Understanding the Islamic View on Abortion: A Guide for Muslims
Bismillah
It is important to begin with the reminder that no one’s authority takes precedence over Allah’s commands. If any person, whether it be a spouse, parent, or any loved one, asks you to act in a way that goes against Allah’s teachings, you must respectfully decline and remind them of what Allah and His Messenger have instructed.
In Islam, abortion is generally forbidden, whether it occurs in the early stages of pregnancy or later. However, the gravity of the sin varies depending on the stage of the pregnancy. The earlier the abortion, the lesser the sin, but as the pregnancy progresses, especially after 120 days (approximately four months), abortion becomes increasingly unlawful and is regarded as a form of murder. If abortion occurs after this point, compensation, known as diya, becomes mandatory, which is equivalent to the value of 213 grams of gold, given to the heirs who did not partake in the abortion.
Abortion is only permitted in very specific situations, such as when the mother’s life is at risk, and a medical report confirms that continuing the pregnancy would result in her death.
Islam allows the prevention of pregnancy for legitimate reasons but strictly prohibits terminating a pregnancy once it occurs. The consensus among Islamic scholars is clear: abortion is haram once the fetus is fully formed and possesses a soul. If a fetus is aborted alive and later dies, the person responsible for the abortion must pay diya (blood money). A lesser fine applies if the fetus is aborted dead. The only exception to this rule is when the mother’s life is in imminent danger, in which case abortion is allowed to save the greater of two lives.
Imam al-Ghazzali differentiates between contraception and abortion, stating that abortion is a crime against an existing being, whereas contraception only prevents the creation of a new life. The stages of pregnancy, from the initial union of sperm and egg to the fetus developing further, define how severe the sin is if abortion occurs. Once the fetus has acquired a soul, the crime of abortion is considered gravely serious.
Islamic Rulings on Abortion:
1. Abortion is impermissible unless there is a legitimate reason, and even then, it is bound by strict limits.
2. In the early stages of pregnancy (the first 40 days), abortion may be allowed if there is a valid reason to protect the mother or the health of the child. However, reasons such as financial hardship or the fear of raising a child are not sufficient to justify abortion.
3. If the pregnancy reaches the alaqah or mudghah stages (which are the second and third 40-day periods), abortion is only permissible if a trustworthy medical team confirms that continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother’s life.
4. After four months, abortion is not allowed except in extreme circumstances, when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the mother’s life. In such cases, the decision should be made by a group of reputable medical professionals.
From these rulings, we are reminded to fear Allah and refrain from the practice of abortion unless absolutely necessary, as it involves serious consequences both in this life and the Hereafter.
Abortion in Cases of Rape:
For women who have been raped, there are several important points to consider:
1. A woman who has been raped is not held accountable for any sin, as she was forced into the situation. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Except for those who are forced, while their hearts remain firm in faith” (Surah al-Nahl 16:106). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also reassured us that Allah forgives the mistakes, forgetfulness, and actions done under compulsion.
2. A woman who has endured such trauma will be rewarded for her patience if she seeks reward with Allah for the hardship she has faced.
3. The basic principle in Islam is that abortion is prohibited once conception has occurred. However, there are scholars who allow abortion within the first 40 days, particularly when there is a compelling reason, such as the psychological distress caused by rape.
4. Some scholars allow abortion during the first 40 days if the woman has a valid reason, such as the trauma of rape, which may cause her emotional harm. However, after this period, abortion is generally not permitted except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.
5. Although the emotional trauma of carrying a child conceived from rape can be overwhelming, there is no shame in a woman choosing to carry the pregnancy to term and give birth to the child, as every child is born with a natural disposition towards Islam (fitrah).
6. There is room for compassion and understanding in such difficult situations. The Muslim community is encouraged to support the woman, provide care for the child, and relieve the hardship she faces.
In conclusion, while abortion is generally forbidden in Islam, there are exceptional circumstances where it may be allowed, especially when the mother’s life is at risk. In cases of rape, the situation becomes even more complex, and scholars have made provisions for the mental and emotional well-being of the mother. However, all decisions should be made carefully, in accordance with Islamic principles, and with the guidance of knowledgeable scholars.
May Allah guide us all in making the right decisions and protect us from the harmful influences of society. Ameen.
