بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Translated by: Ṭālibāt of Dārul Imān, Barbados (1441)
1) Any such action whose objective is to bring the human progeny to an end or limit it, is against the fundamental concepts of Islam and not permissible.
2) In no condition does Islam allow one to keep one’s family small for the purpose of fashion, or to reject and refrain from the responsibilities of children, due to being affected by one’s engagement in business or careers or because it will become a hindrance in one’s social entertainments.
3) It is totally un-Islamic for women to restrict the size of their family due to wanting to work, so as to attain a high standard of living or to accumulate a lot of wealth, while disregarding their objective of life and their divine responsibility, which Allāh has placed on them in being mothers to humanity.
4) If due to the mother becoming pregnant quickly, there is a danger of harm on the existing toddler’s upbringing, suckling and growth, then it would be permissible to use temporary (reversible) contraceptives to obtain an appropriate gap (between pregnancies).
5) In all conditions, it is impermissible for men to use any form of irreversible contraceptives. As for women, there is only one exception in which they may use an irreversible contraceptive: If a group of upright, expert doctors recommend it due to the overwhelming risk of loss to the woman’s life, or any of her limbs with subsequent pregnancies. In this case, it will be permissible for her to undergo a surgical procedure to prevent the occurrence of future pregnancies.
6) It is also not permissible to use reversible contraceptives or medicines in normal conditions.
7) However, in certain cases, it would be permissible for both men and women to use reversible contraceptives and medications, for instance:
A: The woman is very weak and according to the opinion of expert (upright) doctors, she is not capable of coping with pregnancy, and if she was to become pregnant, there is a strong fear of her being afflicted with severe harm.
B: According to the opinion of expert (upright) doctors there is a danger of the woman falling into unbearable pain and harm in labour.
And Allāh Taʿālā Knows Best.
[Aham Fiqhi Faisle Islamic Fiqh Academy Pg.16-17]
