The Ruling on Birth Restriction and Control

Question :

The following question was received by the Permanent Committee: Is it permissible for a Muslim to control (the size of) his family by using the various methods of birth control?

Answer:

The Council of the Senior Scholars has previously investigated this matter and issued a decision, the objective of which is as follows:

Islamic Law calls for expanding and increasing the birth rate, and having children is considered a huge blessing and a great gift which Allah has bestowed upon His servants.

The legal proofs from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger as stated by the Permanent Committee for Scientific Research and Religious Verdicts in the investiga- tion which it prepared and presented to the Board support each other.

The opinion which calls for birth control or contraception goes against the natural human disposition with which Allah has endowed mankind, and the Islamic Law which the Lord, Most High has chosen for His creatures.

Those who call for birth control or contraception are a group whose aim by this call is to plot against the Muslims in general, and against the Arab Muslim community in particular, so that they are able to colonize the lands and their people.

Acting in accordance with this is similar to the traits of Jahiliyyah, and implies holding a bad opinion of Allah, Most High, and weakening the Muslim community, which is composed of many people holding it together.

In view of all these things, the Council has determined that birth control is not permissible under any circumstances and contra- ception is not permissible if the reason for it is fear of poverty, because Allah, Most High is the Sustainer, Owner of Power,

Most Strong:
"And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah."

However if contraception is due to some certain need, such as the woman being unable to give birth normally, necessitating a surgical operation in order to remove the baby, or pregnancy is delayed for some benefit seen by the husband and wife, then there is no objection in that case to contraception.

In accordance with what has come to us in the authentic Hadith and what has been reported from a number of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, regarding the permissibility of coitus interruptus, and in keeping with what has been stated by the scholars of Fiqh regarding the permissibility of using drugs which remove the fertilized ovum before forty days.

Indeed, it might even be incumbent to prevent pregnancy in a situation in which the necessity for it is confirmed. And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad and upon his family and Companions.