Fatwa: # 15214
Category: Marriage (Nikah)
Country: South Africa
Date: 17th May 2007

Title

Can we do contraception?

Question

I'm a student who wants to make nikkah soon. i am inlove with a girl.  i'v tried fasting but i stil hav a strong desire to marry.it is now interfering with my deen. i know its my duty to support my wife but my father has agreed to stil support me and my wife even tho we will both be students to help prevent ziena.. is contraceptives permisable until i finish study?

 

 

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

CONTRACEPTION

Reversible

Chemical - the pill which is taken orally spermicidal jellies used locally. Mechanical - use of condom intra-uterine device Physical - coitus interruptus rhythm method Permanent - sterilization operation - tubal ligations - vasectomies.

Question 1

Is the Practice of contraception allowed in Islam? If so, under what circumstances?

Answer

Contraception 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

Permanent contraception is permissible only if the woman's life is in danger or her health is seriously threatened.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai 

Darul Iftaa

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