🚼 Infanticide: A Harrowing Practice and Its Prohibition in Islam 😇
Definition and Meaning
Infanticide: The deliberate act of killing a newborn infant. Historically, this practice was prevalent in certain pre-Islamic Arab tribal societies, particularly aimed at female infants due to socio-economic reasons and cultural preferences for male offspring. The Quran explicitly condemns and prohibits this practice, emphasizing the sanctity of life.
Etymology
The term infanticide is derived from the Latin words “infant-”, meaning “infant”, and “-cida”, meaning “a killer” or “someone who kills.”
Background and Historical Context
Pre-Islamic Arabia: Before the advent of Islam, many Arab tribes engaged in the practice of infanticide, especially female infanticide. This was driven by various factors including poverty, fear of disgrace, and a preference for male heirs who were seen as economic and social assets.
Islamic Prohibition: The Quran abolished infanticide through verses that unequivocally denounced the practice. Surah Al-Takweer (81:8-9) mentions, “And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, For what sin she was killed?”, bringing attention to this grave sin and its inhumanity. Islamic teachings assert the sanctity of life and explicitly prohibit the killing of innocent souls.
Significance in Women’s and Children’s Rights: By banning infanticide, Islam marked a distinct improvement in the status of women and children. The prohibition of infanticide is cited as one of the major humanitarian reforms instituted by Islam, highlighting the protection and value given to life, irrespective of gender.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Infanticide has been a phenomena observed in various cultures, although the motives and rationales have differed significantly.
- Ancient Greece and Rome: Exposed infants, particularly those with deformities, were left to die.
- Ancient China and India: Historically, there were instances of female infanticide due to dowry practices and son preference.
- Modern Implications: In contemporary settings, infanticide remains a significant issue, though under different contexts, such as population control policies or socio-economic hardship.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Neonaticide (killing of a newborn within the first 24 hours), Child murder.
- Antonyms: Child protection, Safeguarding.
- Related Terms: Gendercide, Abortion, Child welfare, Feticide—each addressing different focal points in the discussion on rights and ethics concerning children.
Exciting Facts
- Ancient Prohibitions: Some ancient cultures had their prohibitions against infanticide. For instance, in Judaism, human life was always considered sacred.
- International Law: Modern international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, echo the sentiment against harming infants and children, a principle enshrined in Islamic teachings over 1400 years ago.
Quotations
- “Verily, those who slay their children are in a grievous case of loss” - From the Quran, as revealed in Surah Al-Israa (17:31).
- Notable Muslim intellectual Muhammad Iqbal once stated, “Islam came as a mercy to the world. It uplifted the marginalized and protected the vulnerable.”
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed: This book interrogates detailed shifts in women’s rights and societal positioning in Islamic and pre-Islamic contexts.
- “No God but God” by Reza Aslan: Explores historical and modern aspects of Islam, including issues related to human rights.
- Hadith Collections by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim: These sources provide extensive sayings of Prophet Muhammad on child protection.
- Journal Articles: Look for articles in the “Journal of Islamic Studies” for in-depth academic papers on the prohibition of infanticide.
Quizzes
Stay curious, be compassionate, and seek knowledge. Farewell with blessings!
— Fatima Siddiqi, October 2023
