Know Your Deen

Q. The Hadith states that marry and propagate to make Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) proud on the day of qiyamah.

Would this Hadith:

1) Not make birth control forbidden? (Birth control pills, IUD, etc.)

2) Would this hadith not make the seeking of artificial means to impregnate a woman a necessity? (Rephrased question)

Q. What conditions can Muslims use as effective birth control if medicinal use proves harmful…? (medical student – Utah)

Answer:

The Hadith referred to you  states:

??? ?? ?? ????? ??? ???? ???? ???? ??? ??? : ?????? ?????? ?????? ? ???? ????? ??? ????? ??? ???????

‘Marry the woman who is fertile and loving, for I will be proud of your great number before (other) nations on the Day of Resurrection.’

[as Reported in Nasai, Mishkat 267 kitabun nikah p. 267, etc]

In viewing this hadith in conjunction with other Hadith that precede and antecede it in Mishkat Shareef, the correct meaning would be as follows:

The muhadith have stated: that a man should prefer to marry a woman who can bear children. This would be inclusive of observing the sisters of the intended spouse, her aunts, comments made by her pertaining to the rearing of children, etc. so as to bring to the forefront that this individual (female) does not have any reservation towards having her own biological children under normal conditions. Such probing is also to secure that a high probability exists that she would be able to conceive a child.

Regarding the affectionate nature of an intended spouse (this applies to men and women): Hadith in general make clear that one should examine the intended spouse’s background, etc. to deduce the mental wiring of compatibility between the parties. Upon the necessary care taken in finding such a fertile and affectionate person, it can be deduced that the propensity of having children who are pious and a wife who is compassionate and affectionate on rearing a child properly would make Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) proud on the day of Qiyamah (Day of Judgment.).

As can be noted, this Hadith does not limit the usage of birth control as stipulated below. (See conditions that apply) Had the Hadith placed limitations, there would be a contradiction between the above Hadith and the Hadith of Sayidinah Saed –ul- Khudhry (radiAllaahu anhu) wherein he reports that  an individual asked Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) about ‘Azal (When a man does not plant his seed within the womb of his wife with her consent.) Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) responded, ‘When Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) intends creating a child, nothing can stop Him.’ (Mishkat Shareef) In other words, you can practice ‘Azal, but if Allah wants to have her impregnated by you, then that is what would occur.

Thus, one can use a birth control method, but do not depend upon it. The ‘birth controller’s’ intent should be that whatever halaal method a person uses, they should leave the matter to Allah as the final judge of the situation regarding the matter of pregnancy.

Conditions of using reversible birth control methods:

• All natural methods have been exhausted, so as to prevent birth;
• political separate is going to separate the couple;
• A woman gains rest between her pregnancies, so as to let her body recuperate, or if her health demands it;
• Haraam elements are eliminated in preventing the pregnancy (ingredients to be utilized, establishing that a male would not touch a female patient, etc);
  
• Muslim female doctors are preferred to help with insertion of those elements that would help with the reversible birth control procedure;
• The reversible birth control method should not terminate the possibility of pregnancy, unless the patient’s life is to fully be in danger as a result of the birth process;
• All facts pertaining to the consequences of using the given contraceptive methods are properly evaluated;
• Spouse is immoral; (husband is not secure in the relationship, and she fears abandonment)!)
• Couple know that the marriage is going to be a failure, and divorce is inevitable;
• The husband is bound to commit adultery if she loses her beauty (husband in such a case should have his head checked)

Under such conditions, reversible birth control in Islam is permissible. Contraception is prohibited when Islam prevents it in a given matter. Contraception cannot be used to eliminate sexual desire.

To view the above Hadith as a command would force people to marry as well as demand that children be conceived without regulation would be tantamount to imposing a burden upon those who cannot afford marriage, children, or a woman seeking rest between pregnancies. This would prove difficult for the poor, unhealthy, etc. Although we agree Allah provides, some are aware that their financial situation calls for an evaluation as to how many children they can have. There is a difference between not wanting children, being content with the amount of children one has, and creating methods to eliminate the attaining of children.

One cannot use reversible birth control fearing that a child cannot be sustained. The most superior thing to do on the side of the believer would be to get married upon having the resources to do so, and leave the rest to Allah, for Allah knows what is always best for us.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.