Key Messages on Health and Reproductive Rights from an Islamic Perspective (1) Islam advocates the protection of Allah, the Almighty, says: “And do not one’s body and mind throughout all throw [yourselves] with your [own] stages of life, without casting hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the oneself into ruin/destruction. doers of good.�1 (2) Allah, the Almighty, has created Allah, the Almighty, says: “And I did not mankind and entrusted them with create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me; I do not want from them a glorious overriding mission, any provision, nor do I want them to based on worshipping Allah alone feed Me; Indeed, it is Allah who is the without associating [continual] Provider, the firm possessor anyone/anything with Him, and on of strength.�2 promoting growth and prosperity Allah, the Almighty, says: “...He has on earth. produced you from the earth and settled you in it�3 (3) Islam advocates the importance of The Prophet (PBUH) said: enhancing reproductive health “Make a (good) choice for your seed; upon marriage by choosing the for what is bred in the bone will come right partner, and avoiding bad out in the flesh.�4 choices. “Beware of the verdure growing in manure. When asked what verdure growing in manure was, He replied: It is the beautiful woman that comes from an evil environment.�5 He (PBUH) also said: “When someone whose religion and character you are pleased with comes to you then marry (her to) him. If you do not do so, then there will be turmoil (Fitnah) in the land and discord (Fasad).�6 1 Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse 195 2 Surah Addh-Dhariyat – Verses (56-58) 3 Surah Hud – Verse (61) 4 Narrated by Ibn Majah, in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Nikah (The Book of Marriage) – 1/633, Hadith 1968, verified by Muhammed Fouad Abd AlBaqi 5 Reported by Al-Qad'aei in Musnad Al-Shihab, Chapter: Beware of the verdure – 2/96, Hadith 957, Al-Resala Institution Publishing House 6 Reported by Al Termezi in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Nikah (The Book of Marriage) – 3/386, Hadith 1085 (4) Islam calls upon husbands and Allah, the Almighty, says: “It is He who wives to establish their marriage created you from one soul and created relationship on affection, warmth from it its mate that he might dwell in and mercy, which could be security with her...�7 achieved by equal mental, social, Allah, the Almighty, also says: “And of physical and intellectual well- His signs is that He created for you from being. yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for people who give thought�8 (5) Islam seeks to achieve The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Be merciful reproductive health, based on the to those on earth and the One in the rights granted to the individual heavens will have mercy upon you.�9 when he/she is still a fetus, until coming to life via a safe and And He also said: “Indeed among the healthy birth, by promoting the believers with the most complete faith maternal physical, psychological is the one who is the best in conduct, and health well-being during and the most kind to his family"�10 pregnancy. (6) Islam calls for providing good The Prophet (PBUH) said: “If anyone maternal and child care and relieves a Muslim believer from one of support during labour, particularly the hardships of this worldly life, Allah because it is a very exhausting and will relieve him of one of the hardships painful experience. This could be of the Day of Resurrection... Allah helps achieved by providing full His worshipper as long as that healthcare support to make it worshipper helps his brother.�11 easier and less painful. (7) Islam calls for maternal and child Allah, the Almighty, says: “The mothers care during breastfeeding to help shall give suck to their children for two 7 Surah Al-A’araf – Verse (189) 8 Surah Ar-Rum –Verse (21) 9 Reported by Abou Dawoud, Kitab Al-Adab “The Book of Mercy�, 4/287, Hadith 4941, narrated by Abdullah Bin Amr 10 Reported by Al Termezi in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Iman (The Book of Faith) – 5/9, Hadith 2612 – Abou Eissa said that this is an authentic good Hadith. 11 Reported by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book pertaining to the remembrance of Allah, supplication, repentance, and seeking forgiveness, 4/2074, Hadith 2699 infants grow and develop properly whole years, (that is) for those (parents) and enjoy a good healthy life void who desire to complete the term of of harms and diseases. suckling, but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear. Neither mother, nor father shall be treated unfairly on account of her/his child�12 (8) Islam promotes gender equality The Prophet (PBUH) said: between children, be them males “Fear Allah and do justice among your or females. children (by not preferring one over the other).�13 He (PBUH) also said: “If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, nor hold her in contempt, nor prefer his male child to her, Allah will bring him into Paradise.�14 (9) Islam warns against prejudicing The Prophet (PBUH) said: “It is sufficient the proper care of children, be sin for a man that he neglects those who them males or females. are dependent on him.