Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Surrogacy in Islam has a very complex set of views. A woman bears and delivers a baby for someone else or a couple who is unable to conceive or bring a pregnancy to term on their own through the assisted reproduction technique of surrogacy. But, is surrogacy haram? Is it permitted in Islam? Can a Muslim woman carry a surrogated fetus? Read till the end to know about it.
Islam lays much stricter rules on sexual acts and their disclosure to society to maintain the decency of privacy. Through this article, we help you find out what is allowed and what isn’t in Islam when it comes to surrogacy. Keep reading to find out.
Shaykh ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Jibrin cleared this view as:
“We say that taking an egg from a woman, fertilizing it with her husband’s sperm, then implanting it in the womb of another woman, is something innovative and reprehensible.”
Why Is Surrogacy Haram?
Traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate mother’s egg is used and then fertilized with the intended father’s sperm, is generally considered haram or forbidden. This is because it involves the surrogate mother carrying and giving birth to a child that is biologically related to her, which is considered a form of Zina or adultery.
Dr. ‘Abd al-‘Azim al-Mat’ani, cleared his beliefs regarding the subject at al-Azhar University as:
“Even if this is not full-scale Zina (adultery), it is still definitely haram because it is enabling a man who is a stranger to her (i.e., not married to her) to put his semen in her womb.”
On the other hand, gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother carries a child that is not biologically related to her, is allowed as long as the fertilization process involves the use of the husband’s sperm and a donor egg.
However, even in the case of gestational surrogacy, some scholars consider it problematic due to concerns about the potential for the exploitation of women and the commodification of children.
According to some Islamic scholars, surrogacy is not allowed in Islam because it involves the use of a third party’s reproductive material, which is considered to be a violation of Islamic law.
However, some scholars argue that surrogacy may be permissible if it is done using the husband’s sperm and the surrogate mother is married to another man, or if it is done using the wife’s egg and the husband’s sperm. So, now you know the answer to “Is Surrogacy Haram”.
Is Renting A Womb Forbidden In Islam?
According to Islamic ethics, surrogacy or “renting a womb” is not allowed in Islam because it may lead to confusion of lineage and not knowing who the biological parents are. Islam unequivocally recommends building a family only through biological relationships.
The child may be deprived of information about his or her lineage, which may result in half-sibling marriage, a dangerous consequence for society. Surrogacy is prohibited, according to a fatwa (Islamic ruling) issued by Islamic scholars.
Due to worries about the possibility of women’s exploitation and the commodification of children, some academics view surrogacy as problematic. To verify that any surrogacy agreement is carried out by Islamic principles, it is usually essential to speak with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar before entering into one.
What Are The Popular Hadiths Regarding Surrogacy?
One commonly cited hadith that is relevant to the issue of surrogacy is the Prophet’s saying,
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Some scholars use this hadith to argue that surrogacy could be problematic if it involves the exploitation or harm of women, as they may be subjected to physical and emotional stress during the pregnancy and childbirth process.
Another hadith that is sometimes referenced in discussions about surrogacy is the Prophet’s statement,
“The child belongs to the bed (i.e., biological parents) and the adulterer is to be stoned.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
Some scholars interpret this hadith to mean that a child should be attributed to their biological parents, and therefore traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate mother’s egg is used) would not be permissible in Islam.
Also, Read:
Is Monster Energy Drink Halal Or Haram?
Frequently Asked Questions: Is Surrogacy Haram
Q 1: What Are The Islamic Beliefs On Surrogacy?
A 1: The approach is taken and the particulars of the surrogacy arrangement will determine how Muslims view surrogacy.
Q 2: Who Is The Real Mother Of Surrogacy In Islam?
A 2: Islamic scholars generally concur that the biological mother in gestational surrogacy—where the surrogate mother carries a kid who is not her biological child—is the woman whose egg was used to fertilize the husband’s sperm.
Q 3: What Religions Do Not Allow Surrogacy?
A 3: The Catholic Church holds that surrogacy and other forms of assisted reproductive technologies that divide the unitive and procreative parts of sexual activity are evil and violate natural law.
Conclusion
So, This was all about “Is Surrogacy Haram”. It’s important to note that while hadiths and Islamic legal rulings (fatwas) can guide various issues, the permissibility of surrogacy in Islam is still a matter of debate among Islamic scholars. As a result, it is usually advisable to consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar before entering into any surrogacy arrangements.
