Abortion

Definition

Abortion refers to the medical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently outside the womb. Within Islamic ethics and moral philosophy, abortion is a deeply complex issue, often evaluated through religious texts, historical precedents, and the ethical considerations of life, autonomy, and maternal health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Islamic scholars differ on the permissibility of abortion, with some allowing it under specific circumstances such as maternal health risks or fetal abnormalities.
2. The Quran does not explicitly mention abortion, leading to varying interpretations among scholars based on Hadith and consensus among jurists.
3. The point at which the soul is believed to enter the body is a key factor in Islamic discussions about abortion, typically identified as occurring at 120 days into the pregnancy.
4. Different Islamic schools of thought have diverse rulings on abortion; for example, the Hanafi school may be more permissive compared to the Maliki school.
5. Ethical considerations in Islam emphasize the sanctity of life but also acknowledge the importance of maternal well-being and circumstances that may necessitate abortion.

Review Questions

• How do different Islamic schools of thought approach the issue of abortion, and what factors influence their rulings?
  • Different Islamic schools of thought vary in their approach to abortion due to interpretations of religious texts and differing emphases on ethical principles. For instance, the Hanafi school tends to be more lenient in permitting abortion compared to the Maliki school. Factors influencing their rulings include considerations of maternal health, fetal abnormalities, and the timing of pregnancy concerning when life is believed to begin.
• Discuss how Sharia influences ethical decision-making regarding abortion within Islamic communities.
  • Sharia significantly influences ethical decision-making about abortion by providing a framework derived from the Quran and Hadith that addresses moral questions related to life. Scholars interpret these texts to assess when abortion might be permissible, typically considering factors like maternal health risks or fetal conditions. This framework ensures that decisions are made within an ethical context that respects both the sanctity of life and the rights of women.
• Evaluate the impact of contemporary societal changes on Islamic views regarding abortion and how these views might evolve in response.
  • Contemporary societal changes, including advancements in medical technology, shifting cultural norms, and increasing awareness around women's rights, significantly impact Islamic views on abortion. As discussions around autonomy and maternal health gain prominence, there is potential for evolving interpretations within various Islamic communities. Scholars may increasingly consider these factors alongside traditional teachings, leading to more nuanced positions that reflect both ethical considerations and contemporary realities.

Related terms

Sharia:

Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, which provides guidelines for ethical and moral conduct, including issues surrounding life and abortion.

Fiqh: Islamic jurisprudence that interprets Sharia and addresses legal and ethical questions, including the permissibility and conditions of abortion.

Nafs: The Arabic term for 'self' or 'soul,' which is often considered in discussions about when life begins and the moral implications of abortion in Islamic thought.