�15 12 Surah Al-Baqara – Verse (233) 13 Reported by Muslim in his Sahih, Kitab Al-Hibat (Book on Gifts), Hatred and preferring some children over others in the Gifts, 3/1242 - 1243 14 Reported by Abou Dawoud, Kitab Al-Adab “The Book of Good Manners and Discipline�, 4/339 -340, Hadith 5146, and also reported by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, 1/223 15 Reported by Abou Dawoud, Kitab Al-Zakat “The Book of Alms�, 2/136, Hadith 1692, and reported by Al -Hakim, Kitab Al-Zakat “The Book of Alms�, 1/575-576, 1515. Dar Al-Kotob Publishing House. Key Messages on Safe Motherhood in Islam (1) Islamic tenets and teachings have Allah, the Almighty, says: “And your Lord unmistakably emphasized parents’ has decreed that you not worship except rights; frequently reiterated that Him, and to parents, good treatment. those rights should be closely Whether one or both of them reach old observed and respected by the age [while] with you, say not to them [so children; associated parents’ much as], "uff," and do not repel them benevolence with Allah’s worship, but speak to them a noble word. And and warned against the minimal lower to them the wing of humility out of form of parents’ maltreatment. mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small. Your Lord is most knowing of what is within yourselves. If you should be righteous [in intention] - then indeed He is ever, to the often returning [to Him], Forgiving."16 (2) Islam has glorified mother’s right to “Abu Huraira reported that a person benevolence and good came to Allah's Messenger (PBUH) and companionship, in appreciation and asked: Who among the people is the recognition of her role and most worthy of my good dedication. Hence, mothers are companionship? He said: Your mother. bestowed with benevolence three He again said: Then who (is the next times more than fathers because of one)? He said: Again it is your mother all the hardships they experience, as (who deserves the best treatment from of pregnancy, labour and you). He said: Then who (is the next breastfeeding. one)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Again, it is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Then it is your father.� 17 16 Surah Al-Isra’ – Verses 23-25 17 Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, “Kitab Al-Adab� (Book of Good Manners and Discipline), 4/73, Hadith 5971, and was reported by Muslim in his Sahih, “kitab Al -Ber� (Book of Benevolence), 4/1974, Hadith 2548. (3) Islam has honored mothers, to the A young man came to the Prophet extent that the Prophet (PBUH) said (PBUH) one day to ask for a permission that paradise is at the feet of to go out for Jihad. So The Prophet mothers. It has even given (PBUH) asked him: Do you have a benevolence to mothers a higher mother? He answered: yes. So, He priority than Jihad. (PBUH) said: then, stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet. (4) Islam has prohibited being The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has disrespectful and wicked to parents, made it prohibited for you to be particularly mothers. Islam has also disrespectful (showing undutiful prohibited causing one’s parents to behavior) to your mothers, to bury your be cursed because of him/her. daughters alive, to refuse others (their dues), and to demand things from others (which are not worth demanding), and He hates that you engage in gossip, asking many questions about people’s affairs and wasting wealth.�18 "It is one of the gravest sins to curse one's own parents." Then, He was asked by the people: "O Messenger of Allah, can a man curse his own parents?" Messenger of Allah (BPUH) said, "He curses the father of somebody who, in return, curses the former's father; he then curses the mother of somebody who, in return, curses his mother".19 18 Same previous reference 19 By Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, “Kitab Al-Adab� (The Book of Good Manners and Discipline), Chapter: Disobeying Parents is a Major Sin (Kabeera) – 5/2228, Hadith 5628 (5) Validating the mothers’ right, the Allah, the Almighty, says: “And We have Quran has talked in detail about enjoined upon man, to his parents, good motherhood, which starts with treatment. His mother carried him with gestation, then labour and lactation, hardship and gave birth to him with while highlighting all the hardships hardship�20 and sufferings mothers go through in every stage. Hence, mothers definitely have to be appreciated. (6) Islam has shown concern about Mu'adha said: mothers from different aspects. For I asked 'A'isha: What is the reason that a example, in consideration of the menstruating woman makes up the days health status of mothers, it’s (that she didn’t fast during her monthly permissible for pregnant and course), whereas she does not make up nursing mothers not to perform the the prayers? She said: this used to happen obligatory fasting during the month to us and we were commanded to make of Ramadan. Besides, women are up the days we did not fast but were not instructed not to fast during commanded to make up prayers. menstrual cycle and postpartum (Narrated by al-Jama'ah) bleeding (nifaas). (7) Islam has honored the mother The Prophet (BPUH) said: A woman whose husband dies and she whose cheeks have become black and I devotes herself to raising her shall on the Day of Resurrection be like orphan children, by being with the these two (pointing to the middle and Prophet in the Paradise. forefinger), i.e. a woman of rank and beauty whose husband’s death left her bereft, but devotes herself to raising her children till they go their way in life or die.21 (8) Islam has instructed that mothers Allah, the Almighty, says: “And for one's are entitled to inheritance, and parents, to each one of them is a sixth of should never be denied that right. his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any 20 Surah Al-Ahqaf – Part of Verse (15) 21 Reported by Abou Dawoud in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Adab (The Book of Good Manners and Discipline) – Chapter on the virtues and merits of those who take care of orphans – 4/340, Hadith 5149; and reported by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, 6/29 bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.