What is the opinion of the Sharia regarding the saying of some elderly women that there is a child sleeping in their womb for many years?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Scholars have differed on the maximum duration of pregnancy. Some said four years (Malik, Shafi'i, and a narration from Ahmad), while others said two years (Aisha, al-Thawri, Abu Hanifa). Still others said three years (al-Layth). Abu Ubayd said there is no specific maximum limit, while al-Zuhri said a woman can be pregnant for six or seven years. Based on these differences and occurrences, there is no reason to disbelieve a woman who claims her pregnancy lasted for a long time, provided the initial pregnancy is confirmed.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 38425
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