Difference of Opinion about Breathing of Soul Into Fetus
Fatwa No: 408985

Question

Hello, I'm german and my english is not very well.
I'm interested in Islam since some time.
As far as I know all 4 sunni madhahib are saying, the soul gets into the embryo at day 120.
Now I got posted a link with an analysis that says: all wrong, the soul gets into embryo at day 40.
Here's the link I got (it's in english, too):
https://questionsonislam.com/question/when-spirit-given-fetus-uterus
Now my question is:
Why are the 4 sunni madhabib saying 120 Days?
Is this a one-sided analysis? Or what are the arguments in the sunni madhahib?
I hope to get enlightended (sorry for my bad english)
yours sincerely

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

We would like to thank you for visiting our website, for writing to us, and for your interest in Islam.

Firstly, we would like to confirm to you that the religious texts, whether the Quran or the Sunnah, were revealed for a great purpose, which is to guide the people to their Creator, and to explain for them how to worship Him, and what are the principles of morality and regulations (laws) that should govern people's dealings with one another. The Quran is not a Book to explain the minute experimental sciences, though it addressed many fields in these sciences.

Secondly, the authentic and explicit text does not contradict an established scientific fact. There is no explicit clear text in determining when the soul is breathed into the fetus. Therefore, the scholars differed in opinion, and the reason for this difference is due to their different understanding of the texts where this issue is mentioned. The difference of opinion is not due to a contradiction in these texts, and therefore, this difference of opinion is not a problem for us.

Hence, the difference exists among the Sunni scholars and its reason is clear and normal. There is no deficiency in Islam and the Muslims in confirming this difference while explaining its cause.

On this occasion, we would like to invite you to embrace Islam, which is the true religion through which one achieves happiness in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

We perceive that you have a sound mind that is devoid of prejudice and blind imitation, which will only lead you to that which is best.

Please refer to the following Fataawa in which we proved that Islam is the true religion: 173389, 16595, and 85234.

Allah Knows best.

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