�22 (9) Islam has established that a mother “O Messenger of Allah, this is my son. should be entitled the custody of My womb was a vessel for him, my her children during their early breasts were a source of drink for him, childhood years, unless she gets my lap was a place for him to curl up. married to a man other than their Now, his father has divorced me, and father. he wishes to take him from me.� So, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “You have a greater right to him, so long as you do not re-marry another.23 22 Surah An-Nisa’ – Part of Verse (11) 23 Reported by Abou Dawoud in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Talaq “The Book of Divorce – Chapter: Child’s custody, 2/292, Hadith 2276, on the authority of Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-‘As Key Messages on Gender-Based Violence at Educational Institutions Allah, the Almighty, says: “...and do (1) No one may harm another, a right that not transgress. Indeed, Allah does is equally applicable for both males and not like transgressors.�24 females. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Verily your blood, your property and your honor are as sacred and inviolable as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this town of yours.�25 Allah, the Almighty, says: “Tell the (2) Islam has prohibited and outlawed believing men to lower their gaze any form of violation against females, and to be mindful of their chastity: by means of inappropriate touching, this will be most conducive to their purity – [and,] verily, God is aware making inappropriate offensive of all that they do. And tell the statements, spreading rumors, or believing women to lower their gaze, be mindful of their chastity, keeping staring at woman in a and to guard their private parts manner that harms them. and not display their charms except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.�26 (3) Male students and professors are not The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Not a allowed to make any verbal abuse word does he utter but there is a against female students, instructors sentinel by him, ready (to note and workers. it).�27 24 Surah Al-Ma’idah – Part of verse (87). 25 Musnad Emam Ahmad bin Hanbal, (306.86 :4 .485.313 : 3), and reported by Al-Beiheqi in “Al-Sunnan al- Kubra� (274.8 :5 .215 :3) 26 Surah An-Nour – Verse (30), and part of (31) 27 Surah Qa’f – Verse (18) The Prophet (PBUH) also said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands Muslims are safe�28 Allah, the Almighty, says: “Be just; (4) Females and males should all be that is nearer to righteousness�29 treated equally and impartially at different educational institutions. 28 By Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih 1:9.8:127 – Al-Nesa’ai Sunnan, 8/105 29 Surah Al-Ma’aida – Part of verse (8) Key Messages on the Promotion of Gender Equality in Islam Allah, the Almighty, says “And their (1) Islam has viewed and treated Lord responded to them, "Never males and females on equal will I allow to be lost the work of footing, without any kind of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one discrimination and/or another.�30 favoritism. And He also says: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer - We will surely cause him/her to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.�31 Allah, the Almighty, says: “The (2) Males and females are treated believing men and believing equally in Islam in the field of women are allies of one another. social work. Hence, Islam has They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish opened the door for both of prayer and give zakat and obey them to serve the community Allah and His Messenger. Those - where they live. Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.�32 (3) Islam has treated males and The Prophet (PBUH) says: “Seeking females on equal footing knowledge is a duty upon every concerning the right to learning Muslim.� (The word “Muslim� and proper upbringing. Seeking 30 Surah Ali Imran – Part of Verse (195) 31 Surah An-Nahl – Verse (97) 32 Surah Al-Tawba – Verse (71) knowledge is even considered a extends to both males and religious duty that should be females).33 conducted by both males and And He (PBUH) also said: “Whoever females. has three daughters to whom he provides accommodation, supplies with sustenance and shows mercy, Paradise is certainly guaranteed for him.� A man asked, “And (for) two, O Messenger of Allah?�He (PBUH) replied: “And also (for the one who has) two (daughters).�34 33 Reported by Ibn Majah in his Sunnan, Kitab Al- Muqaddimah – Chapter on: The merits of scholars and promotion of knowledge seeking, 1/81, Hadith 224, about Anas bin Malek – may Allah be pleased with him. 34 Narrated by Ibn Majah, in Kitab Al-Adab “The Book of Good Manners and Discipline�, Chapter: Benevolence towards parents and daughters (3660), and by Imam Ahmad (2105) Key Messages on Child’s Right to Education and Acquisition of Skills (1)The Holy Quran has repeatedly Allah, the Almighty, says: indicated the important value and “Say, "Are those who know equal to those high position of knowledge and who do not know? Only they will remember science, as well as the noble status [who are] people of understanding.�35 of scholars and scientists, both in this world and in the Hereafter. “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do�36 “Only those fear Allah, from among His worshippers, are those who have knowledge�37 “...and say, "My Lord, increase me in knowledge�38 35 Surah Az-Zumar – Verse (9) 36 Surah Al-Mujadilah – Verse (11) 37 Surah Fater – Verse (28) 38 Surah Taha – Part of Verse (114) (2) Islam encourages and promotes In this regard, the Prophet (PBUH) said: education. Highlighting the “The scholar and the seeker of knowledge will importance and value of knowledge, share the reward, and there is no good in the Islam has considered it a religious rest of the people.