What is the ruling on a wife aborting her pregnancy in the sixth month—knowing it is a female—at the request of her husband, who was upset that the baby is a female, given her fear of divorce and the non-recognition of the child if she refuses, and her fear for herself and her children from his anger?

Disliking daughters is a characteristic of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Abortion is forbidden after the soul has been breathed into the fetus. Therefore, it is not permissible to obey the husband in the matter of abortion. He should be advised, and if he insists on abortion and harm is feared from him, the matter should be referred to the Sharia (definition) judge to protect the wife and the fetus. It is not permissible for a woman to seek divorce except for a legitimate Sharia reason, and it is not permissible to accuse a Muslim man or woman of something shameful without evidence.