Examining genetic load: an Islamic perspective

Abstract

The topic of genetic load has been theorised by various authors. Genetic load refers to the reduction of population fitness due to accumulation of deleterious genes. Genetic load points to a decline in population fitness when compared to a ‘standard’ population. Having provided an explanation of genetic load, this article will locate genetic load in relation to historic and demographic changes. Moreover, it will discuss genetic understandings from the Qur’an and hadith. It will be argued that Islam possesses sound genetic concepts for informing Muslims about life on earth as well as choosing future spouses. Consanguineous marriage which is still prevalent in some Muslim countries, will also be examined, and will elicit recent scientific research in order to understand some of social and cultural factors for this cultural practice.