�39 duty that should be sought by all Muslims, be them males or females, “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the especially beneficial knowledge. knowledge which is not beneficial�40 “Knowledge is by learning�41 “Make things easy and do not make them difficult, cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings to them and do not repulse (them)�42 (3) Enhancing children’s intellectual “It was narrated that the Prophet prostrated and cognitive capacities during early during his prayer, and made the prostration childhood, by means of getting them lengthy. So, when He finished praying, the involved in individual or team sports people said: "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), you – whether with the family or under prostrated during the prayer for so long that their supervision – is regarded as a we thought that something had happened or genuine right for children. that you were receiving a revelation. He said: No such thing happened. But my son was riding on my back and I did not like to disturb him until he had enough.�43 39 Reported by Al-Dareby, in his Sunnan, Introduction Book, Chapter on Knowledge, 1/90, Hadith 246, on the authority of Abi Al-Darda’ 40 Reported by Muslim in his Sahih, Book pertaining to the remembrance of Allah, supplication, repentance, and seeking forgiveness, 4/2088, Hadith 2722 41 Reported by Al-Bukhari, “kitab Al-Elm� (Book on Knowledge), Chapter: The Knowledge, 1/62, and reported by Al-Khateeb, 5/201 42 Reported by Emam Ahmad in his Musnad, 1/283, 365 on the authority of Ibn Abbas, and reported by Al-Bukhari, 245/1320 43 Reported by Al-Nesa’ai, Kitab Al-Tatbeeq, 2/229-230, as narrated by Shad’ad bin Ares. Dar Al-Hadith Publishing House, Cairo (4) At school, children should be Addressing Aisha (May Allah be pleased with treated with kindness and her) , the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whenever forbearance, keeping them away forbearance is added to something, it adorns it; from any violence and/or physical and whenever it is withdrawn from anything, it or emotional abuse. leaves it defective�44 (5) Improving the quality of education Muslim Caliphs and rulers had frequently guided is mainly based on the efforts teachers towards that end. For example, Omar exerted towards enhancing the bin Ottba addressed his teacher’s son saying: teachers’ performance level and “Your first step towards disciplining my own skills to be well informed and aware son is to first discipline yourself because his of what they should be teaching to eyes will be on you all the time. They will regard young generations and how they what you will be doing as good deeds, and can be a role model that students what you will not be doing as bad deeds. � love and revere in the same time. 44 Reported by Muslim in his Sahih, “Kitab Al-Ber� (Book on Benevolence) – Chapter on Forbearance, 4/2004, Hadith 2594, on the authority of Aisha – may Allah be pleased with her. Verified by Mohammed Fouad Abd Al- Baqi. (6)The Prophet (PBUH) has advocated The Prophet (PBUH) said: and promoted the importance of “Seeking knowledge is the duty of each male gender equality in education. and female Muslim�45 “Whoever has three daughters or three sisters to whom he provides accommodation, sustenance and shows mercy, Paradise is certainly guaranteed for him.� A man asked, “And (for) two, O Messenger of Allah?�He (PBUH) replied: “And also (for the one who has) two (daughters).�46 “Any man who has a slave girl, whom he educates properly, teaches good manners, manumits and marries her, will get a double reward.�47 (One is for setting her mind free and the other is for liberating her body). 45 Previously mentioned 46 Shareh Al-Sunnah (Interpretation of Sunnah) by Abi Mohammad Al-Husseini Al-Bakhuri, 13/44, on the authority of Ibn Abbas. 47 Reported by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, Kitab Al-Nikah (Book of Marriage) – 3/344. Hadith 5083, on the authority of Abi Barda, as narrated by his father. (7) It is important that individuals Imam Al-Ghazali underlined what the Prophet allocate some time for their (PBUH) stated, saying: recreation and entertainment to (Recreate your hearts hour after hour).48 strike balance between the time dedicated for knowledge acquisition Al-Ghazali says that it is important to allow and that dedicated for children, after finishing studying at the kuttab entertainment. (school), some time to relax and play. Preventing children from playing to dedicate all their time to education would wear them out and diminish their intelligence and creativity. With a view to urging children to be active and clever, Al-Ghazali said that it is important to appreciate every good deed and attitude children may make. They should be rewarded and praised in front of others. (Kitab Al-Ahyaa 3, p. 70) 48 Reported by Al-Zubaidi, in his book, 'Ithaf al-Sada al-Muttaqeen'. 