They have already two boys, 6 and 3. Currently she has a loop to prevent pregnancy. She thinks the 2 boys are too much work. Can her husband force her to bare children again? Jazakom Allah Khairan
Respected Brother-in-Islam
Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu
Q: Are contraceptions permissible?
A: Contraception (Azl) is permissible on a limited scale for valid reasons –
reasons considered by the Shariáh to be valid. The circumstances which will
permit reversible and permanent contraception differ.
Reversible contraception: Among the reasons accepted by the Shariáh as valid
for practising reversible contraception are: a) Physical weakness.b)
Sickness.c) The wife maintaining her beauty or figure for the sake of her
husband. d) The couple being on a journey or in a distant land. e) Adverse
political conditions, e.g. children are forcibly separated from their
parents as is advocated by communism; etc. f) The couple decide to separate
in the near future. g) The wife is an immoral person.
There are valid grounds for practising reversible contraception. Poverty or
the fear of poverty are not valid reasons for contraception. It is not
permissible to practice contraception on account of a fear of not being able
to provide for a large family. Such a fear is an attribute of non-Muslims.
According to the Qurãn Shareef: ‘There is not a living creature, but its
sustenance is the responsibility of Allah.’ Similarly desire to curb sexual
desire which may stem out of piety is not a lawful ground for contraception.
If practised for any reason which is unlawful in Islam, then contraception
will likewise be unlawful, e.g. for indulgence in illicit sex.
Permanent contraception is permissible only if the woman’s life is in danger
or her health is seriously threatened.
Hadhrat Abu Saéed Khudhry (RA) reports that one person asked Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) about Azal (Coitus Interruptus). Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) replied, ‘When Allah Taãla intends creating a
child, nothing can stop him.’ (Mishkãt pg. 275; Qadeemi)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.