The Medical Advantages of Sajadah (Prostration)

Source: Dr. Muhammad Karim Beebani, The Saudi Gazette

Sajadah (Prostration) is a unique position or stance in the regular prayers, which a Muslim is supposed to offer at least five times a day. Although the basic purpose of obligatory prayers ultimately to please Allah SWT and to fulfill His commandment; and is not to provide an exercise for people - yet it is being increasingly recognised that it has plenty of medical advantages for the human body.

Here it is worth mentioning that the Holy Prophet Muhammed SAW has mentioned in a Hadith which has been narrated by Imam Ibn Majah RA:

"That prayer is a cure for many diseases."

The position of Sajadah in which the forehead touches the ground is exclusively associated with the Muslim form of prayer. It is the climax of a Muslim's prayer and as mentioned in a Hadith a Muslim is nearest to Allah in this position.

The Messenger of Allah SAW said:

"The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state)."

In a Hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik RA, the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW advised Muslims to perform Ruku' (bowing) and Sajadah (prostration) properly.

In another Hadith, the Prophet SAW advised to perform Sajadah (prostration) and Ruku' (bowing) calmly; and to get up only when the body has come to ease. Hence the first positive effect upon a person who prostrates or does Sajadah (prostration) is that he comes nearest to Allah and hence - in that condition he may supplicate.


THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE

This is a great psychological advantage and it gives relief to the person concerned, as life is full of worries and in this position he gets at least a transient refuge from the agonising problems experienced in this Worldly life.

When a person goes to the position of Sajadah (prostration), his whole body is in active motion. This position can be considered as a mini dive as the Musalli (one who offers prayer) goes to rest his forehead on the ground while his hands are placed at the sides. This brings most of the body muscles if not all in active motion and serves to give them some exercise. The hands are then specifically stretched out; and thence the forearm as well as arm muscles bear the weight in the Sajadah (prostration) position. It gives good exercise to the muscles of the upper limb.

In one Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW advised not to put the forearms flatly on the ground but to keep them elevated above ground and this is medically better for the forearm and arm muscles.

Sajadah (prostration) is a unique position as this is the only position in which brain (or head) becomes lower than the heart and hence for the first time the blood gushes towards the brain with full force whereas in all other positions (even when lying) - the brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.

In the position of Sajadah (prostration), due to the increased blood supply - the brain receives more nourishment and this nature created by Allah Almighty has good effect on the memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities.

Thus, people who offer their prayers regularly have more will power and can cope with the difficulties of life in a much better manner.

They have less incidence of headaches, psychological problems and other defects of cognitive function. In the unique position of Sajadah (prostration) the neck muscles get the best exercise. They have to bear the load when the forehead lies at the ground, and hence the neck muscles become stronger. One can note the tense pressure at the neck muscles in the position of Sajadah (prostration), especially the active motion of the neck and the facial muscles when the head is being lifted (e.g. one inch above the ground) and it will be noticed that they are in a very active motion.

Much stronger cervical muscles means that the cervical vertebra will be better protected. Strength of cervical muscles is important as the head rests upon the cervical vertebra supported by cervical musculature. In fact, the head performs rotary movements over the cervical vertebra. In any accident, cervical neck examination is especially important to physicians because of its vital importance. It is uncommon that a person who offers his prayers regularly will get the usual neck myalgias or cervical spondylosis, due to the fact that the neck muscles in particular become very strong due to the thirty-four (34) Sajadahs (prostrations) offered daily in our five times daily prayers.

On top of that, the unique position of Sajadah (prostration) also has positive effects upon the back muscles when a person goes into Sajadah; and the same sensation is experienced whilst getting up from it, asthe back muscle contract actively and become stronger. It is well noted that this is perhaps one of the main reasons why a Muslim who is regular in his/her prayers (rarely) experiences backache.

To conclude, this short post wishes to remind that even though there are a lot of medical advantages associated with Solat, we should put in the intention of making it a physical exercise. Still the best blessing is the peace of the mind, which a person derives by the accomplishment of his/her duty to Allah by fulfilling the obligations as Muslims.

Two Great Blessings - Good Health & Free Time

All praises to Allah SWT who has, out of His infinite Mercy - blessed us with endless Blessings.

