{"id":3035,"date":"2014-12-03T10:46:19","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T14:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fiqhulislam.com\/?p=3035"},"modified":"2014-12-03T10:46:19","modified_gmt":"2014-12-03T14:46:19","slug":"contraceptives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fiqhulislam.com\/?p=3035","title":{"rendered":"Contraceptives"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.<\/strong>
\nAs-sal\u0101mu \u2018alaykum wa-rahmatull\u0101hi wa-barak\u0101tuh.<\/strong>
\nContraception can be divided into two categories:
\n1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Irreversible (or permanent) contraception<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reversible (or temporary) contraception[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Irreversible contraception<\/strong><\/p>\n

Irreversible contraception is usually carried out by means of a sterilisation operation.\u00a0Normally, there are two types sterilisation operation; one is performed on the male and the other on the female.<\/p>\n

Male sterilisation (vasectomy)<\/strong>
\nMale sterilisation involves severing the vas, the tubes which deliver the sperm from the testes to the penis, through an incision in the scrotum. This procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s office using local anaesthetic and takes less than thirty minutes.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

Female sterilisation (tubectomy or tubal ligation)<\/strong><\/p>\n

When a woman ovulates, an egg is shed from the ovary and moves down the fallopian tube. If the egg meets a sperm, conception takes place. Sterilisation blocks the path of the sperm through the tube. Eggs are still released by the ovaries, but are broken down and safely reabsorbed by the body.<\/p>\n

The operation usually involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the womb. This prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised. It can be a fairly minor operation, with many women returning home the same day.<\/p>\n

As the ovaries aren\u2019t affected by this procedure, periods will continue as normal, with the ovaries continuing to release the same hormones. Tubal occlusion doesn\u2019t cause menopause or affect a woman\u2019s sexual desire or pleasure.\u00a0[3]<\/a><\/p>\n

Islamic viewpoint on irreversible contraception<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under normal circumstances, irreversible contraception, whether it is in the form of vasectomy or tubectomy, is absolutely prohibited in Shari\u2019ah.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Islamic law has prohibited castration. \u00a0Sa\u1ffed ibn Abi Waqq\u0101s radiallahu anhu<\/em> narrates,<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam<\/em> forbade \u1ffeUthm\u0101n ibn math\u1ffe\u016bn radiallahu anhu<\/em> from abstaining from marriage.\u00a0 If he had allowed him, we would have castrated ourselves.\u201d[4]<\/a> (Sah\u012bh al-Bukh\u0101ri)<\/p>\n

\u00a0Abdullah ibn Mas\u1ffe\u016bd radiallahu anhu<\/em> says,
\n\u201cWe used to engage in Jih\u0101d with the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam<\/em> and we had no one (with whom we could fulfil our desires).\u00a0 So we asked if we could get ourselves castrated.\u00a0 The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam<\/em> forbade us from doing so.\u201d[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

Ibn Abid\u012bn rahimahullah<\/em> categorically states that castration is impermissible.[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

The common thread between vasectomy and castration is that both destroy the power of reproduction in a man, although the ability to have conjugal relations still exists in both.\u00a0 Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri rahimahullah<\/em> states that the action of permanently preventing reproduction is impermissible, hence under normal circumstances irreversible contraception is impermissible.[7]<\/a>\u00a0 Mufti Khalid Saifullah Rahmani hafizahullah<\/em> states the same in kit\u0101b al-fat\u0101w\u0101.[8]<\/a>\u00a0 The impermissibility is further endorsed in Ahsan al-Fatawa.<\/p>\n

Despite the clear prohibition of male and female sterilisation, scholars mention that in cases of absolute necessity, it will be permissible to carry out an irreversible method of contraception.[9]<\/a>\u00a0 The scholars should be consulted to gauge the necessity in any specific case.<\/p>\n

 
\nReversible contraception<\/strong>
\nContraceptives work by preventing a man\u2019s sperm from fertilising a woman\u2019s egg, and this can be done in several different ways.<\/p>\n

There are two main types of contraception:<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Barrier methods<\/strong>\u00a0– which physically prevent sperm from swimming into the uterus and fertilising the woman\u2019s egg.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hormonal methods<\/strong>\u00a0– which alter a woman\u2019s hormonal cycle to prevent fertilisation.[10]<\/a><\/p>\n

 
\nThe general ruling with regards to reversible contraception:<\/strong><\/p>\n

All\u0101mah K\u0101s\u0101ni (Allah have mercy on him) states in Bada’i` al-Sana’i`,<\/p>\n

“It is disliked to engage in contraception (`azl) with one’s wife without her permission. This is because intercourse with ejaculation is the means to having a child, and having a child is her right. By resorting to contraception [without her permission], having a child is prevented, which is akin to being a reason for not fulfilling her right.<\/p>\n

However, if the contraception was with the wife’s agreement (rida), then it is not disliked. In such a case, she will have willingly forgone her right.”[11]<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Fuqah\u0101\u2019<\/em> further mention that to practice reversible contraception without any reason is somewhat discouraged (makr\u016bh tanz\u012bh\u012b<\/em>).<\/p>\n

If reversible contraception is practiced due to a valid reason, then it will be permissible without any dislike whatsoever.\u00a0 For example:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. a) A woman is weak and unable to sustain pregnancy at the moment.<\/li>\n
  2. b) Being on a journey or away from home.<\/li>\n
  3. c) When there is discord between the husband wife and divorce seems likely.<\/li>\n
  4. d) Fear of older siblings being subjected to any form of difficulty if another child is born.<\/li>\n
  5. e) Fear that the child will become corrupt due to the corruption in the time and area one dwells in.<\/li>\n
  6. f) Spacing out children in order to give them adequate and equal attention.[12]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Some forms of contraception are enumerated below:<\/p>\n

