What does Islam say about birth control?

Answer 1

In per-Islamic Arabia birth control was practiced mostly by “coitus interruptus” (‘azl). There are three well-known Hadith on the subject of ‘azl and they are mutually contradictory. According to one, the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have referred to ‘azl as a ‘lesser infanticide’. This is contracted by a second one that narrates that a man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and said, “We practice ‘azl, but we have some Jewish neighbors who say that this is a lesser infanticide.” The Prophet (pbuh) responded by saying, “they are lying. It is not a lesser infanticide. You may practice it, but if God has predetermined for a child to be born, it will be born.” The third Hadith is inconsistent with both of these. It states that a companion of the Prophet (pbuh) said “We used to practice ‘azl (during the Prophet’s (pbuh) lifetime), and he knew about it while the Quran was also being revealed, but the Quran did not prohibit it”. Because two of the three Hadith indicate that the Prophet (pbuh) gave either verbal, or tacit, approval to the practice of ‘azl, progressive or “liberal” Muslims adopt the position that the Hadith literature sanctions family planning.

All the five major Schools of Law in Islam, namely, the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanabali, and Ja’fari, permit the practice do ‘azl. Whereas the Shafi’i School allows contraception unconditionally to the husband, who need not do it with the consent of the wife, the other four schools permit the practice of ‘azl only with the consent of the wife. The practice of contraception is forbidden by the medieval Spanish Muslims Ibn Hazm’s Zahiri, or literalist, School, which had few followers. It is also allowed by the Zaidi and the Isma’ili Schools.

It may be of interest to mention that several medieval jurists permitted not only contraception but also abortion within four months of pregnancy before the “ensoulment” of the fetus. In general, Muslim jurist have held two opposing views on abortion. The first that it is totally forbidden. This view is held by the majority of the Maliki School, whereas a small minority permits abortion within 40 days of conception. The Ja’fari School also prohibits abortion. The second view is that abortion is permissible until “ensoulment” which is generally believed to occur after 120 days of conception. This view is held by the Hanafi School, the Shafi’i School. The Hanbali School, and the Zaidi School although there are differences in opinion among individual jurist regarding the time of “ensoulment” and whether a compelling reason is required for abortion.


Also the body can not be changed in order to prevent a child. So Mulsim women can not have their tubes tied and Muslim men can not have a vasectomy.

Answer 2

Birth control is permissible according to Islam, which recognizes that the sexual act is more than just a means of procreation.

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the most commonly practiced method of birth control was 'azl or the withdrawal method. According to the ulama (scholars), withdrawal is permissible but generally thought to be makruh (reprehensible), since it deprives the woman of her right to be able to have sexual satisfaction and to bear children if she so desires, so therefore the conclusion reached by most scholars is that withdrawal should not be practiced unless the woman agrees to it.

If repeated pregnancies have weakened the woman's body or becoming pregnant would threaten her life, such birth control may be construed as a necessity, and not makruh.

Modern scholar Shaykh Ahmad al-Sharabassi of Egypt has pronounced the following as genuine reasons for practicing contraception:

So that the woman may rest between pregnancies.
If either partner has a transmittable disease.
For the sake of the woman's health. For example if she is already breast-feeding a child it would be damaging for both her and the child to have another pregnancy.
If the husband can not afford to support any more children.

Answer 3

Religions vary widely in their views of the ethics of birth control. In Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church accepts only Natural Family Planning, while Protestants maintain a wide range of views from allowing none to very lenient. Views in Judaism range from the stricter Orthodox sect to the more relaxed Reformed sect. In Islam, contraceptives are allowed if they do not threaten health or lead to sterility, although their use is sometimes discouraged. Hindus may use both natural and artificial contraceptives.

Answer 4

Birth control is a sin in Islam because the wife is denying the husband conception of his children. Now if the doctor says it's ok to use for a woman to regulate her periods(health reason) than it is ok to use.

Answer 5

I am not Muslim but from what I know Muslims are supposed to spread Islam and birth control would prevent that, so birth control is likely forbidden in the Quaran.

Answer 6

Not much...if both parents agree to put off birth then they can; BUT permanent birth contol is haram (vasectomy)

Answer 7

I thought that they were busy practicing birth control right now.

Answer 8

It says you can't speak unless I tell you too!
J~k

Answer 9

AL AH AKBAR!

Answer 10

women can't use it, men can