Is abortion halal or haram in Islam?

Killing someone is completely haram (prohibited) in Islam, whether through assassination or abortion. Abortion in Islam is generally prohibited according to Muslim scholars worldwide, but it is permitted in certain serious cases.

In Islam, scholars state that abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy puts the mother’s life at risk. This is the only situation where Islamic law allows abortion, even after 120 days.

Islam has four main sects named after their founders: Shafi, Hanafi, Hanbali, and Maliki. Each sect has different views on abortion, including when it is allowed and under what conditions.

Let’s dive into the article to explore whether abortion is haram in Islam and, if allowed, under what circumstances it is permissible.

Key Timeframes for Permissibility

Understanding the timeframes for abortion according to Islamic law is very important. It helps to know when abortion may or may not be permissible in Islam, as Islamic rulings on abortion depend on the stage of pregnancy.

Before 40 Days: Permitted with Conditions

According to the Hanafi, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools of thought, it is permissible to abort a pregnancy before 40 days. Ar-Ramli stated in Nihayat al-Muhtaj (8/443) that abortion is prohibited after the soul is breathed into the fetus, but it is permissible before that. So, the result here is that it is permitted to abort an embryo before 40 days. (and Allah knows better).

After 40 Days: Limited Exceptions

In the Hanafi and Shafi sects, many scholars believe that abortion is permitted until the end of 40 days if there is a justified reason. On the other hand, many Maliki and Hanbali schools state that abortion is acceptable at the request of both parents before 40 days, but this principle is not accepted after 40 days, even if there is a valid reason [37,38].

Both past and present Islamic scholars agree that abortion is strictly prohibited at any stage of pregnancy.

Ethical Considerations in Islamic Teachings

In Islam, life is considered extremely valuable and sacred, a gift from Allah that must be protected. Taking a life without a valid reason is strictly prohibited, as stated in the Holy Quran: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” (5:32). Therefore, if someone kills a person without justification, it is considered a sin, and they will be punished if Allah wills.

Sanctity of Life

In Islam, the protection of life is considered a high priority. As the Holy Quran states, “Whoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved the lives of all humanity. And whoever takes a life, it is as though they have taken the lives of all people.”

Most Islamic scholars believe that the fetus in the mother’s womb is considered a life in Islam and should be protected.

Childcare and Support

Abortion is strictly forbidden in Islam, and the Quran makes it clear that a fetus must not be aborted. If families fear how they will fulfill and support the child’s needs, they should trust Allah in this matter.

The Quran states that “Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; it is We who provide for them and for you. Indeed, killing them is a grievous sin” (17:32).

Exceptions in Islamic Jurisprudence

Islam is a pro-life religion, and its rulings become softer based on the circumstances. Protecting the mother’s life is considered more important in Islamic law than that of the fetus.

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Protection of the Mother’s Life

As Islam teaches us to give high priority to life, abortion in Islam is acceptable when the life of the mother is at risk, because it is considered the ‘lesser of two harms.’ Islamic jurisprudence guides choosing the least harmful option.

Abortion is considered the more justifiable option here because.

1. The mother is the source of the fetus.
2. The mother is a member of the family.
3. The mother carries duties and responsibilities.
4. If the mother were to die, the fetus would likely die as well.
5. The mother’s life is stable.

Differing Views Among Schools of Thought

There are two major sects in Islam: Shia and Sunni. They hold different perspectives, so let’s explore the differences between Sunni and Shia views on abortion.

Scholars from both sects generally agree that abortion is prohibited. According to Shia scholars, abortion is forbidden once the fertilized egg attaches to the womb. On the other hand, Sunni scholars have varied opinions on abortion, but they all agree that abortion after four months is completely prohibited.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

In Islam, abortion is not just a medical or personal issue; it also has spiritual and moral implications. Life is precious, and ending it without valid justification is considered a serious violation of Allah’s rules. Muslims believe they are responsible for every action they take, including the decision to have an abortion.

Islam’s rulings become more flexible according to the circumstances, as it allows abortion when the mother’s life is at risk. In such conditions, every step should be taken with prayer, caution, and under the guidance of an Islamic scholar.

Conclusion

In Islam, abortion is generally prohibited, with the exception when the mother’s life is at risk. The value of life is a core priority, and abortion is allowed in cases of necessity, considered the ‘lesser of two harms.’ While there are different opinions from scholars of various sects, the protection of life remains the first priority.

Decisions regarding abortion should be made with prayer, caution, and under the proper guidance of an Islamic scholar. Ultimately, Muslims should place their trust in Allah when making such difficult decisions.

And Allah knows better.

FAQs

Is abortion haram in the Quran?

Muslims believe that abortion is haram. However, many scholars accept that it is permitted in certain cases. Islamic law allows abortion if continuing the pregnancy would put the mother’s life at risk.