Excerpted from: “500 Questions and Answers for Women” (Fatwas by the Scholars of the Haramain)
Translated by: Hafiz Abdullah Saleem
Allah knows best.
Translated by: Hafiz Abdullah Saleem
Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on birth control?Answer:
The issue of birth control has become prevalent among Muslims in Islamic countries today. Its permissibility depends on the intention and reason behind it. Below are the details:Permissible Circumstances for Birth Control
Birth control may be permissible if it is based on valid medical advice provided by a qualified and trustworthy Muslim doctor. For instance:- Health Concerns for the Mother:
- If the mother’s health has deteriorated due to repeated pregnancies, a doctor may advise spacing or limiting childbirth to allow her to recover.
- In such cases, this form of birth control is considered reasonable and permissible as a temporary solution.
Impermissible Circumstances for Birth Control
Birth control becomes impermissible when the reason is based on un-Islamic ideologies, such as:- Fear of Poverty:
- If the decision to limit childbirth stems from fear of financial constraints, this aligns with the pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah) condemned in the Qur’an.
- Allah (سبحانه وتعالیٰ) says:
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you.”
– [Al-Isra: 31] - Such reasoning reflects a lack of trust in Allah’s promise to provide sustenance for every soul.
- Adoption of Materialistic Ideologies:
- Some people, influenced by materialistic or Western ideologies, calculate their family size based on income and expenses, stating: "Two parents, two children, and one pet."
- This attitude disregards Islamic values and promotes a worldview incompatible with the belief in Allah as the Sustainer.
- Rejecting the Concept of Rizq (Sustenance):
- Muslims firmly believe that every child is born with their sustenance decreed by Allah. The famous Hadith confirms that a child’s sustenance is written even before they are born.
- Limiting childbirth out of fear of financial burden undermines this fundamental belief.
Conclusion
- Permissible Birth Control:
- Temporary birth control based on medical advice to address genuine health concerns is allowed in Islam.
- Impermissible Birth Control:
- Birth control based on fear of poverty, materialistic calculations, or ideological influences is prohibited. Such reasons contradict the Islamic principles of reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and belief in His provision.
Allah knows best.