By Naneka Hoffman
The National Muslim Council of Liberia says its position on plan by the Liberian Legislature to legalize abortion is that married couples who are caught in extra sexual leading to pregnancy should be stoned to death in line with the Holy Koran.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the NEW DAWN, a member of the Fatwa Committee in the National Muslim Council of Liberia, Sheik Musa Sheriff, says the Holy Koran forbids abortion but outlines conditions and circumstances under which abortion may be performed.
Sheik Sheriff says the Koran allows abortion provided that a competent medical doctor can prove that the pregnancy poses a danger to the life of the woman and it must be between one to three months.
He stresses that when a pregnancy reaches four months, it is much forbidden in Islam to perform abortion.
According to him, before four months, doctor should provide concrete reasons why abortion is necessary, such as threat on the life of the woman.
Mr. Sheriff explained that according to the Islamic Carlo, if a person is gang raped, leading to pregnancy, abortion is allowed.
He maintained that after a pregnancy reaches four months, Islam does not allow abortion because life has been formed, so the woman should bear patience until she gives birth.
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For some time now, the Liberian Legislature has been deliberating on a proposed bill aimed at legalizing abortion by women in the country.
Recently, the Liberian Council of Churches objected the abortion bill before the Legislature because it is unbiblical, foreign and the Holy Bible forbids killing.
Early this week, Senate Pro-tempore Albert Chie, clarified here that there is no stand-alone bill on abortion before the Liberian Senate, contrary to public perceptions.
Delivering his opening statement Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the return of the 54th Legislature to a special session, Senator Chie pointed out that rather, there is only a new chapter in the new Public Health Bill on sexual and reproductive health.
According to him, this new chapter addresses issues of sex education, family planning and abortion.
“Let me also point out that there is no stand-alone bill on abortion before the Senate, as it is being perceived in some quarters; but rather, there is a new chapter in the new Public Health Bill on sexual and reproduction health,” he said.
The Pro-tempore’s clarification comes amid long-standing claims and counterclaims in the public that there is a bill currently before the august body to address abortion.
The bill, when passed into law, per public speculations, seeks to determine at what time and at what condition can a pregnant woman be given the right to legally abort a pregnancy. Editing by Jonathan Browne
The topic of abortion in Islam is complex and debated among scholars. While there is no unanimous consensus, Islamic teachings generally view the sanctity of life as paramount and discourage abortion except in certain circumstances. Here are some perspectives based on the Quran and hadith:
1. Sanctity of Life: Islam considers human life to be sacred and emphasizes the protection of the unborn child. The Quran states, “Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; We will provide for them and for you” (6:151). This verse discourages the killing of children, including unborn ones.
2. Prohibition of Infanticide: Islam strongly condemns the practice of killing newborns or infants, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia. The Quran mentions this act as one of the major sins (81:8-9).
3. Potential Exceptions: Some scholars allow abortion in specific cases where the mother’s life is at risk or if the pregnancy results from rape or incest. These exceptions are based on the principle of choosing the lesser of two evils to protect life.
4. Stages of Fetal Development: Islamic scholars have different interpretations regarding the stages at which abortion is permissible. Some believe that life begins at conception, while others consider it to start at various stages of fetal development.
5. Gradual Formation: The Quran mentions the gradual formation of a human being in the womb (23:12-14). This verse is often interpreted to indicate that the fetus becomes a living being at a certain stage, which influences opinions on the permissibility of abortion.
It is important to note that different scholars and schools of thought may have varying opinions on this matter. The decision regarding abortion should ideally be made after consulting with knowledgeable scholars and considering individual circumstances.