Egg Donation of a Surrogate Mother
Question
Title: Egg Donation of a Surrogate Mother Question: If we consider an imaginary case of bigamy (a husband married to two wives), an ovum being taken from one wife, fertilized with husband's sperm, and carried-till-birth in the womb of the second wife. Here comes the difficult part. The husband is binding into nikah with the second wife so she can donate her eggs for his first wife (the second women has agreed that it is an arrangement and that she will be divorced after the retrieval of her eggs. confusing??) Please help me as this is the only way for me to have a child. Answer: Surrogate motherhood is not touched upon in the Shari'ah . [1] However, the circumstances you have explained violate at least one Islamic principle regarding marriage. This principle states that a man and women come together in matrimony to fulfill a lasting union with one another. In other words, marriage in Islam proposes to provide security in a relationship with the attempt to avoid divorce. Your example clearly transgresses these bounds because the circumstance would create a temporary marriage situation. One cannot simply contract a wife or husband for a particular need then rid him or herself of the other person. This would be unethical and stands counter to Islamic guidelines as to what constitutes a marriage. I do truly empathize with your situation; part of our existence in this life is to be challenged with the Test. We are tested on how well we remain perseverant to His will, how steadfast we will remain in our faith even when doing so challenges our most powerful cravings. I suggest that you keep seeking various other possibilities that may help you with your circumstances. The medical field is teeming with wonderful solutions; exhaust all possibilities if you have not done so yet. I urge you to strengthen yourself in times such as the one you are experiencing at the moment and trust in the Lord. He may bless you with a solution better than what you have in mind. Nevertheless, irrespective of the outcome have faith that God will stand by you and will guide you if you decide to allow yourself into his hands. May the Almighty guide you and give you strength. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan January 25, 2004 [1] Surrogacy for a Legitimate Couple
Answer
Title: Egg Donation of a Surrogate Mother Question: If we consider an imaginary case of bigamy (a husband married to two wives), an ovum being taken from one wife, fertilized with husband's sperm, and carried-till-birth in the womb of the second wife. Here comes the difficult part. The husband is binding into nikah with the second wife so she can donate her eggs for his first wife (the second women has agreed that it is an arrangement and that she will be divorced after the retrieval of her eggs. confusing??) Please help me as this is the only way for me to have a child. Answer: Surrogate motherhood is not touched upon in the Shari'ah . [1] However, the circumstances you have explained violate at least one Islamic principle regarding marriage. This principle states that a man and women come together in matrimony to fulfill a lasting union with one another. In other words, marriage in Islam proposes to provide security in a relationship with the attempt to avoid divorce. Your example clearly transgresses these bounds because the circumstance would create a temporary marriage situation. One cannot simply contract a wife or husband for a particular need then rid him or herself of the other person. This would be unethical and stands counter to Islamic guidelines as to what constitutes a marriage. I do truly empathize with your situation; part of our existence in this life is to be challenged with the Test. We are tested on how well we remain perseverant to His will, how steadfast we will remain in our faith even when doing so challenges our most powerful cravings. I suggest that you keep seeking various other possibilities that may help you with your circumstances. The medical field is teeming with wonderful solutions; exhaust all possibilities if you have not done so yet. I urge you to strengthen yourself in times such as the one you are experiencing at the moment and trust in the Lord. He may bless you with a solution better than what you have in mind. Nevertheless, irrespective of the outcome have faith that God will stand by you and will guide you if you decide to allow yourself into his hands. May the Almighty guide you and give you strength. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan January 25, 2004 [1] Surrogacy for a Legitimate Couple
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