Is Abortion Haram In Islam? (Complete Guide)
Do you or someone you know think about getting an abortion? Or have you had an abortion before? You may be wondering if abortion is haram or permissible under Islamic law.
Nowadays, abortion is one of the most debated topics in modern society. There are very different opinions on the matter, depending on which faith or ideology is being discussed.
Besides all this controversy, for Muslims, the most important thing is to know the opinion of Islam on abortion.
In this blog post, we’ll answer is abortion haram in Islam with proof and discuss the Islamic perspective on abortion. So after reading this article, you’ll better understand the Islamic view on abortion and even can guide others.
Is Abortion Haram In Islam?
Abortion is haram in Islam according to the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sharia law. The Qur’an states that life begins at conception, so aborting a fetus is a serious offense.
The Hadith states that aborting a fetus is considered killing and punishable by Allah. Sharia law also considers abortion haram and that it should not be done.
However, in certain conditions, such as if the pregnancy puts the mother’s life in danger or the baby has died in the womb, abortion is allowed in Islam with the consent of both parents.
Otherwise, any other reason, like you don’t want more kids, you want a boy, not a girl, or the baby is not physically or mentally fit, are not valid reasons to do an abortion, and it’s considered haram in Islam.
Why Is Abortion Haram In Islam?
Abortion is haram in Islam because it goes against the Islamic principle of preserving and protecting human life. Also, if women get pregnant, it’s Allah’s will, and it is not right to go against His will.
Furthermore, abortion can cause physical and psychological damage in many cases. Abortion is also considered murder according to Islamic teachings.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches that Allah places a soul (Ruh) in the fetus after four months (120 days) of being pregnant. So, aborting a fetus which is 120 days old or more is considered murder which is haram in Islam.
Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that abortion without a valid reason remains haram (forbidden) before or after 120 days of pregnancy.
Lastly, in Quran, Allah says that killing a soul is like killing all mankind, so it is important to remember this every time you think about abortion.
Note that Quran has no direct verse on abortion, but it mentions the sanctity of life and punishment for killing, which indicates that it is haram in Islam.
Whereas the Prophet has spoken in numerous Hadiths on the importance of preserving life and prohibiting abortion. So there is no doubt that abortion is haram in Islam.
When Abortion Is Allowed In Islam?
So far, we have seen that abortion is haram in Islam. However, there are some exceptions when abortion is allowed according to Islamic teachings.
These exceptions are:
When the pregnancy puts the mother’s life in danger: Sometimes, medical complications make the pregnancy dangerous for the mother. In such a case, an abortion can be done with the permission of both parents to save the mother’s life. However, before doing this, make sure to consult with multiple doctors for a second opinion.
When the baby has died in the womb: If a baby dies in the womb and there is no heartbeat or other sign of life, abortion is allowed.
In cases of rape or incest: If a woman has been raped or forced into an incestuous relationship, then abortion can be done in the early stages of pregnancy before 4 months.
Note: Nowadays, people also do belly button piercing as a fashion or trend but being a Muslim, you also think you should read here is belly piercing haram.
Things To Do If Abortion Is Necessary
If abortion is necessary for any of the above reasons, it’s important to first consult with a doctor and follow the medical advice.
It’s important to remember that abortion is not a trivial decision and must be done under the guidance of an expert.
According to Islamic laws, if the baby was four months or older in the mother’s womb at the time of abortion, then a “Kafan” (burial shroud) must be provided, and the baby should do a “Ghusl-e-Mayyit” (As we do for every dead body).
This is because, in Islamic teachings, the baby’s soul is already present in the fetus after four months and should be honored.
What To Do If Abortion Is Done Without Any Legit Reason?
If abortion is done without a valid reason, it is haram according to Islamic teachings. Such as, some people do abortions to avoid having more kids, or they want a boy, not a girl, or the baby is not physically or mentally fit.
In such cases, the person will be answerable to Allah and can get punished in the afterlife.
However, it’s important to remember that Allah is also merciful and forgiving. So, if you have done an abortion without any valid reason, then seek forgiveness from Allah and make sure not to repeat it again.
Also, make sure to do “DIyah” (financial compensation) for the baby in such cases. Diyah is a way of seeking forgiveness from Allah by compensating for the loss.
For every situation, a specific amount should be paid as Diyah. Hence, you can consult with your local religious scholars to find out the exact amount.
Q. Is It Haram To Have An Abortion?
Yes, abortion is generally haram in Islam, except in certain circumstances, such as when the mother’s life is at risk or when a fetus is not viable. In such cases, an abortion can be done with both parent’s permission and under a medical expert’s guidance.
Tips To Avoid Abortion Thoughts
So far, you’ve learned it is haram to get an abortion in Islam. But for any reason, if you’re getting thoughts of abortion, here are some tips to help you avoid it.
1) Make sure to seek help: If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed due to the pregnancy, then reach out for support and advice. Talk to your family, friends, and medical experts to get your needed help.
2) Donate for a good cause: Consider donating money to a good cause, like helping the poor and needy. This will help you to divert your attention away from abortion thoughts and give you a sense of satisfaction.
3) Pray to Allah: Most important of all is to pray to Allah for his guidance and mercy. Make sure to make lots of Dua (supplication) for Allah’s help and for the strength to deal with the situation.
4) Take care of your health: During this time, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure to get regular check-ups done and follow medical advice.
5) Read about the benefit of having kids: Read about the benefit of having kids and how it will be a blessing for you and your family. This can help you to focus more on the positive side of things and divert your mind away from abortion.
Follow these tips, and InshaAllah, you will be able to gain strength and courage to deal with the situation.
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Conclusion
This article has explored the Islamic view on abortion and under which circumstances it is allowed or prohibited.
We have concluded that abortion is haram (forbidden) in Islam unless it is done for a valid reason, such as to save the mother’s life or a child who has already died in the womb. In such cases, it should be done with proper advice from an expert and under the guidance of Islam teachings.
We hope you get answered on is abortion haram in Islam. Thank you for reading.
May Allah guide us to the right path and put mercy in our hearts! Amen.
