In the age of ignorance Islam came as a mercy for the whole of mankind and provided women a

reputable position in the society. It was made clear through the Qur’an that those parents who kill
their female children shall be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection. Today it seems we are
back to the age of ignorance and once again we need to be reminded of that warning:

And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked

For what sin she was killed? (Surah at-Takweer, Chapter 81, ayaat/verses 8-9)

In this sense, the modern and civilized world is no different from the ancient pre-Islam uneducated
and uncivilized tribal Arab society in terms of its attitude to the girls. Daughters were considered
a burden and a symbol of dishonor in those days and they are considered so even today. No law or
lure of monetary reward can stop female feticide until people realize the value of and have love
and sympathy for the human life. Right from its advent, Islam guaranteed a place in heaven to
those who protect and treat their daughters well and so people who earlier hated their daughters
the most became their protectors. The Quran came down heavily on those who expressed their
disapproval and shame on the birth of daughters saying:
“And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes
dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of
that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the earth?
Certainly, evil is their decision.”(Surah Al Nahl 58-59)
The Quran further warns that those burying and killing their daughters will be taken to task:
“And when the souls shall be joined with their bodies; And when the female (infant) buried alive
(as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed?”(Surah Al
Takweer 7-9)
God also forbids people to kill their children for the fear of poverty:
“Kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; (Surah
Al An’am 151)
In other Surah, God again asks men to refrain from this inhuman practice. He says:
“And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely, the killing
of them is a great sin.” (Surah Al Isra 31)
There are numerous traditions of the holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasizing the rewards for protecting,
educating and fair treatment to the daughters. A hadith says:
“If anyone cares for three daughters, disciplines them, marries them off, and does good to them,
he will go to Paradise. (Sunan Abudawood: Book 41, Hadith 5128)
Another hadith says thus:
“‘Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour
his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise.’
Similarly a third hadith says:
“He who is involved (in the responsibility) of (bringing up) daughters, and he accords benevolent
treatment towards them, there would be protection for him against Hell-Fire.” (Muslim: Book 32,
Hadith 6362)