Gladtidings to that servant of Allah who is showered with countless bounties day in and day out, and he/she recognises this, and fulfils its rights.

Most unfortunate is he who does not recognise these blessings and bounties and is not thankful for them.

A Hadith narrates the Prophet Muhammad SAW as saying:

"There are two blessings in which most people are in great loss: (1) good health; and (2) free time."

The Prophet SAW has indeed given us a grand advice. How true this is. Many of us have had once before, or have now - good health and free time. However, how many of us can answer with a true heart that we used/are using these two blessings the way that they are meant to be used, and thus show Shukr and appreciation to Allah SWT; the way we should have?

Almighty Allah has not given us our good health and free time for us to waste. Allah SWT has given to us health and time for ONE purpose -

That we worship Him the way He is ought to be worshipped, and to spread His Deen and call people towards Islam; and to help Humanity who are in need of help.

So let us ask again, now in deeper detail - how many of us have put the good health we have been blessed with, to use?

How many of us have worshipped Allah the way he is meant to be worshipped?

How many of us have helped the religion of Islam?

How many of us have thanked Almighty Allah for the good health that he has blessed us with?


These are all questions that we should ponder upon.

As the saying goes, "The only time you realise the value of a bounty is when you lose it."

Thus, by the time we realise the value of these special gifts bestowed upon us, we would probably have lost them by then. Then no matter how much regret we have, they will never come back. The ultimate time when we will lose our health, is upon death.


Let us now think about our free time.

How many hours are spent sitting in front of the television?

How many hours are wasted merely watching a game of football?

How many hours are wasted, chit-chatting with friends and family?

Imagine how much we could have worshipped the Creator and thus attain His pleasure and a high status in the Hereafter. Have we no value for this time?

The grand Mujtahid Imam - Imam Shafi'i RA says:

"Time is like a sword; cut it before it cuts you."

Above, Imam Shafi'i RA is advising so that we do not waste our time. Every second that passes by will never come back. We have to put all this time into good use.

Another thing to ponder is - although we do not see the time that we have lost, we should remember that the actions done in that time has been recorded by Angels, and its outcome will be revealed on the Day of Judgement, for which we will be accounted for, reckonned by Allah - to determine as to whether we will become a member of Paradise, or an inmate of Hell.

Another Hadith narrates the Prophet Muhammad SAW as saying:

"Take advantage of five conditions before five others: (1) Youth before old age; (2) Good health; before sickness; (3) Free time before you become occupied; (4) Wealth before poverty; (5) Life before death."

This free time of ours should be spent in the Remembrance of Allah Almighty.

Let us remember and contemplate, that on the Day of Judgement, the people of Paradise will only have one regret. They will regret all the free time they wasted in the world for not making Zikr (remembering Allah SWT). The reason for this regret will be because they would have achieved a higher status in Paradise, had they not wasted their free time. Even one spontaneous recital of "Subhanallah" will carry a person's status in Paradise one rank higher. Such is the value of Zikr.

The Etiquettes of Eating and Drinking 102

Health is one of the most magnificent graces of Allah SWT to His slaves and one of His most venerable and abundant bounties.


Imam Bukhari RA narrates in his Sahih, that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"There are two favours that many people are prejudiced by it - The health and the leisure."


Imam Tirmidhi RA and others have reported a Hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Mash Al-Ansari RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"The one who is physically healthy, safe in his community and is sufficiently nurtured will possess the whole world."


Imam Tirmidhi RA also reports from Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"The first question asked to a Believer on the Day of Resurrection concerning the delights of this world is: 'Have not we preserved your body and quenched your thirst with cold water?' "

Some of the Pious Predecessors RA explain said that these Divine words: "Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy (ye indulged in)" - refers to our Health.


Anas bin Malik RA relates from the Holy Prophet SAW that he (the Prophet SAW) did not criticise any food ever. When he desired a (particular) food, he used to eat it, or else he used to leave it and abstain from eating it, but he did not prohibit those who desire it or who are habituated to eat if from consuming it.


