How Islam Saved Daughters From Death

In the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah), some Arab tribes practised the cruel custom of burying baby girls alive. This practice was not common throughout all of Arabia; rather, it existed among certain tribes and people with a particular mindset. The reasons usually included fear of poverty, tribal shame, or the fear that daughters might be captured by enemies.

In Makkah, there are popular stories that associate certain places with this ظلم, but historically, there is no definitive agreement on one exact location. Some people point to deserts or valleys around Makkah where such incidents may have occurred, yet authentic Islamic history does not confirm any single site as “the place where daughters were buried alive.”

However, the Holy Qur’an strongly condemned this practice:

“And when the baby girl who was buried alive is asked:
For what sin was she killed?”
— Surah At-Takwir 81:8–9

The Quran

In another verse, Allah says:

“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty.”
— Surah Al-Isra 17:31

The Quran

Islam completely abolished this cruel custom, declared daughters to be a mercy, and made their good upbringing a means to attain Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever has three daughters, treats them kindly, raises them well, and cares for them properly, Paradise will be guaranteed for him.”

Muhammad ﷺ

With the coming of Islam, Arab society was transformed with a new sense of humanity, where daughters were no longer considered a source of shame but a blessing from Allah.

Islam Saved Daughters

Buried Alive Before Islam

The Dark Age Before Islam

Why Were Baby Girls Buried Alive?
Before Islam, women—especially baby girls—were often treated with injustice in parts of Arabian society. Some were even buried alive due to fear of poverty or social shame. Islam came as a revolution of mercy and dignity, completely transforming this ظلم into honour, rights, and respect for women. The Qur’an elevated the status of women and gave them legal, social, and spiritual rights that reshaped society forever.

📚 Explanation

In the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), some tribes practised female infanticide due to poverty or shame. Islam strongly condemns this practice and declares it a major sin.

The Qur’an says:

“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We provide for them and for you.”
The Quran

Islam also honoured daughters and made their upbringing a source of Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever raises daughters with kindness will be rewarded greatly.

Muhammad ﷺ

After Islam — Women’s Rights in the Qur’an:

Islam gave women rights such as:

Right to life (no killing of daughters)
Right to inheritance
Right to education and knowledge
Right to dignity and respect
Right to choose marriage
Right to property ownership
Right to financial independence
Protection from abuse and oppression

The Qur’an clearly establishes equality in spiritual reward:

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.”
The Quran