#109: Can I Practice Spacing or Family Planning With my Spouse?

Please, what is accepted Islamic method of family planning or child spacing for a husband and wife.

*ANSWER*

Alhamdulillāh Wa As-Salātu Wa As-Salāmu ‘Alā Rasūlillāh

Know, may Allāh be merciful to you, that of what is known as family planning today is that method that is permissible, that which is disliked (Makrūh) and that which is forbidden (Harām).

What is permissible is to use any method that does not involve surgical mutilation of any organ that is either permanent or temporal for a woman whose life is in danger if such Family Planning methods are not adopted.

What is Makrūh is the *’Withdrawal Method’* according to what the Ulamā established. The Ulamā explained that it becomes Harām if it is not with the permission and agreement of both spouses.

Lastly, any Family Planning method that involves surgical removal of body parts that is either permanent or temporal remains Harām.

It should be noted also that what is expected of any Muslim that believes in Allāh and the Last Day is to rely on Allāh and not to take the Path of Family Planning unless when there is a legitimate risk to the life of the wife or the husband in refusal to do so. Or when there is a legitimate reason to hold that giving birth to added number of children in that circumstance will mean inability to give the right Muslim _Tarbiyya_ to the child.

Realise that all wealth comes from Allāh and you never can tell if the source of your increased bounties and wealth will come from the child you do not want to add. Therefore, we advise you to rely on Allah and make no use of those Family Planning methods.

Allāh A’alam
Bārakallāhu Fīkum
Jazākumullāhu Khayran.

25th Al Muharram 1438