Not only in pre-Islamic Arabia, female infanticide was in vogue in many countries like Latin America, Europe and even in India. However, when Allah the most exalted took pity on humankind, He sent down His last Messenger (SAW) and the world changed. Allah and the Rehmatun-lil-Aalameen (SAW) conferred many rights on women. The cruel practice ended (in Arabia) and women heaved a sigh of relief.
However, the practice continues in many parts of the globe even now. Reports of female infanticide, according to Dr Zakir Naik, has been received from many countries including India during the past few years.
Earlier only female infanticide was being resorted to, but now the female feotus is killed in the womb itself. Although law has banned gender determination tests but who cares. The radiologist gives the information in lieu of a consideration and thus becomes a party to the murder.
A few years ago, there used to be big bill boards and advertisements in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan stating “Invest Rs.500/- and save Rs.500,000 spent in the upbringing of a girl and her dowry. The advertisements signified that an “unwanted” or to put it plainly a female foetus could be aborted by spending five hundred bucks only.
The irony is that women, by and large, blame Islam for “curtailing their freedom.” The people especially the women need to study Islam to find out what rights and guarantees have been conferred upon them by the Divine religion.
“Kill not your children on a plea of want. We provide sustenance for you and for them. Come not near shameful deeds, whether open or secret. Take not life which Allah has made sacred.”
A similar guidance is repeated in Surah Al-Isra, Verse 31 (17:31).“Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.”
The Qur'an went further to rebuke the unwelcoming attitude of some parents upon hearing the news of the birth of a baby girl, instead of a baby boy:“When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief!”
Islam not only prohibits female infanticide but also rebukes the thought of rejoicing on the news of birth of a male child and not rejoicing on the news of the birth of a female child.
Surah Al-Nahl (Chapter 16), Verses 58 and 59 (16:58-59) “When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkness, and he is filled with inward grief!
With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance) the choice they decide on?”
Parents are duty-bound to support and show kindness and justice to their daughters. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise. (Ahmad)
Whosoever supports two daughters until they mature, he and I will come on the Day of Judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers held together). (Ahmad).
There should be no partiality in bringing up of sons and daughters. The beloved Prophet (SAW) always spoke about justice and kindness towards a child whether it be a daughter or a son. Once a person in the presence of the most revered Prophet (SAW) kissed his son and put him on his lap and did not do the same for his daughter who was with him. The Holy Prophet (SAW) objected and told the man that he was being unjust and that he should have also kissed his daughter and placed her on the other lap.
The verses and hadiths quoted above pertain to infanticide. Feoticide yields similar results. The verses and hadiths, therefore, apply to female foeticide as well as the object is to save the females.