Can Muslim wives use reversible contraception to pursue education while married?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

There are many narrations which signify the permissibility of reversible contraception (‘Azl), but at the same time indicate it to be undesirable.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) reported that Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked about ‘azl, whereupon he said: There is no harm if you do not do that, for it (the birth of the child) is something ordained. Muhammad (one of the narrators) said: (The words) La ‘alaykum (there is no harm) implies its Prohibition. (Muslim, Kitabun Nikah)

Abu Dawud narrated that a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have a slave woman and I engage in ‘azl with her, because I do not want her to get pregnant, but I want what men want. But the Jews say that ‘azl is a lesser form of infanticide.” He said, “The Jews are lying. If Allah wants to create (a child) you cannot prevent that.” (Abu Dawud, Kitabun Nikah)

Jaabir (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) narrates: “We used to practise ‘azl at the time when the Qur’aan was being revealed” – i.e., at the time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). (Muslim, Kitabun Nikah)

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) (was asked if he had heard it himself), to which he said: Yes. (I heard) Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: There is no harm if you do not practise it, for it (the birth of the child) is something ordained (by Allah). (Muslim, Kitabun Nikah)

Jabir (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) reported: We used to practise ‘azl during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). This (the news of this practise) reached Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and he did not forbid us. (Muslim, Kitabun Nikah)

To reconcile between the narrations is that if contraception is done with the wife’s agreement (in this case, she will have willingly forgone her right which is intercourse with ejaculation), then it is not disliked.

The Fuqaha’ further mention that to practice reversible contraception without any reason is somewhat discouraged (Makruh Tanzihi).

If contraception is practiced due to a reason contrary to the teachings of Shariah, then it will not be permissible. Some of these reasons are:

a) Fear of poverty and not being able to provide,

b) Being ashamed of having a girl,

Conclusion:

With regards to your situation, It will be permissible without any dislike only if your wife agrees to it.

Also, from the above narrations we are taught that the reasons for contraception whether it be valid or invalid, “when Allah intends to create anything nothing can prevent it (from coming into existence),” or “the soul which has to be born until the Day of judgment must be born.” As mentioned in the Ahadith.

(Darse Tirmidhi Vol.3 Pg.423)

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK