Fatwa: Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen حفظ اللہ
“Marry those who are single and love children, for I will boast of your great numbers on the Day of Judgment.”
[Musnad Ahmad and Sahih Ibn Hibban]
Moreover, an increase in population leads to an increase in the Ummah, and the strength of the Ummah lies in its numbers. As Allah (عزوجل) reminded the Children of Israel:
“And We made you a great multitude.”
[17:6 Al-Isra]
Prophet Shu'ayb (عليه السلام) reminded his people:
“And remember when you were few, then He increased you.”
[7:1 Al-A'raf]
It is undeniable that the growth of the Ummah is a source of strength and dignity, contrary to the misguided belief of some that an increase in the Ummah leads to poverty and hardship. When the Ummah is large and has faith in Allah and His promise:
“And there is no creature on earth but that its provision is upon Allah.”
[11:6 Hud]
Then Allah will ease their affairs and, by His grace, make them independent of others.
From this detail, the answer to the above question becomes clear. Therefore, the use of contraceptive pills is only permissible for a woman under two conditions:
As for the second part of the question, family planning is in reality impossible because the occurrence or non-occurrence of pregnancy is in Allah’s control. If someone sets a numerical limit on the number of children, it is possible that, due to a disease or an accident in one year, that entire number could be lost, leaving the person without offspring.
Islamic law does not contain any command regarding family planning, but it is permissible to temporarily prevent pregnancy in case of necessity, as mentioned.
Regarding the matter of withdrawing during intercourse without reason, according to the scholars' correct opinion, there is no harm in this. Jabir (رضي الله عنه) stated:
“We used to practice withdrawal during the time of the Quran’s revelation.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Marriage, Chapter 97 and Sahih Muslim, Book of Divorce, Chapter 26]
If this act were forbidden, Allah would have prohibited it. However, scholars say that a husband cannot withdraw from a free woman without her consent, as the right to children is also hers. Additionally, withdrawal diminishes her enjoyment, which is completed only after ejaculation. Therefore, not seeking her permission may affect her right to enjoyment, and it could also result in loss of children; hence, we have conditioned this act on obtaining permission.
Question:
When is it permissible or forbidden for a woman to use contraceptive pills? Is there any explicit text or scholarly opinion regarding family planning? Can a Muslim husband withdraw from his wife during intercourse without any (valid) reason?Answer:
Muslims should strive to increase their progeny, as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasized this. He said:“Marry those who are single and love children, for I will boast of your great numbers on the Day of Judgment.”
[Musnad Ahmad and Sahih Ibn Hibban]
Moreover, an increase in population leads to an increase in the Ummah, and the strength of the Ummah lies in its numbers. As Allah (عزوجل) reminded the Children of Israel:
“And We made you a great multitude.”
[17:6 Al-Isra]
Prophet Shu'ayb (عليه السلام) reminded his people:
“And remember when you were few, then He increased you.”
[7:1 Al-A'raf]
It is undeniable that the growth of the Ummah is a source of strength and dignity, contrary to the misguided belief of some that an increase in the Ummah leads to poverty and hardship. When the Ummah is large and has faith in Allah and His promise:
“And there is no creature on earth but that its provision is upon Allah.”
[11:6 Hud]
Then Allah will ease their affairs and, by His grace, make them independent of others.
From this detail, the answer to the above question becomes clear. Therefore, the use of contraceptive pills is only permissible for a woman under two conditions:
- Need: The woman must have a valid reason, such as being ill or physically weak, which prevents her from carrying a pregnancy each year, or if there are other obstacles that would be harmful to her with each pregnancy.
- Husband’s Permission: The husband must also consent, as the right to children and their birth belongs to him. Additionally, consulting a doctor to ensure that the use of these pills is not harmful is essential.
As for the second part of the question, family planning is in reality impossible because the occurrence or non-occurrence of pregnancy is in Allah’s control. If someone sets a numerical limit on the number of children, it is possible that, due to a disease or an accident in one year, that entire number could be lost, leaving the person without offspring.
Islamic law does not contain any command regarding family planning, but it is permissible to temporarily prevent pregnancy in case of necessity, as mentioned.
Regarding the matter of withdrawing during intercourse without reason, according to the scholars' correct opinion, there is no harm in this. Jabir (رضي الله عنه) stated:
“We used to practice withdrawal during the time of the Quran’s revelation.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Marriage, Chapter 97 and Sahih Muslim, Book of Divorce, Chapter 26]
If this act were forbidden, Allah would have prohibited it. However, scholars say that a husband cannot withdraw from a free woman without her consent, as the right to children is also hers. Additionally, withdrawal diminishes her enjoyment, which is completed only after ejaculation. Therefore, not seeking her permission may affect her right to enjoyment, and it could also result in loss of children; hence, we have conditioned this act on obtaining permission.