According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the pre-Islamic custom of slaying children, referred to in the Quran as 'Qatl al-Awlad,' was a grave practice of Jahiliyyah (the Age of Ignorance) that Islam came to abolish. Ibn Kathir's tafsir on Quran 6:137 explains that this heinous act, which included the burying of live daughters (Wa'd al-Banat), was made to seem appealing to the polytheists by their 'partners' (shuraka')—devils and misguided leaders—leading them to spiritual ruin. Al-Tabari provides the historical context, noting the motivations were often fear of poverty or the perceived shame associated with female offspring. The thematic synthesis of verses 6:137 and 6:140 reveals the Quran's multi-faceted condemnation: the act stems from polytheism, is executed with foolishness ('safahan') and without knowledge ('bi-ghayri 'ilm'), constitutes a lie against Allah, and results in utter loss and misguidance. Islam's prohibition of this custom established a revolutionary new standard for the sanctity of life and the honorable status of children, particularly daughters.