Adapted from: The book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, based on the fatwas of the scholars of Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
No, it is not permissible for your sister to use such contraceptive pills, nor is it appropriate for her father to make her take them. Doing so falls under the category of limiting human reproduction (Wad – akin to burying live infants) and reducing the human population.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Marry loving and fertile women, for I will boast of your great numbers before the other nations on the Day of Resurrection."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Sahih by Albani, 158/3]
Using contraceptive pills holds no inherent goodness, and due to the lack of benefit, it is advised to avoid them. And Allah is the Helper.
(Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi Al-Wadi'i Rahimahullah)
The use of contraceptive pills is permissible only in cases of necessity, such as:
Upon deliberation, the following rulings apply:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked about ‘Azl:
"The Jews say that ‘Azl is a form of burying infants alive."
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"The Jews are lying. If Allah intends to create a child, nothing can prevent it."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 2171]
Question 1: Is it permissible for a father to give contraceptive pills to his daughter?
Answer:No, it is not permissible for your sister to use such contraceptive pills, nor is it appropriate for her father to make her take them. Doing so falls under the category of limiting human reproduction (Wad – akin to burying live infants) and reducing the human population.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Marry loving and fertile women, for I will boast of your great numbers before the other nations on the Day of Resurrection."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Sahih by Albani, 158/3]
Using contraceptive pills holds no inherent goodness, and due to the lack of benefit, it is advised to avoid them. And Allah is the Helper.
(Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi Al-Wadi'i Rahimahullah)
Question 2: Under what conditions can a woman use contraceptive pills?
Answer:The use of contraceptive pills is permissible only in cases of necessity, such as:
- When medical professionals conclude, after thorough investigation, that pregnancy poses a severe threat to the woman’s life.
- The woman’s health cannot sustain frequent pregnancies within short intervals.
- A new pregnancy might harm the breastfeeding child.
Question 3: What is the ruling on distributing contraceptive pills and pamphlets about their use?
Answer:Upon deliberation, the following rulings apply:
- If the purpose of planned temporary contraception is related to family health or circumstances, such as:
- Preventing harm to the woman due to weakness from repeated pregnancies.
- Avoiding risk to the mother’s life during delivery.
- Preventing harm to an existing breastfeeding child from premature weaning due to another pregnancy.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked about ‘Azl:
"The Jews say that ‘Azl is a form of burying infants alive."
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"The Jews are lying. If Allah intends to create a child, nothing can prevent it."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 2171]
Important Considerations
- Temporary Contraception:
Temporary measures to delay pregnancy for genuine reasons are permissible if they do not aim to permanently prevent childbirth or reduce human reproduction unnecessarily. - Permanent Contraception:
Permanently stopping the reproductive process, due to financial fears or dislike of having many children, is prohibited. Such actions display mistrust in Allah’s ability to provide sustenance and contradict the Prophet’s (ﷺ) encouragement for a growing Muslim population. - Abortion:
Scholars permit abortion within the first 40 days of conception if necessary, as the fetus remains in the stage of Nutfah (a drop of fluid). Beyond this stage, abortion becomes impermissible unless there is a life-threatening risk to the mother.
Conclusion
- Permissible: Temporary contraception due to valid medical or personal needs.
- Impermissible: Permanent contraception out of fear of expenses, dislike of children, or mistrust in Allah’s provision.
- Encouraged: Trust in Allah’s wisdom and adhering to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) guidance on fostering a growing and loving Muslim community.