314. Is Family Planning Or Contraception Allowed In Islaam?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Contraception is *generally* allowed in our deen as long as it’s not something PERMANENT. 

The Sahaabah would practice ‘Azl (coitus interruptus) and the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam allowed that. 

Proof:

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“We used to practise ‘azl at the time when the Qur’aan was being revealed” – i.e., at the time of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.”

[al-Bukhaari, 4911; Muslim, 1440]

Sufyaan said: 

“If there had been anything wrong with it, the Qur’aan would have forbidden it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

“With regard to ‘azl, some of the scholars regarded it as haraam, but the view of the four imams is that it is permissible with the wife’s permission.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 32/110)

One time a man said, 

“O Messenger of Allaah, I have a slave woman and I engage in ‘azl with her, because I do not want her to get pregnant, but I want what men want. But the Jews say that ‘azl is a lesser form of infanticide.” 

He said, 

“The Jews are lying. If Allaah wants to create (a child) you cannot prevent that.” 

(Abu Dawood, 1856; saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1903)

So as these Ahaadeeth prove, contraception is allowed as long as it’s temporary. 

But it should not be permanent unless there’s risk to the mother. 

That’s because we’re supposed to have many kids, if the situation allows. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Marry those who are loving and fertile, for I will be proud of your great numbers before the nations.” (Abu Dawood- saheeh by al-Albaani) 

But taking measures that will *permanently* prevent a person to have a child is not allowed, UNLESS it would jeopardize the mother’s health or life. 

Then in such situations, permanent contraception would be *permissible*. 

Shaikh Salih al-Munajjid said:

“Contraception is permitted under the following conditions:

1. Mutual agreement of both husband and wife.

2. It does not cause harm.

3. It is not be practiced on a permanent basis, but rather for a temporary period.”

And Shaikh Salah as-Sawy said:

“It is not permissible to pursue contraceptive methods which would completely prevent the ability to conceive, except as a way of protecting the life of the mother. 

In such a case, it would be allowed as a *special exemption* to the rule, in view of the obvious, exigent need, and such a need would have to be determined through the testimony of trustworthy, specialized physicians. As for family planning to delay pregnancy or space births, the matter in that is wide, and there would be nothing wrong with doing so, if need be.” 

(AMJA Fatwa # 77382)

Is it allowed to take measures to space out pregnancies for proper upbringing of the children?

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“ If a woman has a lot of children, and it is difficult for her to give them a proper Islamic upbringing because they are so many, then there is nothing wrong with her taking something to space her pregnancies in order to achieve this important purpose, so that pregnancy will not adversely affect her or her children, as Allah has permitted ‘azl for this and similar purposes.”

[Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb (21/394)]

And Allaah knows best