2252 Dear C. Greetings from Islamicitys Imam. Regarding question one about Abortion: Muslim scholars have different views about abortion. Some of them forbid it from the first day of conception while other ones allow it before the 120th day of pregnancy when the soul is breathed into the fetus. After that period, all of the scholars agree that it is not allowed unless there is an unavoidable danger on the health of the pregnant mother. This danger should be the judgment and opinion of qualified doctors. As to the case where the baby has a birth defect, or that a rape was committed, abortion is not allowed AFTER the 120th day, because the issue is about forbidding the killing of a human soul, whether on the 120th day of gestation, on the day of birth (9 month), or when the human is adult. Before the 120th day, it is a matter of disagreement. Each side has its argument and each case has its specific factors. Therefore, some scholars provide an opinion based on a case by case. Euthanasia: Muslim scholars prohibit euthanasia for terminally ill people but allow the use of pain killing drugs even if they have negative side effects. The drugs are considered the best alternative of a worse alternative (euthanasia), and the easing of pain for a peaceful and humane way of ending ones life is totally acceptable. As to your third question, we dont know what you want to know about animals. But Islam encourages the protection and the kind treatment of all animals. This is based on several verses in the Quran and saying of prophet Muhammad such as the order to sharpen a knife very well before slaughtering an animal to ease its pain, and such as the encouragement of planting a tree so that birds and other animals can benefit from it. In Islam, providing food for animals is considered as an act of worship and of charity that a Muslim gets reward for. Also, if a human being intentionally hurts an animal, even a small ant, he/she will be judged for the act. Good luck on your paper. Thank you for asking and God knows best. (Source: IslamiCity) Classified in Abortion - Euthanasia - Animals >