Muslim attitudes to abortion (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes
Muslim attitudes to abortion
Introduction
Islamic teachings about the sanctity of life significantly influence Muslim perspectives on abortion. However, Muslims are not united on this issue, with some holding traditional views whilst others may adopt more flexible approaches depending on circumstances.
It's important to recognise that Muslim communities are diverse, and individual believers may hold varying perspectives on abortion based on their interpretation of Islamic teachings, cultural background, and personal circumstances.
What is abortion?
Abortion refers to the intentional ending of a human pregnancy, which prevents the birth of a child. This medical procedure raises important ethical questions within Islamic teaching, particularly regarding when life begins and the circumstances under which it might be permitted.
The sanctity of life in Islam
Muslims hold differing views on abortion, meaning some traditional teachings may not apply universally across all Muslim communities. The central principle that influences these debates is the sanctity of human life.
Many Muslims maintain traditional beliefs that life is sacred because it was created by Allah and should never be threatened or destroyed. This view emphasises that human life has inherent value and dignity that must be protected.
However, some Muslims recognise that in certain situations, allowing abortion might represent choosing the 'lesser of two evils' when both the mother and child face serious risks. Some worry that completely prohibiting abortion could lead to a 'slippery slope' towards other practices like infanticide, which are clearly forbidden in Islam.
The concept of choosing the 'lesser of two evils' is a significant principle in Islamic jurisprudence, allowing for difficult decisions when multiple Islamic values may appear to conflict with one another.
Responding to non-religious arguments
Muslims encounter various secular arguments about abortion and often respond by drawing on Islamic principles and teachings.
Personal choice argument
Some non-religious people argue that abortion is a personal decision that should be left to the woman to decide what is best for her situation.
Muslims typically respond by emphasising that all life is created by Allah, making Him the ultimate authority over when life should begin or end. From this perspective, the decision about life and death cannot be purely personal but must consider divine will and Islamic guidance.
This perspective reflects the Islamic belief in divine sovereignty, where major life decisions are viewed through the lens of religious obligation and divine will rather than purely individual autonomy.
Parental readiness argument
Others suggest that some parents may not be ready to have a child or may be unable to provide proper care.
Islamic teaching addresses this through the Qur'anic verse: "And do not kill your children for fear of poverty" (Quran 17:32). This passage recognises the sanctity of human life and suggests that concerns about providing for children should not lead to ending their lives.
Foetus as human life argument
Some argue that the foetus represents human life from conception and that abortion is therefore always morally wrong.
Muslims who hold traditional views often agree with this position, but they may also consider exceptional circumstances. For example, an unplanned pregnancy resulting from adultery might be viewed differently, though this remains a complex ethical issue within Islamic jurisprudence.
Situational ethics argument
Some people believe that individual circumstances should be carefully considered when making decisions about abortion, taking into account what might produce the best outcome for all involved.
Certain Muslims accept that abortion may be permissible when the mother's life is at serious risk, or in cases of rape. This approach recognises that protecting the mother's life can sometimes take precedence, as it upholds the sanctity of existing life.
The concept of ensoulment
A crucial concept in Islamic discussions about abortion is ensoulment, which refers to when the soul enters the developing body. According to a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari:
"Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, '(as regards your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for another forty days, and then a piece of flesh for forty days. Then Allah sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into his body.'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari 55:549)
This teaching suggests that ensoulment occurs 120 days (approximately four months) after conception. Some Muslims interpret this to mean that abortion before ensoulment might be more acceptable than after this point, when the soul has entered the body. Under certain circumstances, such as serious threats to the mother's health, some Islamic scholars might permit abortion before ensoulment whilst maintaining the principle of preserving life.
The 120-day ensoulment teaching is central to many Islamic discussions about abortion timing. However, even before ensoulment, the developing life is generally considered to deserve protection, and abortion should only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
However, even before ensoulment, many Muslims emphasise that the developing life deserves protection and that abortion should only be considered in exceptional circumstances where other Islamic principles, such as preserving the mother's life, take precedence.
Key Points to Remember:
- Sanctity of life: Muslims believe life is sacred because it is created by Allah, making it the central principle in abortion debates
- Divided opinions: Muslims hold varying views on abortion, with some taking traditional stances whilst others allow for more flexibility in difficult circumstances
- Ensoulment at 120 days: Islamic teaching suggests the soul enters the body 120 days after conception, influencing when abortion might be more or less acceptable
- Qur'anic guidance: The Qur'an teaches "do not kill your children for fear of poverty," emphasising protection of life even in difficult circumstances
- Exceptional circumstances: Some Muslims may accept abortion when the mother's life is seriously threatened, applying the principle of choosing the lesser of two evils