    \u00a01)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coitus interruptus\/withdrawal method (\u1ffeazl)
    \nCoitus interruptus, also known as ‘withdrawal’\u00a0or the pull out method, is Latin for ‘interrupted intercourse’. What happens is that the man pulls out his reproductive organ out from that of his spouse before ejaculation.     [13]<\/a><\/p>\n

    This was a common method in the time of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam<\/em>. [14]<\/a><\/p>\n

    This method is permissible as explicitly stated by the Fuqah\u0101<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    2)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The rhythm method<\/p>\n

    This method is also known as fertility awareness, periodic abstinence or the calendar method. It is a way of avoiding pregnancy by simply not having intercourse during the days when a lady ovulates.<\/p>\n

    The rhythm method of contraception is far less reliable. It is based on the average 28-day menstruation cycle. The idea is to time sexual intercourse outside of the period of ovulation.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0This method is also permissible by way of analogy on the withdrawal method.
    \n\u00a03)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Condoms
    \nThere are two types of\u00a0condoms; male and female. A condom is a barrier contraceptive – it blocks the route a sperm would take to fertilise an egg. They can be made from latex rubber, polyurethane, or lambskin.<\/p>\n

    Condoms stop the sperm from reaching the egg. It creates a physical barrier – this barrier makes sure fertilisation (pregnancy) does not occur. Apart from being made mainly of very thin latex rubber or polyurethane, male condoms contain a lubricant, as well as a spermicide that either destroys or damages the sperm. Extra spermicide is also available in most pharmacies.\u00a0[15]<\/a><\/p>\n

    Using a male condom is permissible also. A condom will not be regarded as a foreign object being inserted into the female\u2019s private part.\u00a0 Instead, it will be regarded as a t\u0101bi<\/em>\u1ffe<\/em> (follower in ruling) of the male private part as without the male reproductive organ it cannot be used.\u00a0 Hence, it is dependent on the male reproductive organ.<\/p>\n

    However, a female condom will be disliked as it is inserted into a female\u2019s inner private part independently.<\/p>\n

    4)<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD)
    \nThis is also known as IUCD, coil, loop and the copper T.\u00a0 An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in copper or contains hormones. The IUD is inserted into one\u2019s uterus by a doctor. A plastic string tied to the end of the\u00a0    IUD<\/a>\u00a0hangs down through the\u00a0cervix<\/a>\u00a0into female private part. The IUD can be checked to see if it is in place by feeling for this string. The string is also used by the doctor to remove the IUD.\u00a0 Research shows an IUD works before fertilisation occurs.[16]<\/a><\/p>\n

    Types of IUDs<\/p>\n

    Hormonal IUD:<\/p>\n

    The hormonal IUD, such as\u00a0Mirena<\/a>, releases\u00a0levonorgestrel<\/a>, which is a form of the hormone\u00a0progestin<\/a>. The hormonal IUD appears to be slightly more effective at preventing\u00a0pregnancy<\/a>\u00a0than the copper IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for at least 5 years.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Copper IUD:
    \nThe most commonly used IUD is the copper IUD (such as Paragard). Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. The copper IUD can stay in place for at least 10 years and is a highly effective form of     contraception<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Both types of IUD prevent fertilisation of the egg by damaging or killing sperm. The IUD also affects the uterine lining (where a fertilised egg would implant and grow).[17]<\/a><\/p>\n

    This is somewhat disliked and discouraged.\u00a0 The Fuqah\u0101<\/em> have stated that it is disliked to insert something into a woman\u2019s private area without any pressing need.[18]<\/a><\/p>\n

    5)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Diaphragms<\/p>\n

    The diaphragm is a dome-shaped bowl made of thin, flexible rubber that sits over the cervix.\u00a0 The diaphragm keeps sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the cervix. For added protection,\u00a0spermicide<\/a>\u00a0is put into the bowl of the diaphragm and along its edges before inserting the diaphragm high into a woman\u2019s genital\u2019s so it covers the cervix.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0The diaphragm is inserted up to 6 hours before having relations.\u00a0 More spermicide must be used each time a girl has relations while wearing the diaphragm.\u00a0 Additional spermicide should also be used if a girl is going to have relations more than 3 hours after she inserted the diaphragm. After relations, the diaphragm must be left in for at least 6 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. The diaphragm can be removed by placing a finger into the woman\u2019s private parts to pull it out.<\/p>\n

    This is somewhat disliked and discouraged also.\u00a0 The Fuqah\u0101 <\/em>have stated that it is disliked to insert something into a woman\u2019s private area without any pressing need.<\/p>\n

    6)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Oral contraceptive pills<\/p>\n

    The oral contraceptive pill (also called “the Pill”) is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body’s organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Most birth control pills are “combination pills” containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn’t ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.[19]<\/a><\/p>\n

    Oral contraceptive methods are permissible to use also provided there is no harm.\u00a0 One should consult a doctor before using these pills.<\/p>\n

    7)\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contraceptive injections<\/p>\n

    Contraceptive injections\u00a0contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0There are two types of injection. Depo-Provera protects one from pregnancy for 12 weeks and Noristerat protects for eight weeks. Both of these are very effective.\u00a0 The main way\u00a0they work is to stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). They also:<\/p>\n