Is Abortion Permissible Under Islamic Law for Health Risks in Pregnancy?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

I am 35 years old and 6 weeks pregnant with gallstones, causing serious complications. If doctors confirm that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to my life or health, is abortion permissible under Islamic law?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah bless you with ease, healing, and strength as you navigate this difficult time.

According to the Shafi‘i School, and many Scholars of other Schools, abortion within the first 40 days of pregnancy may be permitted in cases of genuine necessity. If qualified and trustworthy medical professionals confirm that the pregnancy poses a serious threat to your health, termination within this early stage may be allowed.

Please consult the relevant details here.

Islam places a high value on the preservation of life. If your health or life is at significant risk, you are not blameworthy for seeking medical treatment, even if it involves ending the pregnancy before 40 days. This is not taken lightly, but necessity can make the prohibited permissible.

I urge you to work closely with your doctors and a qualified scholar who understands your medical context. If the risk is deemed real and substantial after proper consultation, you may proceed without sin, insha’Allah.

May Allah protect and guide us all.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.