Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I have a question regarding a sister who is pregnant (5 months) and following recent scans has been informed that the child’s brain has stopped developing since 12 weeks and that the baby it is severely deformed. They’ve also said that the baby is likely to die within one hour of birth if any life is visible at all. She does not want the abortion. However the birth is likely to take place and consultants have suggested that there may be complications at birth, so they may need to carry out caesarean if the baby is suffering during birth. Obviously the life of the child has already been decreed by Allah Almighty. Therefore the question I have is that in such circumstances would it be better to have a natural birth or the caesarean if need be, bearing in mind that the future chances of more children are reduced by a caesarean.
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad, his folk, companions, and followers
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
May Allah grant the sister and us health (shifa’) and well-being (`afiya), and may He grant her and us all good in this life and the next. When there is an obvious benefit in having a cesarean, it is permitted. Which is chosen should be a decision made by the sister, with her husband, and expert medical opinion. One should turn to Allah in supplication, and avail oneself of the light and blessings of the prayer of seeking guidance (salat al-istikhara).
Please use the search engine at www.SunniPath.com for istikhara for details regarding it.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani