Guilt over Abortion

Q: A few years ago I fell pregnant out of wedlock and had an abortion (at about 6 weeks). I was too scared to tell my parents as I knew it would cause a huge embarrassment and scandal. I later went on to marry the man and we are now happily married with children. We constantly think about the abortion and feel guilty and I worry that Allah will punish me by causing harm to come to my children. What must we do to repent?

A: You need to repent for two sins. One is the sin of fornication (adultery), and the other is the sin of an unnecessary abortion. You and your husband should make 2 rakaats salaatut-tauba daily, and thereafter beg Allah for forgiveness. Do this for the next month of so. If you can’t do it daily, then every second or third day.

After this, there is nothing to worry about. Just make sure you never ever repeat the act of zinaa. Allah will grant forgiveness and will protect your children.

Whenever you think of that sin, just engage in istighfaar (reciting ASTAGHFIRULLAHAL AZHEEM) in abundance.

Allah forgive us all and protect us from His disobedience, aameen

Mufti Siraj Desai