What Is Done With The Afterbirth Of A Child

Question: Assalamu Alaikum,

Is it allowed for the hospital to burn the afterbirth from a pregnant woman?

 

 

Answer: Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

The afterbirth should be buried and not left by the hospital to burn.

The human body is sacred and so are all its parts. On account of this, the Prophet  ﷺ instructed that the clipped hair and nails be buried. In this regard, Wa’il bin Hujr (R.A) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ ordered hair and nails to be buried.’ (Mujam – Al Kabeer).

It is also narrated from Abdulah bin Umar (R.A) that the Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Bury nails, hair and blood.’ (Baihaqi in Sunan Al Kubra).

Based on these guidelines, one should understand that the afterbirth is also part of the human body which must be disposed off in a desirable and honourable manner. In the Shariah, this manner is that of burying it and not burning it.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

18/3/2015