Source: This response is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, featuring fatwas by the scholars of Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
"Marry the loving and fertile women, for indeed I will boast of your numbers on the Day of Resurrection."
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Sahih)
Procreation is seen as a source of strength, honor, and pride for the Muslim Ummah. This is evident from Allah's favor upon the Children of Israel, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
"And We made you greater in number." (Surah Al-Isra: 6)
Similarly, Prophet Shu’aib (عليه السلام) reminded his people:
"And remember when you were few, and He increased you in number." (Surah Al-A’raf: 86)
The notion that an increase in population leads to poverty contradicts Islamic teachings. Allah promises sustenance for every living being:
"And there is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah." (Surah Hud: 6)
Thus, while temporary birth control for genuine reasons is permissible, permanent birth limitation is against Islamic principles.
"We used to practice withdrawal while the Qur'an was being revealed."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4911; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1440)
This indicates that azl is not prohibited. However, scholars emphasize that a husband cannot practice withdrawal without the consent of his wife, as she also has the right to seek offspring and complete marital enjoyment. Withdrawal without her consent diminishes this right and compromises the marital bond.
Question:
When is it permissible and impermissible for a woman to use contraceptive pills? Is there any explicit text or scholarly opinion regarding the permissibility of birth limitation (تحدید نسل)? Moreover, is it permissible for a Muslim to practice azl (withdrawal during intercourse) without necessity?Answer:
Islamic Perspective on Procreation:
Muslims are encouraged to aim for the growth of their lineage and the expansion of the Muslim community, as highlighted by the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):"Marry the loving and fertile women, for indeed I will boast of your numbers on the Day of Resurrection."
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Sahih)
Procreation is seen as a source of strength, honor, and pride for the Muslim Ummah. This is evident from Allah's favor upon the Children of Israel, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
"And We made you greater in number." (Surah Al-Isra: 6)
Similarly, Prophet Shu’aib (عليه السلام) reminded his people:
"And remember when you were few, and He increased you in number." (Surah Al-A’raf: 86)
The notion that an increase in population leads to poverty contradicts Islamic teachings. Allah promises sustenance for every living being:
"And there is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah." (Surah Hud: 6)
Conditions for Permissible Use of Contraceptive Pills:
The use of contraceptive pills by women is permissible under the following two conditions:- Genuine Need:
- If a woman is physically unable to bear pregnancies frequently due to health issues, such as extreme weakness or illness.
- If her body requires recovery and rest between pregnancies to maintain her health and well-being.
- Husband’s Consent:
- The husband has the right to decide on matters related to having children, and therefore his consent is necessary.
On Birth Limitation (تحدید نسل):
The concept of permanently limiting the number of children to a fixed number has no basis in Islamic teachings. The process of conception is ultimately in Allah’s hands, and attempting to permanently limit offspring contradicts the natural order decreed by Allah. Moreover, unforeseen calamities or deaths could leave a person childless if they artificially restrict the number of their offspring.Thus, while temporary birth control for genuine reasons is permissible, permanent birth limitation is against Islamic principles.
On Azl (Withdrawal):
Regarding the permissibility of withdrawal during intercourse (azl), the following hadith of Jabir (رضي الله عنه) sheds light:"We used to practice withdrawal while the Qur'an was being revealed."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4911; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1440)
This indicates that azl is not prohibited. However, scholars emphasize that a husband cannot practice withdrawal without the consent of his wife, as she also has the right to seek offspring and complete marital enjoyment. Withdrawal without her consent diminishes this right and compromises the marital bond.
Conclusion:
- Contraceptive Pills:
- Permissible under conditions of genuine need and with the husband's consent.
- Continuous or permanent use is discouraged unless medically justified.
- Birth Limitation:
- There is no Islamic basis for permanently restricting the number of children.
- Azl (Withdrawal):
- Permissible but requires the wife's consent, ensuring her rights to marital enjoyment and procreation.
- This ruling is provided by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen (رحمه الله).
May Allah grant us understanding of His laws and the ability to act upon them.