5/308 (8) The Prophet’s instructions come in Imam Al-Ghazali had a vision on how to conformity with the psychology discipline children, pointing out that parents approach regarding children’s should be considered guilty if they did not provide their children with care and attention. upbringing and the importance of He said that he knows how difficult it is to raise providing proper care to children children. Allah entrusts parents with their throughout their childhood stages. children, whose hearts are free of any evil like a clear cut gem. Children are like a blank sheet of paper, and they will be what their parents write on it. If they are raised on values and good deeds, they will grow up to be blissful and content in the worldly life and the afterlife. If children grow up to be good people, a reward (thwab) will be shared by their parents, teachers and all those who contributed to their acquisition of good manners. However, if children are neglected and not well taken care of, their parents or caregivers would be held guilty and sinful for that. (9) Islam promotes the importance of It was narrated that Al-Aqra’ bin Habis saw the raising psychologically well-balanced Prophet (PBUH) kissing His children Al-Hassan children. and Al-Hussein. So, he said I have 10 children, and I have never kissed anyone of them. Then the Prophet answered: Then what can I do if Allah has deprived you of mercy? (10) Islam advocates a sustainable stable Allah, the Almighty, says “And live with them in marriage so that each family could kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you fulfill its role in raising the children dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much properly. good.�49 The Prophet (PBUH) said: “A believer must not hate a believing woman (i.e., his wife); if he dislikes one of her traits he could be pleased with another.�50 (11) Islam advocates a proper raising of The Prophet (PBUH) said: children, in addition to the “Be kind to your children, and perfect their importance of following up any manners�51 matter concerning them, e.g. their “A man follows the beliefs of his friend; so each behavior, attitude, peers and one should consider whom he would take for friends. friends.�52 49 Surah An-Nisa – Part of verse (19) 50 Reported by Muslim in his Sahih, Kitab Al-Reda, Chapter on being enjoined to be good towards women, 2/1091, on the authority of Abi Hurraira 51 Narrated by Ibn Majah, in Kitab Al-Adab “The Book of Good Manners and Discipline�, Chapter: Benevolence towards parents and daughters, 2/1211, Hadith 3671, and by Anas bin Malek 52 Reported by Abou Dawoud in his Sunnan, “kitab Al-Adab�, 4/261, Hadith 4833, on the authority of Abi Hurraira (may Allah be pleased with him). It is also included in Al-Termezi’s Sunnan “Kitab Al-Zohd,� no. 45 4/589, Hadith 2378, on the authority of Abi Hurraira. Key Messages on Child Marriage from an Islamic Perspective Allah, the Almighty, says: “Allah (1)Capacity is a prerequisite for does not charge a soul except marriage, and for the sustainability [with that within] its capacity�53 of this marriage. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “O young men, whoever among you has the capacity to marry, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze, guarding chastity; but whoever cannot afford it, then fasting will be a restraint (wija') for him."54 Allah, the Almighty, says: “Our (2) Child marriage can’t be regarded Lord, and burden us not with as a form of worship, or a means that which we have no ability to to promote growth and prosperity bear�55 on earth, which is the main Allah, the Almighty, says: “He has purpose of mankind creation, produced you from the earth and because children are not able yet settled you in it.�56 to do this. (3) Child marriage does not fulfill the Allah, the Almighty, says: “And main purpose of marriage of His signs is that He created (warmth and mercy), as for you from yourselves mates established by Allah in the Holy that you may find tranquility in Quran, as they are too young to be them; and He placed between able to realize that purpose. you affection and mercy.�57 53 Surah Al-Baqara – Part of Verse (286) 54 AlBukhari in his Sahih, V. 7, Page. 3, on the authority of Muslim in “Kitab Al-Nekah� “Book of Marriage.� It’s also reported by Al-Nesaei, V 4, p. 169; Ibn Majah, 1845; Imam Ahmad’s Musnad, V 1, p. 387; and Al -Beiheqi 4/286 55 Surah Al-Baqara – Part of Verse (286) 56 Surah Hud – Part of Verse (61) 57 Surah Ar-Rum – Verse (21) Key Messages on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (1) Female genital mutilation (FGM) Allah, the Almighty, says: “...and do is a deformation of and violation not transgress. Indeed, Allah does against female’s body. It also not like transgressors.�58 deprives her from her right to Allah, the Almighty, also says: “We enjoy her marriage life. have certainly created mankind in the best of stature.�59 The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There should be no harm, nor reciprocal harm.�60 (2) According to Islam, FGM is a The Prophet (PBUH) said “Verily crime whose doer should be your blood, your property and your penalized. honour are as sacred and inviolable as the sanctity of this day of yours...�61 Allah, the Almighty, says: “And it is (3) The Hadith stating that “When He who has released the two circumcised parts [simultaneously] the two seas, one meet...� does not indicate that fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between females should be circumcised. them a barrier and prohibiting It was only stated in that partition.�62 manner as part of the taghleeb Allah, the Almighty, also says: “And rule (addressing the majority), not alike are the two bodies of water. One is fresh and sweet, 58 Surah Al-Baqara – Part of Verse (190) 59 Surah At-Tin – Verse (4) 60 Reported by Al-Daraqutni in his Sunnan, Kitab Al-Bayou’, 3/77, Hadith 288, about Abi Saeed al Khudri, and narrated by Al-Hakim in al-mustadrak Kitab Al-Bayou' 2/ 66, P. 2345, about Abu Saeed Al Khudri, was announced authentic Hadith by Al-Hakim and backed by Imam Az-Zahabi 61 Reported by Ibn Majah in his Sunnan, Kitab Al- Muqaddimah , Chapter on “The merits of scholars and promotion of knowledge seeking.