Aborting a child

Question:-

A lady had terminated her pregnancy at 12 weeks some time back. She regrets her action and has repented. What other action can she do to recompense the heinous sin that she had committed?

Answer:-

There is no other compensation for the error committed, except Taubah and Istighfaar. If she is sincere in her repentance, then there is hope that she will be forgiven through the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Undoubtedly, one should regret for the error, but it should not lead to despondency. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif:

وَلاَ تَيْأَسُواْ مِن رَّوْحِ اللّهِ إِنَّهُ لاَ يَيْأَسُ مِن رَّوْحِ اللّهِ إِلاَّ الْقَوْمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

And do not become despondent of Allah’s mercy. Indeed only the nation that commits Kufr grows despondent of Allah’s mercy. [Surah Yusuf, Verse 87]

Yet another verse states:

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

 Say, “O My bondsmen who have wronged their souls (by committing kufr or other sins) ! Never lose hope of Allaah’s mercy (so do not abstain from seeking forgiveness thinking that you will not be forgiven). Verily, Allaah forgives all sins (that are free of kufr and Shirk). Undoubtedly, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” [Surah Zumar, Verse 53]

These verses clearly indicate that a believer should never become despondent of the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. It is recorded in Bukhari Sharif, that a person who killed 100 people was forgiven when he turned in repentance to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala revealed verses upon verses so that Wahshi Radiallahu Anhu could repent and accept Islam, in spite of him causing unlimited pain to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam by killing Hadrat Hamzah Radiallahu Anhu. Similarly, Allah Ta’ala forgave the error of Adam Alaihis Salaam when he had eaten from the forbidden fruit in Jannah. There are unlimited examples of servants turning in Taubah to Allah Ta’ala and their repentance being accepted. In conclusion, the sister should turn in repentance to Allah Ta’ala with sincerity and there is great hope that, she too, will be forgiven. She should then move on and continue with her Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala, as we have been created to worship Allah and recognize Him, and not to remember our sins. May Allah Ta’ala pardon our sins and make us amongst His beloved servants.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 19 Shabaan 1444 / 12 March 2023