as a means of repentance granted by Allah.”

If, however, he deliberately causes a miscarriage, he must receive a punishment that deters him from doing so. Such conduct impugns his religious integrity and probity. Allah knows best.

He—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked:

A pregnant woman deliberately induced a miscarriage, either through blows or by taking medicine. What is required of her?

He replied:

According to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the agreement of the imams, she must pay compensation consisting of a male or female slave. This compensation belongs to the fetus’s heirs, excluding its mother. If it has a father, the compensation belongs to him; if he wishes to waive the woman’s liability, he may do so. The value of this compensation is one-tenth of the blood money, or fifty dinars.

According to most scholars, she must also free a slave. If she cannot find one, she must fast for two consecutive months. If she is unable to do so, she must feed sixty poor people.

He—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—was asked:

A woman buried her son alive until he died. She was ill, as was he, and she had grown exasperated with him. What is required of her?