� 1/81, Hadith 224, about Anas bin Malek, may Allah be pleased with him. 62 Surah Al-Furqan – Verse (53) as is the case in the Holy Quran palatable for drinking, and one is salty and bitter. And from each you and the Arab’s language. eat tender meat and extract ornaments which you wear, and you see the ships plowing through [them] that you might seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful�63 (4) The Hadith reported as being The Prophet (PBUH) said “Verily said by the Prophet (PBUH) your blood, your property and your while addressing Um ‘Atiyyah: honour are as sacred and “If you cut, do not overdo it, inviolable as the sanctity of this because it brings more radiance day of yours...�64 to the face, and it is more pleasant for the husband.� This Hadith was reported by different sources, but they are all weak. It may not be perceived that it’s permissible to cut part of a human’s body, in contradiction with the inviolability of human body and life as advocated by Islam. (5) All the Hadith reported about Ibn al-Mundhir said: “There is the Prophet (PBUH) in this neither a clear text about regard are weak and lack strong circumcision that can be relied evidence and/or justification. upon, nor can it be considered an act of Sunnah.�65 63 Surah Fatir – Verse (12) 64 Reference previously mentioned. 65 Al-Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar, 1/113 Key Messages on Youth’s Right to Access Reproductive Health-Related Information and Services (1) Youth (young adulthood) phase Allah, the Almighty, says: “And take is characterized by rapid provisions, but indeed, the best physical, psychological and provision is fear of Allah...�66 intellectual growth. The youth Allah, the Almighty, also says: are the most affected by “Allah is the one who created you different positive and/or from weakness, then made after negative phenomena in the weakness strength, then made after community. Hence, they have strength weakness and white the right to access the hair...�67 information that would prepare them to safely move to the next phase of growth and development. (2) Parents and different Allah, the Almighty, says: “And community institutions have to cooperate in righteousness and recognize individuals’ right to piety, but do not cooperate in sin access reproductive and sexual and aggression....�68 health-related information and services from appropriate and The Prophet (PBUH) said: “All of you updated sources, in accordance are guardians and are responsible with the age group. for your wards.�69 (3) It’s very important to pay The Prophet (PBUH) said: “It is attention to the adolescents’ sufficient sin for a man that he and youth’s sexual and neglects those who are dependent reproductive health-related on him�.70 issues and to their right to access 66 Surah Al-Baqra – Part of Verse (197) 67 Surah Ar-Rum – Part of Verse (54) 68 Surah Al-Ma’ida – Part of Verse (2) 69 Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, “Kitab Al-Estiqrad� (Loan Rewquest). Chapter:A slave is a guardian over the property of his master and shall be questioned about it (as to how he safeguarded his trust) 2/94, Hadith 209, on the authority of Abdullah bin Omar. 70 Reported by Al-Hameedi in his Musnad “Abdullah bin Amr’s Musnad�. Volume 2, Page 273, Hadith 599. Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah Publishing House, Beirut, Lebanon. relevant information about the physical changes in their bodies during adolescence. Failure to observe that could endanger the youth, and ultimately result in a massive loss for the nation. (4) A full attainment of health and The Prophet (PBUH) said: "A woman reproductive rights should is married for four things: for her include the getting the youth wealth, for her lineage, for her well prepared for marriage life in beauty or for her piety. Select the the future, when they become pious, may you be blessed. He also totally responsible for their said “When someone whose families. This includes the good religion and character you are choice for their marriage pleased with comes to you then partner. This would ultimately marry (her to) him. If you do not do have an impact on the so, then there will be turmoil community public interest. (Fitnah) in the land and discord (Fasad).�71 (5) In the course of helping the Allah, the Almighty, says: “And live youth attain their health and with them in kindness�72 reproductive rights, it is very important to educate them Allah, the Almighty, also says: “And about the essence of the of His signs is that He created for relationship between married you from yourselves mates that you couples, which should be based may find tranquility in them; and on tranquility, affection and He placed between you affection mercy. and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought�73 The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct, and the most kind to his family.�74 71 Reported by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, “Kitab Al-Nekah� (Book on Marriage) - Chapter “Compatibility in Religion� – 3/346, Hadith 5090, on the authority of Abi Hurraira 72 Surah An-Nisa, Verse (19) 73 Surah Ar-Rum- Verse (21) 74 Reported by Abou Dawoud, Kitab Al-Adab (The Book of Good Manners and Discipline) 4/419, Hadith 4682 (6) The youth have to be fully aware Allah, the Almighty, says: “Indeed, of all the responsibilities they Allah commands you to render would assume once they have trusts to whom they are due and children. Children are a bliss that when you judge between people to Allah entrusts parents with. So, judge with justice...� 75 they have to realize how to take good care of their children, Allah, the Almighty, also says: “O’ ensure their health physical and you who have believed, do not mental well-being, and help betray Allah and the Messenger or them acquire good manners. betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].�76 The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah will question everyone who is responsible about his charge, whether he has preserved or lost it�77 75 Surah An-Nisa, Part of Verse (58) 76 Surah Al-Anfal – Verse (27) 77 Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, Chapter on Al-Khelafa wa Al-Emaraa, 10/345. Hadith 4493. Al-Resala Publishing House. Verified by Saieb Al-Ana’ot Key Messages on Family Planning from an Islamic Perspective (1) From the Islamic perspective, The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Marry the procreation is the intended one who is fertile and loving, for I will purpose of marriage. Hence, Allah boast of your great numbers�78 has ordained marriage and made it Allah, the Almighty , says: appealing for men to marry fertile “My Lord, grant me [a child] from among women. Marriage is rather a the righteous.�79 human need that individuals seek to satisfy, and even messengers “My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good asked for it in their prayers, such as offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of Abraham and Zakariya, as well as supplication.�80 all the worshippers of Allah. “And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.�81 (2) Powerful good offspring are those The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Nations will whose good is sought and evil is soon summon one another to attack avoided, and whose existence is a you, similar to inviting others to share one’s food. Someone asked: Will that be source of prosperity and power of because of our small populations at the family and the whole nation. that time? He replied: No, you will be Therefore, Islam has promoted the numerous at that time: but you will be powerful offspring capable of like the scum of the earth carried down applying Allah’s doctrine; i.e. to be by torrents, and Allah will take fear of Allah’s vicegerent on earth by you from the hearts of your enemy and reconstructing earth. Hence, having put (wahn) enervation into yours. Someone asked: What is wahn many offspring would be for the (enervation) Messenger of Allah good of the nation. (PBUH)? He replied: Love of the worldly 78 Reported by Abou Dawoud “Kitab Al-Nekah�, Book on Marriage, Chapter on banning the marriage of women who don’t bear children. 2/227, Hadith 2050 79 Surah As-Saffat – Verse (100) 80 Surah Ali’Imran – Verse (38) 81 Surah Al-Furqan – Verse (74) life and dislike of death.�82 It was narrated about Ibn Omar – may Allah be pleased with both of them – that when asked about the Prophet’s supplication (prayer), he said “I take refuge with Allah from the difficulties of severe calamities; i.e. more children and less money.�83 (3)Family planning does not mean to Ibn Abbas Said: More children is one of prevent procreation, abortion or two penuries and less children is one of reproduction by surgical procedures. two cases of ease (solvency).84 It just means pregnancy spacing, according to the family income to be able to raise each child properly without putting further financial burden on the parents, which may make them attempt earning money illegally. (4) Family planning is permissible, as Interpreting the phrase “that you will not long as it fulfills the purpose be just� mentioned in Verse (3) of Surah thereof. No Muslim scholar has An-Nisa, as Allah, the Almighty, says: “But claimed that family planning is if you fear that you will not be just, then prohibited or banned, as long as it is [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you justified and required. This would may not incline [to injustice],�85 Imam help ensure a healthy upbringing of Shafi'i said: it means if you are afraid to children without exhausting the impoverish yourselves because of parents or putting them under injustice. The word is also used for the stress to satisfy the physical, same meaning in verse (28) of Surah At- mental, emotional and Tawba, as Allah, the Almighty, says: “And if you fear privation, Allah will enrich you 82 Reported by Abou Dawoud in his Sunnan, “Kitab Al-Malahim� “The Book of Battles� – Chapter: Nations Summoning One Another To Attack Muslims. 4/108. Hadith 4297 83 See “Kashf Al-Khafaa,� Volume 1/p.402 84 Faid Al-Qadeer. Volume 3/p. 352 85 Reported by Ibn Abi Hatem in the interpretation of the Holy Quran: Surah An-Nisa, "That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice] ", 3/860, Hadith 4764, Edition of Holy Mekka, Riyadh, Edited by Asaad Mohamed Al Tayeb. psychological needs of their from His bounty if He wills.�86 In addition, children. the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The moderate will not suffer poverty.�87 This metaphor was used by the Prophet (PBUH) in reference to too many children leading to poverty88. This is corroborated by the reading: "If you fear that you will not support" means that a man will not be able to properly support his children if he has a lot of them. (5) It’s also permissible to apply family Allah, the Almighty, says: “others planning, if intended to maintain may nurse [i.e. breastfeed] their children two complete the healthy well-being of the infant years for whoever wishes to complete as well as of the mother, especially the breastfeeding [period].�89 if pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding would leave her The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not kill drained; if she is physically weak; if your children secretly, for the milk, that she wants to maintain her beauty fed with while his mother is pregnant, and protect her infant of diseases; overtakes the horseman and throws him from his horse�90 or if the parents want to ensure their capability and dedication to Ibn Majah narrated that the Prophet properly take care of their infant, (PBUH) said: “Be kind to your children, and provide a suitable raising and perfect their manners.