I thank Dr M. Saadat for taking the time to carefully read this article (Akrami & Osati, J. biosoc. Sci.39, 313–316) and for making helpful comments. After studying his input, I believe he is in agreement with our conclusion that there is no encouragement of consanguineous marriage in the Islamic context. As he stated, it highlights the importance of the historical background of such practice in some parts of Iran. However, I believe this statement may not be applicable to the entire country. He is right with his second comment regarding Imam Ali and the Fatima family relationship.