Ruling on Family Planning

Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)

Question:

What is the ruling on family planning?

Answer:

Family planning is a significant issue in today's world, and many questions have been raised on this topic. The Board of Senior Scholars (Committee) has thoroughly examined this matter in their recent meeting and, based on their knowledge, provided a decision. The summary of their ruling is that the use of contraceptive pills is generally impermissible. This is because Allah has ordained the means to increase the human race and the Muslim Ummah, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized this in his saying:

"Marry loving and fertile women, for I will boast of your numbers before other nations on the Day of Judgment."

[Narrated by Abu Dawud in the Book of Marriage, Chapter 4, and by An-Nasa'i]

In another narration, it is mentioned:

"I will boast of you before the other prophets on the Day of Judgment."

[Narrated by Ahmad, Volume: [Page 158]]

Furthermore, the Muslim Ummah needs manpower to fulfill its duty of worshiping Allah, to engage in jihad for the cause of Allah to raise His word, and to protect Muslims from the schemes of disbelievers. Therefore, the use of contraceptive pills without necessity is not permissible.

However, if there is a legitimate need, such as if a woman has a medical condition that could make pregnancy harmful or if there is some other similar issue, then using contraceptives is permissible to the extent of the need. Similarly, if a large number of children are already present, and pregnancy could be harmful, then for a specific period (such as during breastfeeding for one or two years), there is no harm in using contraceptive pills. This would ease the burden on the woman and allow her to raise the children properly.

However, if contraceptive pills are used solely for reasons like gaining freedom for a career or with the belief that having fewer children leads to prosperity, or any similar worldly reasons, as is common today, then this is absolutely impermissible.
 
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