Is Embryo Gender Selection Allowed in Islam? Shia & Sunni Perspectives

The advancement of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and PGD has provided Muslim couples with the possibility of embryo gender selection—knowing and even choosing the gender of their future child before implantation. This scientific ability, however, has posed serious jurisprudential (Fiqhi) questions: Is the choice of the gender of a child permissible in Islam, or is it considered an interference with the Divine will? Most Marjas (Grand Ayatollahs) in Shia jurisprudence find sex selection permissible in itself, as long as it is not followed by any forbidden (Haram) acts. However, most scholars in Sunni jurisprudence do not permit sex selection for non-medical reasons (unless to avoid sex-linked genetic disorders) or consider it Makruh (strongly disliked), citing reasons such as changing divine creation and blocking the natural way of human reproduction.

In the rest of this article, we will discuss the documented fatwas of Shia Marjas, the detailed views of Sunni scholars, jurisprudential challenges, and answers to common doubts, with references to primary Islamic sources. The Raadina Health Medical Tourism Company provides specialized consultation on infertility treatments in strict compliance with Islamic principles at the most reputable centers in Iran.

Why Are Muslim Couples Hesitant About Sex Selection?

Since Islam is a comprehensive religion that gives guidance (fatwas) for all aspects of life, Muslims prefer to know the religious rulings regarding any action, especially modern and novel practices, and act according to God’s commands. Muslims believe God created and is the final decider of all things, including whether a child will be a boy or a girl. Some Muslims, therefore, are afraid that sex selection is an interference in the divine creation.

Some believe that sex selection is permissible only for medical reasons, such as to prevent the transmission of diseases. But Islamic law is not static, and it provides fatwas applicable to modern issues under specific conditions. So it is very natural to be hesitant and worried, but once you get to know the views of different Islamic jurists—especially that of your own Marja (source of emulation)—your worries will disappear completely.

Patient Experience: Samaneh (37) and Hamed (40) are a married couple who decided to have a child after years of marriage. They desperately wanted a girl as their only child but were very concerned about the Islamic ruling on sex selection. “I was very concerned that this would be interfering with divine will and it would be a sin,” Samaneh says. “So we were very hesitant to do it.” Eventually, they researched the fatwas of their particular Marja and found that sex selection, within the Islamic framework, is completely permissible. Now they are proud parents of a six-month-old baby girl.

Read more: 21 Common Questions About Fetal Gender Selection

Is Sex Selection Haram or Halal from a Religious Perspective?

The majority of Islamic scholars today consider the basic act of sex selection not to be intrinsically haram (forbidden). But there are conditions and limitations. The process should not involve the commission of sins, illicit sexual relations, or unnecessary physical exposure or contact with non-mahram medical staff. Moreover, priority must be given to the health of the mother and the fetus, and the mixing of lineages (mixing sperm and egg from individuals not married to each other) must be strictly avoided.

One of the most frequently discussed Quranic verses regarding this topic is Surah Ash-Shura, Verses 49-50. This is translated as:

"To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent."

Some have interpreted this verse to mean that one should not try to select the gender of a child. But this interpretation is not accepted by many modern commentators and jurists. They say that the verse emphasizes the complete sovereignty of God over the system of creation, and that man's use of natural means is in accordance with the divine will, not in opposition to it. If a person falls ill, they should not say, “This is the will of God, and seeking treatment is against the will of God.” The use of medical technologies, as long as it is within the limits of Islamic law, does not conflict with the will of God.

The Islamic Ruling on Sex Selection According to Shia Scholars

The majority of Shia jurists consider the use of modern medical technologies permissible, as long as no haram (forbidden) act is committed during the process. So the issue for Shia scholars is not sex selection per se but the preliminaries of the sex selection procedure. Discussions in research centers like the Islamic Research Institute for Culture and Thought on medical jurisprudence suggest that sex selection is permissible if it is within the Islamic frameworks and is done to preserve lineage, avoid harm, and maintain human dignity.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s View

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei considers fetal sex selection to be inherently permissible, but subject to the observance of Islamic laws. He believes that there is no religious objection to sex selection as long as it does not involve a haram act (e.g., unnecessary looking or touching by a non-mahram) and does not lead to any corruption or negative societal consequences (Mafsada).

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi's Perspective

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi also sees sex selection as permissible as long as it does not contravene Islamic laws. The documents published by his office state that sex selection is inherently permissible as long as it is done through scientific methods and does not involve the commission of a forbidden act. However, he stresses that this technology should not be used to upset the natural gender balance in society or to discriminate between boys and girls.

Ayatollah Sistani’s View

Ayatollah Sistani has not banned the principle of sex selection of the fetus, but he has strictly stressed the need to fully comply with religious guidelines. In the case where sex selection does not require unnecessary physical exposure to a non-mahram and all other Islamic standards are strictly followed, the act is permissible itself according to his fatwa.

The Islamic Ruling on Sex Selection According to Sunni Scholars

There are more varied opinions among Sunni scholars. If this procedure is done for medical purposes, i.e., to avoid the passage of genetic disorders, most Sunni jurists agree that it is absolutely acceptable and permissible. As for the non-medical purpose, some scholars believe that if it is done within the Islamic guidelines, it is permissible. Others believe that sex selection based purely on personal preference should be approached with much more caution.

