Islamic interpreter: Religion drives his support for reproductive rights

Ustaz Siddeeq Abubakr has been a progressive voice educating Nigerian Muslims and their families on issues of reproductive health and rights.

Photo courtesy of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Every society nurtures its own beliefs and taboos related to sex, abortion and other aspects of reproductive health.  Culture, tradition and religion play important roles in how these topics are perceived and how —  or if —  they are talked about. Too often, traditional and religious leaders may avoid or denounce dialogue about reproductive health.

But one Nigerian religious leader is helping his community approach sex and related issues in a healthier manner — and still upholding time-honored beliefs.

Ustaz (an Arabic term for “professor” or one who has or teaches knowledge) Siddeeq Abubakr’s role as the Arabic-to-English interpreter of sermons at the National Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria, places him in the center of Islamic study and practice in the predominantly Muslim country.  And for more than a decade, the Ustaz has advocated for women’s reproductive health and rights under Islamic law. 

Ustaz Siddeeq was the first Islamic scholar in Nigeria to make a public pronouncement regarding women’s rights, and particularly a right to abortion, within Islam.  His explication that there is a place for elective abortion, especially within the first 120 days of pregnancy, paved the way for public discussion and debate on this issue.  His messages come in the form of public lectures, sermons, and TV and radio presentations. He also partners with a variety of nongovernmental organizations to promote the use of condoms and other effective contraceptive methods.

In describing his motivation to work on behalf of women’s health and rights, Ustaz Siddeeq said, “It is my duty as an Islamic scholar to expound and explain to adherents of the Islamic faith on all issues including women’s reproductive health and rights.  Prophet Mohammed has shown that tenderness and care toward women is essential and enjoins people to do the same.”

In addition to being the most populous country on the African continent, Nigeria has one of the highest estimated maternal death ratios in the world, as well as a very low rate of modern contraceptive use.  Unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion are major public-health problems — problems Ustaz Siddeeq feels a professional and moral duty to address.

He intends to keep creating awareness and educate people about reproductive health and rights issues. 

“It means my life.  It is my duty, and it is what Islam stands for.  My ability to inform and educate people has further enriched my life as an Islamic scholar.”

For more information, contact:
Kirsten Sherk
Senior Associate, Media Relations
e-mail: sherkk@ipas.org
phone: 919.960.5612
fax: 919.929.0258