Extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Furthermore, the argument of necessity does not apply here, as it is not deemed essential for a man to transfer his semen into his wife through such prohibited means. Often, these procedures also involve the doctor handling the private parts of the husband, which is equally impermissible.
Adopting such methods for having children reflects a troubling trend of imitating Western practices without discrimination. This imitation often extends to adopting practices they engage in and avoiding things they avoid, without considering the Islamic perspective.
A person unable to have children through natural means should accept this as Allah’s decree and be content with His will. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) always encouraged Muslims to seek permissible means for their needs, including lawful ways of earning and acquiring sustenance. Similarly, when it comes to having children, adhering to permissible methods is of utmost importance.
Question:
Is it permissible for a man to allow a doctor to transfer his semen into his wife’s womb, or to have children through methods commonly known as test-tube babies?Answer:
This practice is not permissible in Islam. The primary reason is that such procedures inevitably require the doctor to expose the private parts of the woman, which is not allowed. Viewing or handling the private parts of women, except in cases of dire necessity, is prohibited by Shariah.Furthermore, the argument of necessity does not apply here, as it is not deemed essential for a man to transfer his semen into his wife through such prohibited means. Often, these procedures also involve the doctor handling the private parts of the husband, which is equally impermissible.
Adopting such methods for having children reflects a troubling trend of imitating Western practices without discrimination. This imitation often extends to adopting practices they engage in and avoiding things they avoid, without considering the Islamic perspective.
A person unable to have children through natural means should accept this as Allah’s decree and be content with His will. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) always encouraged Muslims to seek permissible means for their needs, including lawful ways of earning and acquiring sustenance. Similarly, when it comes to having children, adhering to permissible methods is of utmost importance.