Islamic seminary issues 'fatwa' against female foeticide

An Islamic seminary has issued a decree (fatwa) terming female foeticide as forbidden for Muslims.

The fatwa was issued by a four-member panel of the Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal on a query posted by social activist from Bhadewan Huma Khwaja, who inquired about the legal status of female foeticide under the Shariat.

She inquired what is the Shariat's view on the practice of sex determination by Muslims. She also asked whether aborting female foetus was permitted by the Quran.

The fatwa states that abortion after getting information about the sex of the foetus is a violation of the Shariat and forbidden for Muslims.

"As killing a person is not right, slicing of one's own limb is equally prohibited," the fatwa said.