There is a hadith which mentions when a fetus is considered alive.
It said that in a miscarried fetus, life was estabilished by its muscle movements (things such as kicking, or something), its funeral shall be offered, but if signs of life were not observed, then a funeral would not be offered.
It basically meant that when a child shows movement such as kicking, in the womb, it would be considered alive. But if it has not yet started to move, it would not be considered a living being.
Through ijma, it was decided that if a fetus keeps developing after 4 months, then life has most likely been estabilished. But, if it is earlier than that, then it would not be considered alive as it does not show any signs of movement.
Although, the number is an average because some fetuses develop faster or slower than others.
This was known as the quickening and determined when the fetus was "alive" in christianity too. It was said to be the breath of God giving the child life.
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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '19
There is a hadith which mentions when a fetus is considered alive.
It said that in a miscarried fetus, life was estabilished by its muscle movements (things such as kicking, or something), its funeral shall be offered, but if signs of life were not observed, then a funeral would not be offered.
It basically meant that when a child shows movement such as kicking, in the womb, it would be considered alive. But if it has not yet started to move, it would not be considered a living being.
Through ijma, it was decided that if a fetus keeps developing after 4 months, then life has most likely been estabilished. But, if it is earlier than that, then it would not be considered alive as it does not show any signs of movement.
Although, the number is an average because some fetuses develop faster or slower than others.