BIRTH CONTROL
Question:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
Is birth control permissible?
Answer:
Bismillahi Wa Billahi At Tawfeeq
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Essentially birth control is of two types:
1) Permanent Contraception
2) Temporary Reversible Contraception
Permanent Methods of Birth Control
Female Sterilization—Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”— A woman can have her fallopian tubes tied (or closed) so that sperm and eggs cannot meet for fertilization.
Male Sterilization – Vasectomy—This operation is done to keep a man’s sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg.
Islamic viewpoint on Permanent Irreversible Contraception
Under normal circumstances permanent contraception is impermissible whether it be vasectomy or tubal ligation.
The great Hanafi Jurist, Allamah Ibn Aabidin Shami (Rahimahullah) states:
The castration of Human beings is Haram.
(Fatawa Shami 630/9)
Al Mawsooah Al Fiqhiyah states:
“Certainly, the castration of Human beings Is Haram whether they be minors or adults.”
(Al Mawsooah Al Fiqhiyya 120/19)
Fatawa Rahimiyah mentions the following:
‘Thus, to permanently remove the ability to have children is Haram by consensus….” (10/183)
The same has also been mentioned in Fatawa Mahmoodiyah (27/383) and in Jawaahir Al Fiqh (7/89)
However, in scenarios of extreme necessity, permanent contraception can be permissible. For example, if the woman is unwell and doesn’t have the strength to withstand pregnancy and her life is in danger then permanent contraception would be permissible. However, a qualified and practicing Muslim doctor should be consulted with regards to this.
Fatawa Rahimiyah (10/182)
Temporary/Reversible Contraception
Islamic viewpoint on Temporary/Reversible contraception
To use temporary contraceptives without the wife’s permission is disliked.
Al Hidaya (4/467)
However, if there is a valid reason, then it would be permissible to use such a contraceptive, even without her permission.
The ruling on reversible or temporary contraception is that it is slightly disliked (Makrooh Tanzihi), if used without a valid reason.
A few examples of valid reasons (that make temporary contraceptives permissible) are:
- A woman is extremely weak and is unable to bear the strain of pregnancy.
- It is feared that the woman will become seriously ill.
- It is feared that the child will become afflicted with a serious illness.
- Spacing out the children in a reasonable manner.
- The couple is travelling or are far away from home.
- When they are in such an area where she doesn’t have a place to stay.
- There is danger in the area.
- When there is discord between the spouses and divorce seems likely.
- The wife is an immoral person and unsuited to raise the child.
It is not permissible to practice contraception for the following reasons:
- Fear of poverty and not being able to provide.
- Being ashamed of having a girl.
- To have a small family.
Fatawa Shami (4/335), Jawaahir Al Fiqh (7/88), Qamoos Al Fiqh (4/388-389),
And Allah Knows best
Mufti Waheeb Saiyed
Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago
02/11/2021