Is a child born carrying some of his parents' behaviors, what is the probability of him acquiring bad traits genetically, what is the ruling on that, and what things does a newborn inherit from his parents besides physical features?
The sacred texts do not contain anything that confirms the influence of genetic inheritance on a person's deeds, morals, righteousness, or corruption. Rather, they indicate the opposite, such as Noah's disbelieving son and Abraham's disbelieving father. Despite the existence of potential Quranic allusions to the influence of inheritance on righteousness or corruption (such as "they will not beget except wicked disbelievers" and "descendants, some from others"), their indication of a direct influence is remote and may be interpreted as referring to upbringing and environment. The Quran establishes absolute justice and that every soul earns only what is for it, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another, which negates the transfer of the burdens of ancestors to descendants. The genetic factor may influence psychological and mental dispositions related to physiological factors, but it does not influence the psychological and spiritual impetus that determines the choice of righteousness or corruption, for choice is free and is the secret of divine injunctions. Man is born upon فطرة (primordial nature), and his heart is receptive to every imprint, and his parents may make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian. Man is free in his choices, and divine justice is based on holding every soul accountable for what it has earned. The influence of inheritance, if it exists, is limited and does not contradict these constants.
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- Original fatwa ID
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