The Importance of Understanding Islamic Teaching in Curbing the Stigma of Out of Wedlock Children When Making Illegitimate Pregnancy Resolution in Malay Muslim Community in Malaysia

Albeit the majority of Malaysian population is Muslim, countless abortions, coerced adoptions and newborn abandonment due to their illegitimate status are still happening in this country. With limited time and source of information, out of wedlock pregnancy resolutions are often made in haste and not necessarily weighed thoughtfully. In the attempt to curb this phenomenon, the reasonable preventive measure is religious teachings. However, instead of following the prescribed as mentioned in Quran and Sunnah, many base their strategies on common logic and cultural beliefs, which after so long, became the credence they hold on to. Islamic teachings are confused with culture, resulting skepticism and erroneous conclusions. Using library research methodology, this paper explores the correlation between the stigma of out of wedlock children and illegitimate pregnancy resolutions, by focusing on the religious fallacies within Malay Muslim community. It is believed the stronger the stigma, the worse it could get for the pregnancy, unless if Islamic teachings intervenes during the process