THE DANGERS OF EXCESSIVE EATING

The pious scholars of Islam have simplified from Ahadith and narrations from our Pious Predecessors RA, the following benefits of eating less:

1. The heart remains pure - which then leads to recognition of the ni'mat (bounties) of Allah SWT.

2. Love for Allah SWT develops in the purified heart.

3. Mercy and tenderness become the attributes of the heart.

4. Pleasure is experienced in Du'a (supplication) and Zikr (remembrance of Allah).

5. Pride and rebellion of the Nafs are restraint and eliminated.

6. The difficulty of even a little hunger leads to abstention from sins; and the inclination for sins decreases.

7. One stays healthy.

8. One feels less sleepy, and laziness with regard to Tahajjud (a virtuous optional Solat read between the night and morning) and other acts of Ibadah (worship) is uprooted.


If the Holy Prophet SAW detested food he would not eat so much to overburden his nature. This is a great basis of health preservation, for when a human being eats what nature abhores, then the human being would be damaged.

Abu-Na'eem RA has written in Kitab-ut-Tib that the Holy Prophet SAW has said that Almighty Allah has not created any utensil bigger than the stomach; and that when a person takes a meal, he should try to divide the stomach into three parts. One for food, another for water and the third for breathing. Eating less keeps one healthy, sharpens memory, reduces the hours of sleep, helps smooth breathing and saves one from being sluggish.


TOOTHCARE

Abu-Na'eem RA further writes in Kitab-ut-Tib that Qabiyah bin Zaweer RA reports from the Holy Prophet SAW that he (the Prophet SAW) has instructed for picking the teeth, as failing to do this makes the teeth weak and the Angels disgusted.

The one who observes the Prophet Muhammad SAW's guidance will observe that it is the best way of preserving the health. In fact the health preservation depends on the good managing of food, drink, clothing, ventilation, sleeping, awakening, movement, serenity, marriage, emptying and restraining. If these elements take place moderately, and in the proper way that fits the body, the environment, and the person's; health would be preserved until death.


THE SUNNATS OF EATING

1. To wash both hands up to the wrists.

2. To spread out a cloth as a spread (Safrah) to eat the food.

3. To recite Bismillah.

4. To eat with the right hand.

5. To eat from the portion of food which is closest / in front of you. If there is a variety of food on the Safrah then one could eat whatever one likes. One should only stretch out his/her hand to get food only after the other person has drawn his/her hand back.

6. To eat with three fingers. This helps to digest the food as a result of eating little by little. This has been scientifically proven. It is the most efficient method of eating. Eating with five fingers and the palm of the hand is not hygienic and this manner leads to overfilling the stomach by food, and overworking the digestive organs.

7. To clean the plate, bowl and other utensils; and to consume whatever is left on one's fingers by using one's lips.

8. To pick up and eat a fallen morsel, and not to leave it for Shaytaan. In this way a person will find his sustenance in abundance. According to one Hadith, the fallen morsel, if taken, become the Mahr (Dowry) for the Hur'ains (Maidens) of Paradise. Allah SWT would also keep the person and his /her offsprings safe from leprosy, leucoderma and lunacy. It should be noted however that only food that falls on the Safrah be consumed. Any food that has been contaminated by the floor / ground should not be consumed. According to the type of food, they may be washed first before eaten.

9. Not to find fault in food.

10. Not to blow on to food.

11. Not to lean while eating.

12. To read the du'as before, during and after the meals.

13. To get up after lifting the Safrah and to read the du'a whilst lifting the Safrah.

14. To rinse and gargle the mouth.

15. To wash the hands, before and after eating - together with the relevant supplication.

16. To recite a special du'aa after having iftar (breaking fast) or after having eaten at another person's house.


EATING BLESSED FOOD

The kitab Umdatul-Ihkam mentions that the Holy Prophet SAW has instructed his Sahabah RA to eat together for achieving blessings. His companion - Jabir RA reports from the Holy Prophet SAW that the most desirable food is food that is taken by many hands. Rasulullah SAW has also said that eating with brethren is remedial. Rasulullah SAW has also said that the worst man is the one who takes food alone, beats his slave girl, abandons his offerings and marries with his hand (i.e. performs masturbation). He has also instructed us to take food after making it cold, because extremely hot food is devoid of blessings. According to some other kitabs, extremely hot food makes the stomach weak.


PRE-CAUTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF OLD AGE

Abu Na'eem RA quotes Anas bin Malik RA saying that the Holy Prophet SAW instructed the people to not have food in the night, for the old age approaches very fast if the night meal is given as usual. Thus, only a little should be eaten in the night. It is harmful to eat so much.