� environment. He also said: “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (if they don’t pray) when they become ten years; and separate them in beds.�91 86 Surah At-Tawba – Part of Verse (28) 87 Reported by Imam Ahmad in hi Musnad, 1/447 – Dar Al-Fekr Publishing House 88 Interpretation of Al Bahr Al Muhit, Part 3/ p. 173 89 Surah Al-Baqara – Verse (233) 90 Reported by Abu Dawoud in his Sunnan- Book of Medicine- Chapter on: "Everything about Al-Ghail", 4/8, Hadith 3881, and reported by Ahmed in his Musnad, 6/453 91 Reported by Abou Dawoud in his Sunnan, “Kitab Al-Salat� – Book of Prayer, Chapter: When to command kids to pray, Volume 1, p. 130, Hadith 495 (6) Coitus interruptus (withdrawal, It was narrated that Jabir said: “We ‘Azl) is a natural family planning used to practice coitus method. It means that the interruptus during the time of the Messenger of Allah when the Qur'an husband, during sexual was being revealed.�92 intercourse, does not ejaculate inside his wife’s vagina to prevent Jabir bin Abdullah, Ahmad bin Hanbal pregnancy. However, this may not and Abu Dawoud, on the authority of be done except upon the wife’s Abu Said, said: "The Jews claim that consent because she also has the Coitus interruptus (‘Azl) is a minor right to have children. Hence, her infanticide. So He (PBUH) said: The Jews lie. When Allah wants to create (a husband may not deny her this child), nothing can prevent Him.�93 right. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The practice of ‘azl with free women may not be permissible, except upon her consent�94 (7) Based on the analogical reasoning Allah, the Almighty, says: “... and do not (Qias) in Islam, modern methods of throw [yourselves] with your [own] family planning should be hands into destruction [by refraining]�95 permissible, in line with the Islamic The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There should ruling concerning coitus interruptus be no harm, nor reciprocal harm.�96 (‘azl). This is due to the fact that it was permitted in the first place to fulfill the purpose thereof; i.e. pregnancy spacing. Therefore, any similar method should also be permissible, provided that such a method does not result in a severe harm and/or death. 92 Reported by Al Bukhari in his Sahih, - “kitab Al-Nekah, Book of Marriage, Chapter on: 'Azl, 3/376, Hadith 5207, and reported by Muslim in his Sahih, Book of marriage, chapter on: Islamic Ruling concerning 'Azl, 2/1065 93 Reported by Abu Dawoud in his Sunnan- “kitab Al-Nekah�: Book of Marriage, Chapter on: Coitus Interruptus (‘Azl),3/3376, Hadith 5207, and also reported by Ahmad in his Sahih, 3/33. 94 Reported by Al-Bayhaqi in his “Al-Sunnan al-Kubra “The Major Book of the Prophet’s Sunnah�, “kitab Al-Nekah’, Book of marriage, Chapter: Who claims practicing 'azl with free woman (wife) without her consent, 7/376, Hadith 14324, on the Authority of Omar, may Allah be pleased with him. 95 Surah Al-Baqara – Verse (195) 96 Subul As-Salam, Volume 3, p. 84, reported by Ibn Majah, Book of Islamic Rulings, Chapter: Whoever builds on his own property something that would cause harm to his neighbor, 2/784, Hadith 2340. (8) Infertility should be medically The Prophet (PBUH) said: “O slaves of treated to be cured, have children, Allah, seek medicine, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has and satisfy the parenting instinct. also created its cure�97 In this regard, the married couple may seek assisted reproductive technology (ART), provided that both the ovum and the sperm come from a legally married couple. (9)Abortion is the ending of pregnancy Allah, the Almighty, says: “And indeed We due to removing an embryo or fetus already created man of an extraction of before it can survive outside the clay (12) Then We placed him as a sperm- uterus. In Islam, abortion is totally drop in a firm lodging (13) Then We made forbidden (haram) after 120 days. the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], Abortion before that is controversial and We made [from] the lump, bones, among scholars, unless it endangers and We covered the bones with flesh; the mother’s life, for warding off evil then We developed him into another takes precedence over bringing creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of benefits. However, if abortion is creators (14)�98 sought deliberately after 120 days, it is perceived as a deliberate crime Abdullah bin Masoud, may Allah be pleased with him narrated that the against an innocent soul. Therefore, Prophet (PBUH) said: “Verily, the it is forbidden and subject to diyai creation of each one of you is brought (blood money), which in this case is together in his mother's womb for forty called “ghurra�, and equivalent to a days as a sperm, and turns into a blood half of the tenth of diyai. clot for an equal period of time, then turn into a piece of flesh for an equal period of time. Then Allah sends him an angel who is commanded about four matters, and it is said to him: write down his actions, his means 97 Reported by Abou Dawoud, “Kitab Al-Teb�, Book of medicine; Chapter on: seeking treatment 4/3, Hadith 3855; and reported by Al-Termezi in his Sunnan, book of medicine, chapter on: Everything about medication and the promotion thereof, 4/383, Hadith 2038, and Abu Eissa said that this Hadith is Hasan and sahih (good and authentic). 98 Surah Al-Mu’minun – Verses (12 – 14) of livelihood, his life span, and whether he will be wretched or blessed.�99 99 Approved, and reported by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih, Book of fate, chapter: (1) 4/216, Hadith 6594, and also reported by Muslim in his Sahih, Book of fate, chapter on "creation of humans in their mothers’ wombs, and determination of their livelihood, life span, actions, wretchedness or blessings", 4/2036, Hadith 2036.