There are minor differences of opinion among the four main Sunni schools of thought, but the general views can be summarized as follows (Note: This is a general summary of the collective views, and individual scholars within a permitted school may still consider it haram):

• Hanafi: The core use of medical technologies can be considered permissible provided Islamic guidelines are met, and there are no negative societal consequences.
• Maliki: Exercises more caution regarding elective, non-essential sex selection and places greater emphasis on preserving the natural order of creation.
• Shafi'i: Takes a positive approach in cases of medical necessity, such as preventing hereditary diseases, but remains much more cautious in other non-medical scenarios.
• Hanbali: Many contemporary jurists in this school permit gender selection only in cases of medical necessity and strict adherence to Islamic laws.

The Resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Academy

According to Sunni jurisprudential documents from the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), utilizing sex selection technologies in cases of medical necessity is permissible. But the institution cautions against the widespread and uncontrolled application of sex selection for personal ends, warning of possibly negative social impacts, such as a destabilized population balance.

Ibn Baz's Opinion

The principle of resorting to medical procedures to assist fertility and select gender is not absolutely prohibited, according to documents released by his office. But he emphasizes strongly that this must not be accompanied by religious prohibitions, such as exposing the private parts unnecessarily (Awrah), the mixing of lineages, or the unauthorized manipulation of the reproductive process. He also believes that the unregulated use of this technology just to satisfy personal preferences can have serious social and moral consequences.

Ibn Kathir’s View

Ibn Kathir, having lived in the 8th century of Islam, did not give a direct opinion on modern medical sex selection. However, in his tafsir of verses 49 and 50 of Surah Ash-Shura, he emphasizes that the gender of a child, boy or girl, is entirely in the will and decree of God and there is nothing independent of God’s will. Of course, his understanding of this verse cannot be applied as a contemporary legal ruling (fatwa) on the advanced sex selection techniques of today.

The View of Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah

According to the fatwas issued by Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah of Egypt, sex selection is permissible on the condition that it is done with the lawful sperm and egg of the married couple, in accordance with Islamic standards, and without any mixing of lineages. This center also finds the procedure to be highly acceptable for the prevention of the transmission of genetic illnesses.

Is There Any Fundamental Difference Between the Shia and Sunni Fiqh on This Issue?

However, some may be surprised to learn that in terms of fetal sex selection, Shia and Sunni jurisprudence are not fundamentally at odds. There is consensus between both schools that this modern medical procedure is not in itself haram, and its permissibility is very much dependent upon the conditions of its use.

The only difference is in the level of caution regarding non-medical (elective) use. Most Shia scholars allow sex selection even for personal reasons if Islamic rules are strictly obeyed. However, Sunni institutions generally are more cautious and restrictive of elective sex selection.

Sex Selection with IVF from a Religious Perspective

Most Shia and Sunni jurists agree that IVF for sex selection is permissible if it is in strict accordance with all religious guidelines. Currently, the most common and accurate method of fetal sex selection is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT/PGD). In this technique, the embryo is prepared in a laboratory and only the embryo of the desired gender is transferred to the mother’s uterus.

Sex Selection with IUI From a Religious Perspective

From a religious perspective, the ruling on IUI is not essentially different from other infertility treatments; if the religious criteria are followed, it is allowed. But unlike IVF, the IUI method does not guarantee the sex of the baby; it just increases the probability of conceiving a boy or girl.

Read more: Various Methods for Fetal Gender Selection

In Which Islamic Countries is Sex Selection Permitted?

Laws on fetal sex selection across Islamic countries are shaped by a combination of religious edicts, health policies, medical regulations, and even demographic considerations, so the rules can vary significantly from one Muslim country to another. While sex selection for medical reasons is generally permitted, elective use for personal preference is often more restricted. Among these countries, Gender Selection in Iran stands out as one of the more accessible options, legally permitted in licensed centers for both medical and non-medical (family balancing) purposes, provided the couple is legally married.

Read more: Best Country for Gender Selection: Comparing Regulations, Costs, and Success Rates

Conclusion

Fetal sex selection has become a widely practiced procedure worldwide in recent years. There is often a reluctance on the part of Muslims to deal with this issue, who want to ensure that the practice does not conflict with their religious principles. The principle of fetal sex selection is not intrinsically forbidden in Islam, according to the fatwas of Shia Marjas, the opinions of Sunni scholars, and reports of reputable Islamic institutions. Its legitimacy is largely dependent on the circumstances of implementation, the reasons for the action, and the strict adherence to religious rules. There are slight differences of opinion, and it is highly recommended that people refer to the specific fatwas of their own Marja (source of emulation).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I interfering in God's work by selecting my child's gender?

No. The majority of Shia and Sunni jurists believe that the use of modern medical technologies does not mean fighting God's will. Just as you seek treatment and use modern medicine when you fall ill, choosing the gender of your child is not inherently problematic as long as Islamic laws are strictly observed.

Are the fatwas of all Shia Marjas identical on this issue?

There are no major differences between the Shia Marjas on the main principle. There may be slight differences of opinion about how it should be done, but most people think sex selection should be allowed.

Should sex selection be allowed only for medical reasons (such as sex-linked genetic disorders)?

Nope. In Islamic jurisprudence, especially in Shia Fiqh, many Marjas allow sex selection for personal and medical reasons as long as all religious conditions and limits are strictly followed.

Is the spouse's consent a religious requirement for sex selection?

Although many fatwas do not explicitly mention the spouse’s consent as a separate “religious condition,” from the perspective of Islamic ethics, family law, and even the process of medical treatment itself, sex selection is a mutual decision of husband and wife and requires the full consent of both parties.

Is this procedure perceived equally from a religious perspective in all Islamic countries?

No. The sex selection-related laws in Islamic countries are influenced by the interaction between executive laws, medical regulations, health policies, and particular jurisprudential interpretations, leading to different final regulations in different countries.