Compiled by Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad
Translated by Jamaal Al-Din Zarabozo
It is not allowed for a wife to use birth control pills out of dislike for having many children or out of fear of having to support the children. It is permissible to use them to prevent pregnancy due to some illness that may harm the woman if she becomes pregnant or if she cannot give birth in the natural fashion but is in need of a medical operation to give birth. This and other cases are permissible due to necessity. In those types of cases, she may use birth control pills unless she learns from specialized doctors that those pills may be harmful to her in some other fashion.
This is a contemporary issue and many people ask about it. In a session of the Conference of the Leading Scholars (of Saudi Arabia), there was a study of this issue. They issued a verdict according to their opinion on this issue. In sum, they concluded that it is not allowed to take birth control pills. Allah (SWT) has sanctioned the means that lead to procreation and a larger Muslim nation. The Prophet (SAW) said,
"Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the people by you on the Day of Resurrection." (Recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasi, ibn Hibban, Ahmad, al-Tabarani and others and it is authentic)
Another narration states at the end, "[outnumber] the prophets on the Day of Resurrection." The Muslim Nation is in need of being increased in numbers so that it may worship Allah (SWT), strive in His way, and defend the Muslims, by the will of Allah (SWT), from the plots of their enemies. It is a must to avoid such things (as birth control) and not to use them except in the cases of dire necessity. If there is a necessity, there is no harm. (This would be,) for example, if the woman has some illness in her uterus or so forth that would harm her if she were to become pregnant. Then she may use such pills to the extent of her need. This is also the case if she already has many children and it would become a hardship on her to have another one soon, then she may use the birth control pills for a specific amount of time, such as one year or two years, which is the amount of time designated for breast feeding, until she reaches the stage where she would be able to raise the child properly. But if the woman is taking them just so she will be free of responsibility or to be able to work or live a comfortable life and other similar reasons why women take such pills these days, (it should be understood that) for these reasons it is not allowed to take birth control pills. - Shaikh ibn Baz (ra)
Muslims must increase their numbers to the best of their ability. This is the command that the Prophet (SAW) gave to Muslims when he said,
"Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I
shall outnumber the peoples by you."
(Recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasi, ibn Hibban, Ahmad, al-Tabarani and others
and it is authentic)
Having more children means the Muslim nation will be larger. This is an honor for the Muslim Nation. Allah (SWT) stated while talking about His Blessing on the Tribes of Israel,
"…And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in man-power." (Al-Isra’ 17:6)
And Shuaib (AS) said to his people,
"…And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you…" (Al-A’raf 7:86)
No one can deny that the larger the Nation, the greater its honor and strength. This is the opposite of those who falsely and wrongfully claim that large population is a cause for poverty and hunger. If the Nation becomes larger, relies upon Allah (SWT) and believes in the promise Allah (SWT) has made in the verse,
"And no (moving) living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah…" (Hud 11:6)
Allah (SWT) will make their affairs easy for them
and enrich them from His bounty. Based on that comes the answer to the question
about birth control. A woman should not use birth control unless two conditions
are met:
1. The first condition is that she is in need of such a practice. For example,
she may be ill and cannot sustain bearing a child every year, her body might
be weak or other causes that may make it difficult for her to be pregnant
every year.
2. The second condition is that the husband gives his permission
for the practice. This is because it is the right of the husband to have
children. Furthermore, they must consult with a doctor concerning those pills.
They have to see if taking them or not taking them could be hazardous to
her health.
If these two conditions are met, there is no harm in her using those
pills. But such procedures as pills or other forms must not be of a permanent
nature. That is, one cannot use a form of birth control that is of a permanent
nature as that will cut off the possibility of procreation.
In reality, birth control is something that is not possible.
This is because pregnancy and non-pregnancy are both in the hands of Allah
(SWT). If humans try to limit their children to a specific number, it is
possible that all of them may die in one year due to some cause and they
will be left with no children at all. Birth control is something that is
not considered acceptable by the Shariah. However, temporary limitation of
pregnancy due to necessity, as was mentioned above, is permissible.
As for coitus interruptus that is done for no sanctioning
cause, according to the correct opinion among the scholars, it is permissible.
This is based on the Hadith of Jabir (RA) who said,
"We used to perform coitus interruptus during the time that the Quran was being revealed."
That is, during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad
(SAW). If that act were forbidden, Allah (SWT) would have forbidden them
from it. However, the scholars say that coitus interruptus must not be done
with a free (non-slave) wife except with her permission. This is because
she also has the right to have children. It also reduces her sexual pleasure.
The pleasure of the woman is not complete until after the male ejaculation.
Therefore, for these two causes just mentioned, it is not allowed to perform
coitus interruptus with one’s free wife except with her consent. -
Shaikh ibn Uthaimin (ra)
Narrated Ma'qil ibn Yasar (RA):
"A man came to the Prophet (SAW) and said: I have found a woman of rank and beauty, but she does not give birth to children. Should I marry her? He said: No. He came again to him, but he prohibited him. He came to him third time, and he [the Prophet (SAW)] said: Marry women who are loving and very prolific, for I shall outnumber the peoples by you." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 11, Number 2045)
Information From
Islamic
Fatawa Regarding Women
Compiled by Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad
Translated by Jamaal Al-Din Zarabozo