MANNERS OF SITTING WHILST EATING

Regarding the manners of sitting when eating, it was the habit of the Holy Prophet SAW that he did not eat whilst reclining.

The Holy Prophet SAW said:

"I do not eat while reclining. I do sit like the slave of Allah and I do eat like him."

In another narration, it is reported that the Holy Prophet prohibited the man to eat while lying with his face downward.

The concept of reclining has been explained in various ways:

1. To sit cross-legged.

2. To lean on an object.

3. To lean upon a flank (side).


Regarding number 3 (to lean upon a flank) - it is the most harmful way of sitting because when we lean flank-like it alters the natural way of food . The other two (to sit cross-legged and to lean on an object ) are the ways the so-called powerful people sit when eating, in contrary to a slave.

The Holy Prophet SAW said: "I do eat like the slave of Allah does" - and the Holy Prophet SAW ate sitting on his heels.

Rasulullah SAW has said that he ate leaning on his knees. This method is by placing the inside of the left foot to the back of the right foot; as a sign of modesty towards Allah SWT of politeness between his hands and of respect for the food and the guest. This way of eating is proven to be the best and safest, because all the organs are left in their natural condition which Allah has created.

Abu Nu'aim RAhas related:

"The Holy Prophet (SAW) prohibited sleeping immediately after dinner as he said that this action hardens the heart."

Thus, even doctors have advised us to walk after dinner for a few minutes and prohibit sleeping immediately after, as this is very harmful. Muslim doctors further say that one should pray after supper so that the food settle at the bottom of the stomach to allow easier and better digestion.


MANNERS OF DRINKING

Among the Sunnats of drinking include:

1. To not drink from a bottle / large utensil.

2. To not drink from the mug's cleft and to not breathe into the drink.

3. To drink in three sips.

4. To invoke Allah SWT when about to drink and to praise Allah when finished.

5. Do not drink while standing up. The Holy Prophet SAW used to drink while sitting. It has been reported that he (SAW) even prohibited a person to drink standing and infact he (SAW) ordered the person to vomit the water drank while standing up. The exception is for the case of drinking Zam Zam water.

Further explaining the above, it is reported in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Do not drink the water in one draft just like camels but drink it in one or three gushes (sips), and invoke Allah when you drink and praise Him when you finish."

The Holy Prophet SAW has also prohibited us to drink water lying our faces downwards, the same as he prohibited us from drawing water with the hands, saying:

"Do not lick the water like a dog and do not taste the water at night before examining it out of fear that the recipient is covered during the night."

It should be noted that if a person drinks by the mouth while standing up from an elevated basin, there would be no difference between drinking with the hand or by the mouth, because drinking with the mouth is very dangerous if the drinker is lying faced down on his venture.

Indeed, if we follow the Prophet Muhammad SAW's Sunnats - we are promised good physical health in this world, as well as the most superior and everlasting success in the Hereafter.

The Holy Prophet SAW has said: "The water quenches the thirst and is sanitary."

The Medical Benefits Of Sajadah

The Sajadah(Prostration) is a unique position in Solat, which a Muslim is supposed to offer at least five times a day.

Of course, let it be known at the beginning of this article that the basic purpose of Solat is not to provide a physical exercise for people. This post is just intended to inform of just some of the plenty medical benefits solat does for the human body. We make syukur to Allah SWT that out of His endless bounties, even direct worship, which is meant to be a humble, submissive act, is also means of good health.

It is worth mentioning that Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW has mentioned in a hadith (mafhum):

"The prayer is a cure for many diseases." (Riwayat Ibn Majah)

There is no doubt that, the position of Sajadah in which the forehead touches the ground is exclusively associated with the Muslim form of prayer. It is the climax of a Muslim's prayer and as mentioned in Hadith, any Muslim is nearest to Allah in this position.

Rasulullah SAW said:

"The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself (making sujud), so make supplication (in this state)."

In another Hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik RA, the Holy Prophet SAW advised Muslims to perform Ruku' (bowing) and Sajadah (prostration) properly. Relating to this, in another Hadith, Rasulullah SAW has advised us to perform Sajadah (Prostration) and Ruku' (Bowing) calmly; and to get up only when the body has come to ease (i.e. when the body is relaxed). Hence the first positive effect upon a person who prostrates or does Sajadah is that he / she comes nearest to Allah and hence in that condition he / she can supplicate.

