Islam and Reproductive Justice
Islam is a central part of reproductive making for many Muslims. But unfortunately, it is difficult to find faith-inspired, accessible, and trauma-informed reproductive justice approaches that meets the needs of Muslims, especially Muslims on the margins. HEART works to fill this gap.
Reproductive Justice Rooted in Islamic Values
Our values support and reflect RAHIM: Reproductive Agency Honoring Impacted Muslims. The values are categorized in three sections:
Internal - to be applied in to one’s self
Interpersonal - to be applied relationally
Communal - to be applied in larger systemic sense and within community spaces.
Internal
Khilafah
MORAL AGENCY
We each have free will and with that comes the ability to make choices for our sexual and reproductive well-being. And for those choices, we are accountable to Allah (swt). Our decisions contribute to setting a standard for a moral social good.
Darura
NECESSITY
As the most impacted, we are at the center of our own sexual and reproductive decision-making. We know best what is truly necessary for our well-being. Our decisions are aligned with our faith values, practices of kinship, and individual needs.
Ridha
FULLNESS OF CHOICE
In order to exercise our agency and practice informed consent, we must have access to the full range of choices available to us, as well as the information, systems, and resources that support these choices.
Interpersonal
Rahma
COMPASSION
We respond to ourselves and each other with compassion and care. Especially as we navigate experiences of reproductive trauma, violence, or difficult decision making.
Hurma
SACRED INVIOLABILITY
Each individual is a sacred being and if any harm is to come to them, it is a grave injustice. This includes reproductive violence and oppression, such as reproductive and sexual coercion.
Communal
Shura
CONSULTATION
We consult medical professionals, spiritual guides, and community members with technical expertise to provide assistance to the impacted individual. Shura is a continuous process of consultation until the impacted person is satisfied.
Maslahah
COMMON GOOD
As a community, we move and act in ways that minimize harm, especially for vulnerable communities. The common good isn’t just about benefiting the majority, but rather protecting the most vulnerable from harm.
Fard Kifayah
COMMUNAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our communal obligation is to provide care and support for those most impacted. We trust our communities to know their situations best and we work to support their sexual and reproductive well-being. We carry the burden of this obligation and will be accountable for it to Allah (swt).
Read Our Framework
This framework is a living document where we share our understandings of Islamic legal, ethical and spiritual frameworks, existing RJ definitions and frameworks, and how it all connects to our commitment to abolition.
Glossary
Learn more about the phrases and language we use to understand Reproductive Justice for Muslims.
Educational Resources
Check out our resource library for resources on comprehensive sex ed, menstrual management, sexual health, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, post partum, pregnancy outcomes, and abortion.
View the Repro Timeline
Our Muslim People’s history of Reproductive Justice integrates our personal familial histories, the history of our ancestors, a mapping of political and social moments that shaped our societies, and a feminist understanding of our Islam that draws from the Quran and sunnah.