Source: This response is based on the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, containing fatwas from the scholars of Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
I have read many Islamic books on birth limitation (تحدید نسل). The books published in our country, Egypt, state that undoubtedly the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) used to practice coitus interruptus (azl). Is this true? Also, a wife has the full right to enjoy marital relations. Was there any concept of birth regulation during the era of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم)? What is the difference between birth regulation (تنظیم نسل) and birth limitation (تحدید نسل) in Islam? I swear by the One in whose hand is my life, I am often confused when trying to answer these two questions for my students, and I have not found anyone to provide a clear answer. Please enlighten us on this matter, and may Allah bless you.
Answer:
Difference Between Birth Limitation (تحدید نسل) and Birth Regulation (تنظیم نسل):
① Birth Limitation (تحدید نسل):
This refers to permanently restricting the number of children to a specific number, such as two or three, based on financial considerations or disliking the concept of having more children. It involves a deliberate and permanent decision to stop further procreation.
② Birth Regulation (تنظیم نسل):
This means temporarily delaying pregnancy for a specific period to allow the woman to rest, recover, or regain her vitality. After this period, birth control measures are abandoned with the intention to have more children, irrespective of the number. The primary aim here is to manage the timing of childbirth rather than permanently limit it.
Historical Context:Indeed, coitus interruptus (azl) was practiced during the era of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم), as narrated in authentic Islamic sources. However, this was done with mutual consent and without the intent of permanently preventing childbirth. The wife retained her full right to marital enjoyment.
Recommendation for Further Reading:Sheikh Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله) has extensively discussed this subject in his book Harakat-e-Tahdeed-e-Nasl (The Movement for Birth Limitation). If possible, studying this book will provide comprehensive insights into the topic.
Conclusion:
The matter of birth regulation versus limitation is distinct in Islamic rulings. Regulation is permissible under certain conditions, while limitation, especially for reasons such as disliking procreation, may contradict Islamic principles. For detailed guidelines, refer to authentic Islamic literature and consult knowledgeable scholars.
Source: Saudi Fatwa Committee
Question:
I have read many Islamic books on birth limitation (تحدید نسل). The books published in our country, Egypt, state that undoubtedly the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) used to practice coitus interruptus (azl). Is this true? Also, a wife has the full right to enjoy marital relations. Was there any concept of birth regulation during the era of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم)? What is the difference between birth regulation (تنظیم نسل) and birth limitation (تحدید نسل) in Islam? I swear by the One in whose hand is my life, I am often confused when trying to answer these two questions for my students, and I have not found anyone to provide a clear answer. Please enlighten us on this matter, and may Allah bless you.
Answer:
Difference Between Birth Limitation (تحدید نسل) and Birth Regulation (تنظیم نسل):
① Birth Limitation (تحدید نسل):
This refers to permanently restricting the number of children to a specific number, such as two or three, based on financial considerations or disliking the concept of having more children. It involves a deliberate and permanent decision to stop further procreation.
② Birth Regulation (تنظیم نسل):
This means temporarily delaying pregnancy for a specific period to allow the woman to rest, recover, or regain her vitality. After this period, birth control measures are abandoned with the intention to have more children, irrespective of the number. The primary aim here is to manage the timing of childbirth rather than permanently limit it.
Historical Context:Indeed, coitus interruptus (azl) was practiced during the era of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم), as narrated in authentic Islamic sources. However, this was done with mutual consent and without the intent of permanently preventing childbirth. The wife retained her full right to marital enjoyment.
Recommendation for Further Reading:Sheikh Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله) has extensively discussed this subject in his book Harakat-e-Tahdeed-e-Nasl (The Movement for Birth Limitation). If possible, studying this book will provide comprehensive insights into the topic.
Conclusion:
The matter of birth regulation versus limitation is distinct in Islamic rulings. Regulation is permissible under certain conditions, while limitation, especially for reasons such as disliking procreation, may contradict Islamic principles. For detailed guidelines, refer to authentic Islamic literature and consult knowledgeable scholars.
Source: Saudi Fatwa Committee