Question:
Answer:
Please note that the following finding is pertaining to such contraceptives which have a temporarily effect e.g. condoms, the pill.
The Shari’ah has allowed the usage of contraceptives in any of the following instances:
1) The wife is not fit enough to bear the strain of pregnancy due to extreme weakness.
2) The wife and husband have a firm intention of separating in the near future.
3) By falling pregnant there is a chance that she might not have enough time and strength to attend to her other children, thus causing them to fall ill.
4) There is a great possibility that the child will have a negative influence on the parents due to the unethical environment in which we live.
It is Makrooh Tanzihi (odious) to use contraceptives without a valid Shar’i reason.
It is Haraam to apply any method of contraception if one fears that he/she is incapable of providing for the child due to financial problems. In Surah 6, verse 152 of the glorious Qur’aan, Allah (S.W.T.) mentions: “and that you do not slay your children on a plea of destitution, We are the One that sustain you and even them.”
In Surah 17, verse 31 Allah (S.W.T.) mentions: “And do not slay your children for fear of impoverishment. We provide sustenance for them and for you too.”
In the aforementioned Aayaat, Allah is drawing our attention to the fact that it is HE alone who sustains us and our children. Sustenance is in the hands of Allah alone. It is not we who provide for our children; rather it is Allah who sees to their needs and the needs of His entire creation. “And there is no creature that crawls on earth but its sustenance is upon Allah. And He knows its place of long term stay and its (temporary) repository. Everything is in the Evident Book.” (Surah Hood, Verse 6)
If your wife intends using the pill due to your financial situation, then this is Haraam as formerly explained.
May Allah (S.W.T.) grant you pious children. Aameen
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Ebrahim bin Zainul Abedeen Backus
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
07 January 2005
26 Thul Qa’dah 1425