Medical research has proven that there is great psychological advantage in the performance of the act of Sajadah and it gives relief to the person concerned, as life is full of worries and in this position he / she gets at least a transient refuge from the agonising problems.

Going into the physical benefits of sajadah mainly- when a person goes to the position of Sajadah, his / her whole body is in active motion. This position can be considered as a mini dive as the musalli (one who offers prayer) goes to rest his /her forehead on the ground while the hands are placed at the sides. This brings most of the body muscles (if not all,) in active motion and serves to give them some exercise.

The hands are then specifically stretched out and thence the forearm as well as arm muscles are supposed to bear the weight in the Sajadah position. It gives good exercise to the muscles of the upper limb. We can further recall a related advice from the Prophet SAW in a hadith - where he (SAW) has advised not to put the forearms flatly on the ground, but to keep them elevated above ground and this is better for the forearm and arm muscles.

Sajadah - is a unique position as this is the only position in which the brain, or even the head for that matter becomes lower than the heart and hence for the first time the blood gushes towards the brain with full force whereas in all other positions (even when in the lying position), the brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.

In the position of Sajadah due to the increased blood supply, the brain receives more nourishment and this has good medical effects upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities.

It is for this reason that we can even see in a Muslim society that generally - people who offer their prayers regularly have more will power and can cope with the difficulties of life in a much better manner, as compared to other Muslims who do not observe Solat. Muslims who observe Solat have less incidence of headaches, psychological problems and other defects of cognitive function.

In the unique position of Sajadah, the neck muscles get the best exercise. They have to bear the load when the forehead lies at the ground, and hence the neck muscles become stronger. Anyone who observes solat properly can note the tense pressure felt at the neck muscles in the position of Sajadah (Prostration), especially the active motion of the neck and the facial muscles when the head is being lifted (e.g. by lifting about one inch above the ground).

More strong cervical muscles would mean the cervical vertebra will be better protected. The strength of cervical muscles is important as the head rests upon the cervical vertebra supported by cervical musculature. In fact, the head performs rotatory movements over the cervical vertebra. In any accident cervical neck examination is especially important to the physicians because of its extraordinary importance. It is infact very uncommon for a Muslim who offers five time daily prayers will get the usual neck myalgias or cervical spondylosis, as the neck muscles particularly become very strong due to the 34 sajadahs offered in the five daily prayers.

The unique position of Sajadah also has positive effects upon the back muscles. This is because - while going into Sajadah and getting up from it, the back muscle contract actively and they become stronger. Probably it is because of this reason that a person who is regular in solat will rarely get backache.

Finally, let us again be reminded that prayer is not meant to be just an exercise. We do it because it is a command of Allah, and it is only through Allah's great bounty that we are able to receive plenty medical advantages associated with it. Still, the best blessing is the peace of mind, which a person derives by the accomplishment of his / her duty to Allah by fulfilling an obligation.

Is It Okay To Eat Sushi / Raw Fish ?

As a basic principle, it is prohibited for any Muslim to consume anything that is harmful to one's health.

If eating raw fish is harmful to one's health, then it is prohibited.

Nevertheless, it is also generally well known that eating sushi does not cause detriment to the health when it is carefully prepared. It is thus permissible to eat sushi and foods of the like.

This is the case in most situations.

A Quick Overview On Black Seed

The Blackseed has been mentioned in Ahaadith, and its medicinal values are widely known in the Muslim world. We Muslims, more especially, attach great importance to the use of the Blackseed because of the emphasis Rasulullah SAW has placed on it.

The hadith states:

"Hold on to (the essential use of) the 'Blackseed', for certainly in it is a cure for every sickness except (the sickness whichAllah has decreed for one's) death."

All eminent and famous Hakims of the past and present have written on the medicinal benefits and healing properties of Blackseeds. There hasn't been a period among Muslims of the world when the use of it was ever stopped. At all times the Blackseed was utilised with the belief and faith that benefits will be derived in practising the Holy Prophet's (SAW) Sunnah with regards to the use of Blackseed.

