In the past the word abortion usually meant to nonmedical persons the elective interruption of a pregnancy, whereas "miscarriage" indicated a spontaneous expulsion of the uterine contents. The term miscarriage is seldom used medically. Abortion is generally permitted within Islam unless it is to save the mother’s life.
- The later the abortion takes place the worse it is thought to be.
- Some Muslims believe that for the first four months of pregnancy the woman has greater rights than the foetus but that after this time they are equal.
- Before the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), unwanted female children were often buried alive in Arabia. Islam is opposed to abortion because the Qu’ran teaches:
“Kill not your offspring for fear of poverty, it is We who provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a great sin. (Surah 17:32)”
Islam teaches that children are a gift from Allah:
“He bestows children, male or female according to His will, or He bestows both males and females; and He leaves barren whom He wills. (Surah 42:49-50)”
EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia also called MERCY KILLING, act or practice of painlessly putting to death persons suffering from painful and incurable disease or incapacitating physical disorder. Because there is no specific provision for it in most legal systems, it is accounted either suicide (if performed by the patient himself) or murder (if performed by another). A physician may, however, lawfully decide not to prolong life where there is extreme suffering; and he may administer drugs to relieve pain, even though he knows that this may shorten the patient's life. In the late 20th century, several European countries had special provisions in their criminal codes for lenient sentencing and the consideration of extenuating circumstances in prosecutions for euthanasia. Islam is totally opposed to euthanasia and suicide. The Qu’ran says that Allah created all life and everything belongs to him:
“To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He pleases. (Surah 42:49)”
Life is sacred and people are forbidden to kill themselves:
“Destroy not yourselves. Surely Allah is ever merciful to you. (Surah 4:29)”
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said that people who committed suicide would go to hell.
If people are suffering badly they should ask Allah for help:
“O ye who believe, seek help with patient perseverance and Prayer; surely Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (Surah 4:29)”
“We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss of wealth and lives and the fruits of your work; but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who, when a misfortune overtakes them do not lose heart, but say: To Allah we belong and to Him is our return. (Surah 2:155-156)”
No one has the right to decide when he or she will die:
“When their time, arrives they cannot tarry for a single hour nor can they go ahead. (Surah 16:61)”
VIEWPOINTS
‘The decision to terminate a pregnancy is so important that it can only be made by the person most involved – the woman. Women must always have a choice and never have the decision forced upon them. Free abortion facilities should be available on the NHS for every woman who needs them. We believe that the right of women to control their own fertility is a fundamental human right. Women will only be able to take a full and equal part in society when we all decide ourselves whether and when to have children.’
(National Abortion Campaign)
‘Since human life begins at conception, i.e., fertilization, and since all human life should be equally protected by the law from conception to natural death, whether or not the human being concerned is wanted or handicapped, it follows that the destruction of unborn life is always wrong.’
(LIFE Campaigns)
‘Humanists regard abortion as better than bringing unwanted babies into the world. It is a mistake to say that Humanists are in favour of abortion; which, except in unforeseen circumstances, is the result of failed contraception. We think there will probably always be a certain number of unplanned pregnancies and that the mothers concerned should have the complete choice of either early abortion, or keeping the baby.’
(Humanist Dipper)
‘We have been created by Almighty God in his own image and likeness. No pregnancy is unplanned because no baby can be conceived unless Almighty God intends that conception and has willed that particular unique and completely individual new person into existence. What has actually happened in our society is that clever arguments have convinced those with no anchor of belief in God to cling to, merciless slaughter of unborn babies is morally justifiable, and even essential for the happiness of the individual and the good of society.’
(Catholic Truth Society)
‘The Anglican view on abortion is that although the foetus is to be specially respected and protected, nonetheless the life of the foetus is not absolutely sacrosanct if it endangers the life of its mother.’
(Church of England report, 1984)
‘Abortion should be available on request.’
(Humanists)
‘Abortion is a sin in all cases.’
(The Catholic Church)
‘Abortion in certain cases is acceptable.’
(The Protestant Church)
Having considered the many points of view, I still maintain that both abortion and euthanasia are unacceptable. My Islamic beliefs support that life is sacred and only God can bestow it or end it. My quotations from the Qu’ran provide ample evidence that in the Islamic views, abortion and euthanasia can never be countenanced.
