Infanticide
Etymology
The term infanticide originates from the Latin words infantem meaning “infant” and caedere meaning “to kill.” In Arabic, the equivalent term is وأد البنات (wa’ad al-banāt), and in Turkish, it is çocuk öldürme.
Historical Context
Infanticide, particularly of female infants, was a common practice among some pre-Islamic Arabian tribes. This practice was driven by various socio-economic factors, including poverty, fear of dishonor, and a preference for male offspring who could protect and further the family’s lineage.
Qur’anic Prohibition
Islam dramatically transformed the cultural and legal perspectives on infanticide. The Quran explicitly condemns and prohibits this practice. One notable verse is:
<p>“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed” (Quran 81:8-9)</p>
By addressing this heinous act, the Quran elevated the status of women and embedded the protection of life as a fundamental principle in Islamic law.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Islamic law (Sharia) builds upon the Quranic prohibitions to protect the right to life. According to many Islamic jurists, the protection extends to the unborn child, particularly after the soul is believed to enter the fetus, traditionally around the end of the fourth month of pregnancy (120 days).
This theological understanding underscores the imperative in Islamic ethics and legal rulings to safeguard life from the earliest stages of existence.
Impact on Women’s Status
The prohibition of infanticide by Islam is often seen as a significant marker in the elevation of women’s status within the society. It highlighted the importance of female infants and prohibited their abduction and mistreatment, fostering a more humane and equitable social fabric.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam” by Fred M. Donner
- “The History of Teaching Abu al-Qasim Ibn Al-Mujaish” - Covers various aspects of pre-Islamic customs.
- “Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate” by Leila Ahmed
- “Infanticide: Comparative and Interdisciplinary Perspectives” - Provides broader historical contexts of the subject.
Key Takeaways
- Infanticide was a notable practice in some pre-Islamic Arabian tribes, particularly targeting female infants.
- The Quran explicitly prohibits infanticide, marking a significant ethical stance in Islam.
- Islamic law extends the right to life to the unborn child at the end of the fourth month of pregnancy.
- Prohibition of infanticide is an early indicator of the improvement of women’s status under Islam.
Conclusion
The Quranic prohibition of infanticide reflects Islam’s dedication to the sanctity of life and the transformative social ethics it sought to instill in the early Muslim community. This radical shift not only curbed a reprehensible practice but also helped lay the foundation for recognizing and protecting the rights and value of women in society.
This entry encapsulates the profound influence of Islamic teachings on reshaping societal norms and underscores the continuous importance of understanding these historical shifts in contemporary discussions about women’s rights and ethical principles in Islam.
