man as long as she is veracious towards people. In fact, veracity is an attribute that Allah likes. He ordered us to abide by it; He says:

﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ﴾ [التوبة: 119].

The meaning of the verse:

﴾O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds).﴿ [At-Tauba (The Repentance): 119].

However, if she is wholly recovered, she is not then obliged to inform him about what happened and disappeared, and if her disease is temporary and not chronic, there is no need to announce it, such as cold and others. In addition, people are accustomed to the ephemeral non-chronic diseases. In fact, the habit has authority.

The perfect knowledge belongs to Allah عزَّ وجلَّ. Our last prayer is all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon our Prophet, his Family, his Companions and Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

Algiers, Rabî` Ath-Thâni 6^th, 1427 H
Corresponding to March 4^th, 2006