Answer: According to the scholars of the Mazhab of Imam Abu Hanifa, it will be permissible to do an abortion until four months of pregnancy for the following valid reasons:

• When a pregnancy resulted from rape or adultery
  
• When there is a serious fear of the health of the mother
  
• When there is a fear in the case of a very young girl who fears to become a mother
  
• When there is a diseased fetus
  
• When the spouses are on the verge of a separation
  
• Severe poverty
  

These scholars have allowed abortion in the above cases since it is not equal to taking a life (as the soul is blown into the fetus after four months - 120 days). It must be understood that only in valid cases this allowance is given. If there is no valid case then abortion will not be permissible since due to pregnancy, the fetus has the potential to become an independent human being and must not be disturbed.

These scholars have also stated that after the period of 120 days of pregnancy it will not be permissible to do an abortion since it is interfering with a life. However, if it is to save the mother's life, then it will become permissible since it is choosing the lesser of the two difficulties.

According to the scholars of the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali Mazhabs, abortion is not permissible at any stage of pregnancy except to save the life of the mother. They however, agreed that the soul is blown into the fetus after 120 days of pregnancy.

And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan