he wants me to have an abortion or he will divorce me...what are my rights in this matter?

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

It is our belief that a woman conceives only with the order and will of Allah. The practice of birth control methods is merely a means of not falling pregnant. The will and power of Allah can override all means. Therefore, your pregnancy should be viewed in that light. It is taqdeer. It is not correct for your husband to blame you for falling pregnant. It is a major sin to abort the pregnancy. We suggest a family meeting of elders be called up to discuss the issue. Nevertheless, if you have to choose between abortion and divorce, it will be meritorious for you to keep the child.

If you do not have the courage to bear a divorce and if you are compelled to abort, the burden of that major sin will rest on your husband’s shoulders. 

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa