Definition and Historical Context
Female infanticide refers to the deliberate killing of newborn female children. This practice was prevalent among various ancient civilizations, including the pre-Islamic Arabian society, where female infants were often seen as a burden due to social and economic reasons.
Condemnation of Female Infanticide in Islam
The Islamic prophet Muḥammad strongly condemned the practice of female infanticide, marking a significant ethical shift in Arabian society of the time. The Qur’an explicitly criticizes and prohibits this act, reinforcing the sanctity of all human life, irrespective of gender.
Qur’anic Perspective
The Quran addresses female infanticide explicitly, underscoring its prohibition and outlining the moral repercussions of such actions. Here are key verses addressing this issue:
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Sūrah An-Naḥl (16:58-59):
<p>“For when the birth of a daughter is announced to any one of them, dark shadows settle on his face, and he is sad. He hideth himself from the people because of the bad news: shall he keep it with disgrace or bury it in the dust? Are not their judgments wrong.”</p>
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Sūrah Al-Isrā (17:31):
<p>“Kill not your children for fear of want: for them and for you will We (God) provide. Indeed, killing them is a great sin.”</p>
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Sūrah At-Takwīr (81:8-9):
<p>“…And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, For what sin she was killed.”</p>
Etymology
- Arabic: وَأْدُ الجاهلية الأنثوي (Waʾdu al-Jāhiliyyati al-Unthawe)
- Turkish: Kız çocuklarının canlı gömülmesi
Books for Further Studies
- “The Islamic Context of The Underlying Causes of the Practice of Female Infanticide” by Abdal Hakim Murad.
- “The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam” by Muhammad Iqbal - For insights into ethical revitalization in early Islamic culture.
- “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by Gai Eaton - Discusses broader ethical teachings of Islam.
Key Takeaways
- Female infanticide was a grievous social issue in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Islam brought a significant ethical reformation by condemning and prohibiting this practice.
- The Qur’an contains several verses that speak directly against the killing of children, emphasizing the value and sanctity of life.
Conclusion
The prohibition of female infanticide is a profound example of Islam’s ethical teachings and social reforms. The Qur’anic condemnations not only highlight the value of female lives but also call for justice and humanity, marking an evolutionary shift towards ethical monotheism in 7th century Arabia. This aspect of Islam underscores its commitment to human rights and equality from its very inception.