Information from the United States data bank states that more than 150 books and articles have been written in recent times by professionals, about the physical and chemical properties of Blackseed. Likewise, extensive researchc ontinues in many universities and health research centres in the Islamic world as well as in Western countries on the many healing qualities of Blackseed.

During the 7th century (AH), Ibn Qayyim RA, one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the classical age, wrote about the healing abilities of Blackseed in his famous book, "Al-Tibb-al-Nabawi (The Medicines of the Prophet)". He listed as many as 50 ailments for which Blackseed has active and effective healing qualities. He even suggested that the number of ailments which Blackseed is known to cure are far more than double the amount listed by him. We Muslims may not find it difficult to accept what Ibn Qayyim RA has written since we have the Prophet's SAW hadith which clearly states that Blackseed is acure for every ailment.

Some of the ailments for which Blackseed has effective cures, as listed in the kitab of Ibn Qayyim RA, are:

- headaches (migraine)
- stomach disorders
- liver disorders
- jaundice
- bronchial ailments
- various skin diseases
- cardiac problems
- wounds
- colds
- pimples, etc.

Even in recent times, a chemist in Kuwait, Twayyib Abdullah al-Tiyyib, prescribed various Blackseed preparations for treating patients suffering from many different ailments and, by the Grace of Allah, all patients responded well and showed positive results.

Coloured Contact Lenses

Generally if contact lenses are prescribed by an optometrist due to medical reasons, it is permissible.

It is also permissible for a female to beautify herself only for her husband with coloured contact lenses.

If there is a possibility of any deception by wearing contact lenses, for example, a boy seeing a girl with the intention of marriage, then she cannot wear coloured contact lenses - as this will deceive the boy on how she actually looks like.

It is also not permissible for a male to beautify himself with coloured contact lenses.

Doctor's Cremation Fee

This entry is just to inform the following ruling.

In the UK and in many other countries, doctors (especially junior doctors) are required to fill-up and sign cremation forms. For this job, they are paid a cremation fee which is a fixed, taxable amount.

The fees for filling and signing the above cremation form is Halaal.

Abortion - A Detailed Discourse

The Below Is A Question & Answer Session Between A Muslim Medical Professional And The Ulama. Very Detailed.

Question:

As a Muslim health professional I am faced with various demands of terminating pregnancy. Kindly advise on the following:

a) Permissibility of terminating pregnancy in the following circumstances:
1. Rape or incest.
2. Proven chromosomal abnormality by ultrasound or amniocentesis e.g. Downs syndrome, Trisomy 18, etc. where accuracy of diagnosis is greater than 90%.
3. Speculated abnormalities.
4. Pregnancy in which there is a danger to the mother’s mental well-being e.g. severe depression
5. Termination as a means of spacing, financial constraints, young and/or unwed.


B. Role of Muslim health professional with regard to the following:

1. Referral of a patient who is determined to have the procedure.

2. Medical personnel including working in public health service.
a) Clerking of patients i.e. making out file, determining reason for consult, doing initial examination, taking bloods for investigation and putting up drips
b) Writing out a prescription as well as physically handing the abortifacient drug
c) Evacuation of uterus once one has partially aborted and management of complications following a termination e.g. sepsis shock, etc.

3. Role of anaesthetists:
a) Where he or she is aware that the person is undergoing a termination of pregnancy.
b) Where he or she is called for a so called miscarriage and then only discovers that it is due to a premeditated termination.

4. Role of a pharmacist dispensing medication specifically prescribed to induce a termination.

5. Role of nursing staff who have to care for the patient during the pain and bleeding following the use of abortifacient drugs.


Answer: A - TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY

Almighty Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur'an:

"Life is from a decree of my Lord." (Surah 12: Verse 85)

The above verse is self explanatory on the sanctity and significance of life. Generally every decree is from Allah Ta’ala but the honour of attribution increases its sanctity and demands its highest level of reverence. This command is mentioned in many verses of the Noble Quran.

Allah Ta’ala says:

"Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind." (Surah 5: Verse 32)

The above evidences express the sanctity of the Ruh (life). The Noble Qur'an describes the various stages of man's primordial development but it does not specify the exact duration of each state.

