This response is derived from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women", based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
"And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."
[Surah Luqman (31:34)]
However, taking preventive measures due to a credible risk is permissible, as it aligns with the Islamic principle of removing harm (رفع الضرر).
Question:
A Muslim doctor has advised a woman that becoming pregnant could endanger her life, especially during childbirth. The couple, being young, cannot abstain from intimate relations. Is it permissible for the woman to use contraceptive pills or for her husband to practice withdrawal (‘azl) during intimacy to prevent pregnancy?Answer:
1. Permissibility of ‘Azl (Withdrawal)
The practice of ‘azl (withdrawal) is permissible in Islam and is supported by several authentic narrations:- Hadith of Jabir (رضي الله عنه):
"We used to practice ‘azl during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) while the Quran was being revealed."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4911; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1440] - Another narration by Jabir (رضي الله عنه) states:
"We used to practice ‘azl during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he was informed about it but did not forbid us."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1440]
2. Contraceptive Pills and Their Ruling
The use of contraceptive pills is also permissible under the same ruling as ‘azl, provided that:- The method does not harm the woman’s health.
- The reason for using contraception is valid, such as spacing between pregnancies or health concerns.
3. Risk to the Woman’s Life and the Doctor’s Warning
It is noted that knowledge of life and death is exclusive to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). The doctor’s statement that the woman may die during childbirth should be understood as a precaution, not an absolute certainty. Allah alone has knowledge of life and death, as stated in the Quran:"And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."
[Surah Luqman (31:34)]
However, taking preventive measures due to a credible risk is permissible, as it aligns with the Islamic principle of removing harm (رفع الضرر).
Conclusion
- Permissibility of ‘Azl and Contraceptives:
Both methods are permissible under Islamic law for valid reasons, such as health concerns or spacing pregnancies. - Precaution, Not Certainty:
While the doctor’s advice serves as a precaution, it is not definitive knowledge of death. Trust in Allah’s decree remains essential. - Islamic Perspective on Pregnancy and Risk:
Contraceptive measures may be used to safeguard the mother’s life, provided they do not harm her health and are used with mutual consent between spouses.