Is it permissible for my wife to abort a 25-day-old fetus? My financial and social status is not good right now and I already have a son. What is the Islamic ruling in this regard?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Abortion without a valid reason under Sharee`ah (Islamic law), regardless of the age of the fetus, is impermissible, since it is destruction of one’s offspring and a means of corruption on Earth. Furthermore, this abhorrent act is regarded as an unjust assault against a human being who is on his way out to this world to praise Allaah The Exalted and testify to His Oneness. Moreover, abortion is impermissible by one way or another, except in case the continuation of the pregnancy incurs sure harm and danger on the mother’s life. Abortion for fear of poverty due to low financial and social status contradicts due confidence, trust, and unshakeable belief in Allaah The Exalted. In addition, this justification is considered to be the worst reason for abortion that was prohibited in numerous verses. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin.}[Quran 17:31] Moreover, Allaah The Exalted also Says (what means): {And if you fear privation, Allaah will enrich you from His bounty if He wills. Indeed, Allaah is Knowing and Wise.} [Quran 9:28]

Allaah Knows best.