In one verse of the Noble Qur'an, Almighty Allah says,:

"Man, We did create from a quintessence (of clay); then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out that lump bones, and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature: So blessed be Allah, the best to create." (Surah 23: Verses 12 & 14)

In a Hadith related by Bukhari and Muslim, our beloved Rasulullah SAW said"

"‘Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s belly for forty days in the form of a seed, then he is a clot of blood for a like period, then an angel is sent to him who blows the breath of life into him…"

Based on the above references, Muslim jurists have deduced that the first four months (120 days) of gestation is the crucial time period. After this the foetus is regarded as being ‘alive’ and an abortion is not permissible for any reason whatsoever; and, should an abortion be done then it would constitute murder.

Thus an abortion may be performed within the 120 days period only if there is a valid Shar'ee reason.

Besides the above however, it is permissible to abort the child in the following instances:

1) Rape and incest
2) Proven abnormalities, e.g. Anencephacy (no brain), Downs Syndrome, Trisomy, HIV positive, congenital rubella health.
3) If the foetal abnormalities are not proven but speculated, then, if there is a high risk that a woman may suffer from any of the above factors, then in the opinion of an honest, reliable and an experienced Muslim doctor, abortion may be permissible prior to the four months’ gestation.

It must be stressed that these are exceptional circumstances in which an abortion is allowed. Once again, it must be emphasised that the permission granted rests on medical grounds. (Ibid)

4) If there is a high risk of the mother’s permanent mental well being and if the doctor is certain (Zanne Ghaalib) that the depression, schizophrenia will be permanent and incurable.

5) Abortion before 120 days is not permissible due to spacing of children, financial constraints, young age and unwed mothers.


Answer B: - ROLE OF MUSLIM HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Before answering the questions on the role of Muslim health professionals regarding abortion, as an introduction, we wish to briefly explain the fundamental principles that attribute to anybody's profession.

Almighty Allah says:

"And do not assist in sin." (Surah 5: Ayat 2)

The Fuqaha have explained the extent of the prohibition in assisting in sin. If the assistance is the motivating factor and the only reason for committing the sin, then such assistance is prohibited. For example, a person provokes a non-Muslim by speaking evil about his idols; he in turn speaks evil of Allah (Allah forbid). The provocation was the motivating factor of speaking evil of Allah.

Similarly, if a person deals in such things that are used only for committing sin, for example, the sale of musical items, then that assistance is sinful and forbidden. If the assistance is not the motivating factor for committing the sin but the sin is committed by an independent perpetrator, for example, a hawker sells grapes to a person who makes wine. The hawker does not know the intention of the consumer; neither does he make the wine himself. The selling of grapes by the hawker will not be assisting in sin.

A Muslim health professional is duty bound to obey the laws of Shariah in his profession. The role of the doctor in abortion is analogous to a person who deals in things used only to commit sin. Therefore he cannot perform an abortion prohibited in the Shariah, for example, after 120 days or even motivate such an abortion.

Hereunder are the answers to your queries in sequence:

1. If the patient is determined to have an abortion prohibited in the Shariah, then it is not permissible for the doctor to make any referrals. By doing so, she will be assisting in sin.

2. a) If the medical personnel are not aware that the patient requires abortion (which is prohibited in the Shari'ah), then these services will not be regarded as assisting in sin. If they are aware of the patient’s intention of having a prohibited abortion in the Shari'ah, then it is not permissible for them to offer their services in clerking such patients.
b) Writing out a prescription for an abortifacient patient drug as well as physically handing the drug for abortion is prohibited in the Shari'ah as that will be assisting in sin, have not permissible.
c) To evacuate the uterus after partial abortion and treating a patient from sepsis shock, etc. after abortion is permissible. The services of the doctor is after the patient has committed the sin.

3. a) If the anaesthetist is aware that the patient is undergoing an abortion, he or she cannot provide his or her services.
b) A Muslim anaesthetist may offer his or her service in a miscarriage even though he or she discovers that the miscarriage is due to a premeditated termination. According to our understanding the anesthetist will not induce the miscarriage.
4. It is not permissible for a Muslim pharmacist to dispense medication prescribed to induce an abortion prohibited in the Shari'ah since it will be assisting in a sinful act.
5. It is permissible for Muslim nursing staff to nurse patients during the pain and bleeding following the abortion.

