Is it Permissible to Know the Baby’s Gender During Pregnancy?

The Islamic Perspective on Knowing the Baby’s Gender Before Birth

Question: Can I ask a doctor whether the baby in the womb is a boy or a girl, and is there any sin in doing so?

Answer: There is no harm or sin in asking the doctor whether the baby in the womb is a boy or a girl. However, it should be understood that the doctor only provides an estimate based on medical tools, so it cannot be considered definitive knowledge. Sometimes the doctor says one thing, and the outcome is different.

From a precautionary standpoint, it is better not to seek knowledge of the baby’s gender. This is because when people find out, they often start overthinking about the future. In many cases, upon discovering that the baby is a girl, people contemplate abortion. This is why, in many places, it is legally forbidden to find out the baby’s gender, as most people who discover they are expecting a girl tend to consider terminating the pregnancy. Therefore, the better and more virtuous approach is to avoid finding out the gender. Whatever is in the womb will become apparent in due time, and Allah knows best what is beneficial for us. Whatever He gives will be good for us.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail