Dr. Atiya Lashin, formerly a member of Al-Azhar’s Fatwa Committee, stated that denying the existence of female infanticide among some people in pre-Islamic Arabia does not align with Quranic verses and established works of Quranic interpretation.
He emphasized that the subject should be approached through recognized methods of Quranic interpretation rather than individual opinion or personal preference.
Did Female Infanticide Exist in Pre-Islamic Arabia?
Dr. Atiya Lashin was responding to a question about claims denying the practice of burying newborn girls alive among pre-Islamic Arabs.
He stated that such a denial, when made categorically, conflicts with the Quranic passages addressing the issue and with the interpretations provided by classical scholars.
What Does the Quran Say About the Practice?
Lashin cited several Quranic verses addressing the issue. Among the clearest is:
“And when the girl who was buried alive is asked: For what sin was she killed?” [Quran 81:8-9]
He also referred to verses in Surah An-Nahl describing the reaction of some people to the birth of a daughter:
“And when one of them is given news of a female, his face becomes darkened, while he suppresses his grief… Should he keep her in humiliation or bury her in the ground? Surely evil is their judgment.” [Quran 16:58-59]
These verses describe attitudes and practices attributed to some people in pre-Islamic society concerning the birth of girls.
What Are the Main Methods of Quranic Interpretation?
Lashin explained that Muslim scholars have developed recognized approaches to interpreting the Quran. One major method is tafsir bil-ma’thur, or interpretation based on transmitted reports.
This approach includes interpreting the Quran through other Quranic verses, then through the Prophetic Sunnah, followed by reports attributed to the Companions and their successors.
Another approach involves reasoned interpretation, provided that it remains grounded in the Arabic language, principles of Islamic jurisprudence, established interpretive rules, and disciplined reasoning rather than personal desires.
Why Did Scholars Warn Against Interpreting the Quran Without Knowledge?
Lashin referred to a statement attributed to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq expressing great caution about making personal claims concerning the meaning of the Quran.
The principle reflects the importance of approaching Quranic interpretation with knowledge, evidence, and methodological discipline rather than making definitive claims based solely on personal impressions.
What Do Classical Commentaries Say About Female Infanticide?
Lashin noted that major classical works of Quranic commentary discussed the verses concerning female infanticide.
He referred to the commentaries associated with major scholars including Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, Al-Alusi, and Ibn Kathir, which addressed the relevant Quranic passages and their historical and linguistic meanings.
Why Is Consulting Scholars Important?
Lashin stressed the importance of consulting qualified scholars when a person encounters difficulty understanding a Quranic verse or an Islamic ruling.
He cited the Quranic instruction:
“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” [Quran 16:43]
Understanding Quranic texts can require knowledge of Arabic, context, Prophetic traditions, scholarly interpretations, and the principles used to derive meanings from religious texts.
The Importance of Caution When Discussing the Quran
Lashin concluded by emphasizing the need for careful verification when discussing the Quran and Islamic rulings and against interpreting religious texts according to personal opinion.
The issue of female infanticide is addressed in the Quran in its discussion of practices attributed to some people in pre-Islamic society, including the verse:
“For what sin was she killed?” [Quran 81:9]
Did female infanticide exist among pre-Islamic Arabs?
Quranic verses and classical commentaries describe the practice among some people in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Which Quranic verses mention the buried girl?
Surah At-Takwir states: “And when the girl who was buried alive is asked: For what sin was she killed?” [Quran 81:8-9]
Did classical scholars discuss female infanticide?
Yes. Major Quranic commentaries, including works associated with Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, Al-Alusi, and Ibn Kathir, addressed the relevant verses.
Why should people consult qualified scholars about Quranic interpretation?
Because interpreting Quranic texts requires knowledge of language, Prophetic traditions, context, scholarly commentary, and established interpretive principles.
What is tafsir bil-ma’thur?
It is an approach to Quranic interpretation based on the Quran itself, the Prophetic Sunnah, and transmitted reports from the Companions and their successors.