The Ruling Of Using Contraception In Islam

Nowadays, there are many types of contraceptive methods used. Among them:

Reversible-Chemical - the pill which is taken orally spermicidal jellies used locally.

Reversible-Mechanical - use of condoms and intra-uterine devices

Reversible Physical - coitus interruptus, rhythm method

Permanent - Sterilisation Operation - tubal ligations, vasectomies.


EXPLANATION:

Contraception is permissible on a limited scale for valid reasons - reasons considered by the Shari'ah to be valid. The circumstances which will permit reversible and permanent contraception differ.

Among the reasons accepted by the Shari'ah as valid for practising reversible contraception are:
1. Physical weakness.
2. Sickness.
3. The wife maintaining her beauty or figure for the sake of her husband.
4. The couple being on a journey or in a distant land.
5. Adverse political conditions, e.g. children are forcibly separated fromtheir parents as is advocated by communism; etc.
6. The couple decide to separate in the near future.
7. The wife is an immoral person.

The above are valid grounds for practising reversible contraception.

Poverty or the fear of poverty are not valid reasons for contraception. It is not permissible to practice contraception on account of a fear of not being able to provide for a large family. Such a fear is an attribute of non-Muslims.

According to the Al-Qur'an:

'There is not a living creature, but its sustenance is the responsibility of Allah."

Similarly desire to curb sexual desire which may stem out of piety is not a lawful ground for contraception. If practised for any reason which is unlawful in Islam, then contraception will likewise be unlawful, e.g. forindulgence in illicit sex.

Permanent contraception is permissible only if the woman's life is in danger or her health is seriously threatened.

Also Al-Tabarani extracted in his book entitled Al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer that Nabi SAW said:

"Get married and have large families."

Islam has encouraged and exhorted proliferation, and made the preserving of progeny one of the high ideals; Islam has decreed a set of rules designed to maintain the progeny, such as marriage, and also to protect it as reflected in Allah SWT saying in the Qur'an:

"Kill not your children for fear of want, We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you."(Surah 17: Ayat 31)


Allah SWT also mentions in the Qur'an:

"And from them twain he scattered countless men and women." (Surah 4: Verse 1)

In Islam, it isn’t permitted to halt birth due to economic or financial reasons, Allah SWT says:

"There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on Allah." (Surah 11: Verse 6)

And Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"Do not kill your children for fear of poverty for it is we who shall provide sustenance for you as well as for them." (Surah 6: Verse 2)

In Islam as in all the religions, fertility is highly prized and children are a gift of Allah to bring:

"Joy to our eyes." (Surah 25: Verse 74)

Bukhari and Muslim extracted on the authority of Sa‘id al-Khudri RA who reported:

"We were out with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and we desired our women as we have been complaining from celibacy, our women wanted us to perform the ‘azl (coitus interruptus / withdrawal), so we asked Allah’s Messenger (SAW) about this and he said:

"There is no harm in doing this for Allah swt will create what he wishes till the Day of Judgment."

According to Umar ibn Khattab RA, the Prophet SAW forbade the practice of contraception (azl) with a free woman except with her permission.

The above texts explicitly indicate that the ‘azl, in other words temporary contraception, is permitted (mubah). This is so because the permissibility of ‘azl has been mentioned in connection with unwanted pregnancies. However, the belief must always be unshakable that if we used any means of contraception, Allah SWT will always create whatever he wished till the Day of Judgement.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"Losers are those who killed their children foolishly, due to their lack of knowledge, and prohibited what God has provided for them, and followed innovations attributed to God. They have gone astray, they are not guided." (Surah 6: Verse 140)

Medicine With Haraam Ingredients

If there is no adequate alternative for the product that contains Haraam ingredients, and the product is prescribed by a reliable physician, it will be permissible to use the product.

It is not permissible for a physician to prescribe medication having Haraam ingredients if there is an adequate alternative.

In the case of a non-Muslim physician, the Muslim patient should inform the physician of the ruling of the Shari'ah and request him to take cognisance of that. There should be no excuse assumed for lack of knowledge and awareness. The Muslim must inform.

Death by Abdominal Disease Is Shahid ?

Yes, it is true. A person who dies due to abdominal disease is considered Shahid.

The Hadith is mentioned in Bukhari: Volume 1: Chapter of Sickness and Medication.