Abstract
The present study intends to examine the social and religious (Islamic) connotations along with people’s perceptions and practices in an eastern society like Pakistan. The main emphasis will be laid on the association of prevalence of consanguinity with the instances of various degrees of visual impairments including complete blindness, partially impaired vision and colour blindness. This paper discuses two main contexts in which many of the major vital decisions are taken, these are social and religious (Islamic). For the study purpose, 110 respondents were interviewed who were students of Government College University Lahore and have been suffering from various forms of visual impairments (complete blindness, partially impaired and colour blindness). There were 99 males and 11 females among the respondents who were interviewed. Interview schedule was developed which comprised of questions designed to assess the relationship between consanguineous marriages and forms of visual impairment. The findings of this research suggest that marriage preferences have strong social and cultural backing that influences major life aspects of individuals. Our analysis of Islamic teachings reveals that there is no religious binding which promotes consanguinity rather people are encouraged to marry outside their kin so they may have healthier off springs. Awareness campaigns and policy making could be the pertinent steps towards the prevention.