In Islam, the recommended practice regarding the placenta after birth is to bury it.
This practice stems from a general Islamic principle of respecting the human body, even after separation from the mother. The rationale is analogous to the obligation to bury the deceased human body, extending to detached parts as a sign of reverence, when possible. While not a mandatory religious requirement (fard), burying the placenta is considered a praiseworthy act (mustahabb) within the Islamic tradition.
Here's a breakdown:
- Recommended Practice: Burying the placenta is a recommended, though not obligatory, practice.
- Reasoning: It's seen as a way to show respect for the human body and its parts, similar to the respect given to a deceased person.
- Religious Obligation: It is not a religious obligation (fard) but a recommended action.
- Practical Considerations: This practice is often followed when feasible, respecting cultural and local customs.
In summary, burying the placenta after birth is a culturally influenced Islamic practice rooted in respecting the human body, considered a good deed but not a strict religious obligation.