Cameron Miranda
The concept of marrying a sister-in-law after a brother's death is not unheard of. In some cultures, it is a common practice. For instance, in Islam, it is permissible to marry your sister-in-law after your wife's death as the prohibition is only on marrying two sisters simultaneously. In some parts of Nigeria, it is a common practice for a woman to marry her late husband's brother, especially if she has children. This type of marriage is called levirate marriage and is also practised among the Kurds, the Mambila of northern Cameroon, the Maragoli of western Kenya, and the Luo.
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What You'll Learn
Levirate marriage
In ancient times, if a man died without a child, it was common for the man's unmarried brother to marry the widow to provide an heir for the deceased. The first son produced in that union was considered the legal descendant of her dead husband. This practice can be seen as a way to protect the widow and her children, ensuring that they have a male provider and protector.
The practice of levirate marriage is mentioned in the Bible, in the story of Tamar and Onan in Genesis 38. Tamar had been married to Er, a son of Judah. When Er died, leaving Tamar childless, Judah instructed Onan, Er's brother, to "sleep with [his] brother's wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother". Onan was willing to sleep with Tamar but did not want to have a child with her, so he "spilled his semen on the ground". God called Onan's actions "wicked" and killed him. Another example of levirate marriage in the Bible is the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Today, levirate marriage has fallen out of favor and is considered an extinct practice, especially in modern Judaism. While it may have served to protect widows in ancient patriarchal societies, it is no longer seen as a necessary or acceptable practice in most parts of the world.
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Islam permits marrying sister-in-law
Islam generally permits marrying one's sister-in-law, except in cases where the individual is already married to their current wife's sister. In such cases, it is prohibited to marry the sister-in-law while still married to the wife.
Islam places great importance on maintaining kinship ties, and taking two sisters as co-wives simultaneously is forbidden. This is based on the belief that the feeling of love and sisterliness between sisters should be preserved, and becoming co-wives of the same husband could destroy this bond.
However, in certain circumstances, such as the death of one's wife, marrying the sister-in-law may be permissible. In the case of a widow, for example, it is not prohibited for her to marry her deceased husband's brother.
It is important to note that while Islam allows for polygamy, with a man being permitted to marry up to four wives, there are specific guidelines and restrictions on whom one can marry. For example, it is forbidden to marry one's mother, daughter, sister, aunt, or granddaughter, as these are considered close relatives.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that having an affair or inappropriate relationship with one's sister-in-law while still married is considered wrong and discouraged in Islam. Seeking professional help or counseling is advised in such situations.
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Sororate marriage
In sororate marriage, the "sister" may be a biological or adopted sibling of the first wife or a person who is socially classified as such. The practice often occurs alongside levirate marriage, where a widow marries her deceased husband's brother. These marriages are considered preferential secondary marriages, strengthening the alliance between the two families and preserving the contract to have children and continue the alliance.
While sororate marriage is typically rare and may be considered taboo, it provides an opportunity for a man to carry on his family name and gain emotional and physical support. An example of sororate marriage in the Hebrew Bible is the story of sisters Rachel and Leah, who both married Jacob, the forebear of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. However, the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:18) later prohibited such marriages during the lifetime of the first wife.
In terms of Christian views, perspectives on sororate marriage have varied over time and among denominations. The 1646 Westminster Confession initially prohibited marriages between siblings-in-law but was revised in 1887 by the Presbyterian Church in the United States to remove this restriction. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that the Levitical law permitted marriage with a deceased wife's sister.
Regarding the specific question of marrying your sister-in-law if your brother dies, it is important to note that the cultural and legal perspectives on this matter may vary. While sororate marriage provides a framework for such a union, the acceptance and legality of marrying your sister-in-law after the death of your brother may differ based on your cultural background and the laws of your jurisdiction.
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Marrying a deceased brother's wife
In these cultures, a widowed woman is expected to marry her deceased husband's brother, especially if she has young children or if she wants to preserve the family's inheritance of land. This type of marriage is meant to guarantee the well-being of the children and ensure that any inheritance remains within the family. In some cases, the widow is given a choice in the matter, while in other cases, it is considered tantamount to adultery for a widow to marry outside of her late husband's family.
In Islamic law, a man is prohibited from marrying two sisters simultaneously. Therefore, it is permissible to marry one's sister-in-law after the death of one's wife, as the prohibition no longer applies.
Levirate marriage has also been a plot element in various works of fiction, such as Shakespeare's Hamlet, the Tamil novel Arukattuthurai, and the television series Hell on Wheels.
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Hamlet's uncle married his sister-in-law
In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, the title character's uncle, Claudius, marries Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, thus making her his sister-in-law. This is because, before his death, Hamlet's father (King Hamlet) was married to Gertrude, and Hamlet's uncle was the brother of King Hamlet, making Gertrude his sister-in-law.
The play begins with Hamlet already upset about his father's death and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle. Hamlet is particularly disturbed by the incestuous nature of the relationship between his mother and uncle, which was considered inappropriate and required repeated explanations in the first act. The ghost of Hamlet's father confirms that Claudius murdered him to steal the throne of Denmark, and Hamlet is torn between seeking revenge and his sense of duty to his father.
Hamlet's anger towards his mother's incestuous relationship with his uncle is often interpreted as a betrayal, as Gertrude is 'siding' with Claudius. As an enemy, there is less of a sense of betrayal, and Hamlet's anger is fuelled by his feelings of abandonment and loss. The play explores the complex dynamics of family, power, and revenge, with Hamlet's uncle's marriage to his sister-in-law serving as a pivotal plot point that drives Hamlet's character development and motivations.
It is important to note that the social norms and cultural context of the time in which Shakespeare wrote Hamlet influenced the perception of incest and marriage practices. The norms and laws regarding marriage and incest have evolved since then, and modern interpretations of the play may differ from the original context in which it was written.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can marry your sister-in-law after your wife's death, as the prohibition is only against marrying two sisters simultaneously. This type of marriage, where a man marries his sister-in-law after his wife's death, is called a levirate marriage.
Levirate marriage is a custom in which a widow marries her deceased husband's brother. This form of marriage is practised to guarantee the well-being of children and ensure that any inheritance of land stays within the family.
Levirate marriages are common among the Kurds, especially in Kurdistan and Turkey. They are also practised by the Goula in the northern part of the Central African Republic, the Mambila of northern Cameroon, the Maragoli of western Kenya, the Luo, the Nandi, the Urhobo, the Dinka, the Nuer, and the Kirghiz.
Yes, levirate marriage is mentioned in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Hamlet's paternal uncle, Claudius, marries his mother and thereby becomes Hamlet's stepfather. It is also mentioned in the Tamil novel Arukattuthurai, where Aruldas marries his sister-in-law Samuthiravalli after his brother Samuel goes missing.
