Maʾūdah (موءودة)
Definition
Maʾūdah (موءودة) signifies a female infant who was buried alive, a practice that existed in pre-Islamic Arabia. Derived from the Arabic root waʾad (وعد), which means “to bury alive,” the term specifically refers to the cruel and inhumane act of burying infant girls due to societal preferences for male offspring or fears of poverty and disgrace.
Etymology
- Arabic: موءودة (Maʾūdah)
- Root Word: وعد (Waʾad), meaning “to bury alive”
Historical Context
In the jahiliyyah (جاهلية), or ‘Age of Ignorance’ before the advent of Islam, the brutal custom of burying female infants was prevalent among some Arab tribes. Motivated by a combination of economic hardship, societal pressures, and a deep-seated preference for male children who were seen as future protectors and providers, this abhorrent act was common.
Qur’anic Prohibition
Islam vehemently condemned this practice through multiple Qur’anic verses, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the prohibition of infanticide:
- Surah Al-Isra (17:31) - “Kill not your children for fear of poverty: it is We who provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a great sin.”
- Surah An-Nahl (16:58-59) - “And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.”
- Surah At-Takwir (81:8-9) - “And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed.”
These verses reflect the Islamic emphasis on justice, egalitarianism, and the pro-life ethos, effectively abolishing the practice among Muslims.
Cultural Significance
The prohibition of burying female infants was part of the broader ethical and moral reforms brought by Islam. It underscores the religion’s emphasis on human dignity and the equal value of all lives, regardless of gender.
Further Reading
- “Children in the Qur’an and the Sunna: Islamic Perspectives on Social Responsibility” by Asma Barlas
- “Pre-Islamic Arabia: Societal Practices and Cultural Norms” by F.E. Peters
- “Gender and Islam in the Middle East: Patriarchy, Gender, and Social Order” edited by Suad Joseph and Afsaneh Najmabadi
Takeaways
- Maʾūdah epitomizes a dark custom of pre-Islamic Arabia, where female infants were buried alive due to various socio-economic factors.
- The term derives from waʾad, meaning “to bury alive.”
- The Qur’an explicitly condemns this practice, reflecting Islam’s commitment to the sanctity of life and gender equality.
- Abolishing the custom was part of the wider ethical reforms introduced by Islam.
Conclusion
The term Maʾūdah serves as a stark reminder of the transformative impact of Islamic teachings on pre-Islamic Arab society. Through its explicit condemnation in the Qur’an, Islam not only saved countless lives but also redefined societal values, promoting human dignity and the equal worth of every individual, irrespective of gender.
