Choosing caesarian section birth over natural birth

Q:

1. Is it permissible for a woman to request surgery (caesarian section) instead of natural birth so as to avoid the pain of labour?

2. Is there any nifas in the case of caesarian section birth?

A:

1. We will not say that it is haraam, but apart from it being unnatural it creates complications for the woman and sometimes for the child as well. And to unnecessarily get into difficulties and problems does not behove a Muslim.

2. Yes, if there is post-natal bleeding

And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)