Q: Must a potential spouse inform his potential partner that they have a mental illness? Many people are concealing this fault. Or if a person has serious chemical imbalances that affect mood and can make a person go into rage if meds not used. Jazakallah
A: Marriage is not something a person does for a day or two. Thus, honesty and transparency remain as one of the fundamental principles in marriage. Concealing a significant issue like mental illness before marriage is deception, Rasool (SAW) said: Whoever deceives us is not one of us.
Marriage is also a religious and sacred form of worship known as Nikah and both parties must enter it with full knowledge of matters that could significantly impact their lives together. Mental illness is not a reason to prevent marriage, but it is something that should be discussed so both spouses can make informed decisions and prepare for any challenges.
Islam also emphasizes compassion and understanding. If the illness is manageable and does not significantly affect the marriage, there is room for discretion. If the condition is severe and could impact the spouse’s rights and/or well-being, withholding such information could be considered deceitful. In either case, be it a severe illness or one that can be managed, it should be conveyed to the potential partner.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Please contact your local group of scholars for further insight on this matter.