In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

According to the Shariah, the soul enters the body 120 days (4 Months) from the day the woman conceived.

It is narrated by Sayyiduna Ibn-Masud (RA) that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said: “the seed of one of you remains in the womb of the mother for forty days in the form of a nutfah (sperm). Then it remains like a clot for another forty days ad then for a same number of days like a lump of flesh.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Allahmah Ibn Abideen Shami (RA) has said that the soul enters the foetus at 120 days. (Raddul Muhtar P.336 V.4)

To have an abortion after 120 days is strictly prohibited. The ruling will still remain the same even though the child might be born with some kind of disability or with some genetic diseases.

However, some jurists have given permission to abort the pregnancy where the mother’s life is in absolute danger. In this situation the mother’s life is given preference to that of the child.

To have an aborton prior to 120 days is also impermissible and haraam. However in certain extreme circumstances it would be permitted, such as the mothers life or health is in danger or the woman became pregnant due to rape etc…

In regards to your question if someone asks for advice in regards to abortion then you will be obliged to advise them on what I have written above. Similarly if it is someones job he should give the patient such an advice which is according to the teachings of Islam. He/She will not be allowed to give such advice in regards to abortion contrary to Islamic teachings.

Only Allah Knows Best.

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham