#674: Ruling on Family Planning
QUESTION:
CAN A WOMAN USE FAMILY PLANNING METHODS TO PREVENT HERSELF FROM CHILD BIRTH PERMANENTLY FOR FEAR OF SICKLE CELL BIRTH?
“Assalamu alaikum.Please my question is a woman with 2kids,only to find out that one of the kid is sickle cell patient, is it advisable for her to to do family planning never to give birth again. Pls it’s really urgent. Jazakallahu khairan”
ANSWER:
Wa Alaykum Salām Warahmatullāh Wabarakātuh
May Allah be merciful to us and you, amīn.
As for Family Planning, the Ulamā have agreed that it is Harām to use any techniques that result into permanent inability to conceive in the case of a woman, or infertility in the case of a man.
This is completely Harām.
As for techniques that delay, space, or temporarily prevent pregnancy, they have been agreed upon to be disliked ( Makrūh ) as long as they do not involve trampling over the rights of the spouse or the partner.
This was mentioned as regards to Interuptus (Withdrawal) by Imām Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah – rahimahullāh – in Zād.
If therefore, by virtue of your question you mean permanent means and techniques, this is entirely Harām.
Second, as for Sickle Cell, may Allāh protect us and our progeny from that, we must rely upon Allāh on matters like this, for science, as good as it may be, has no definite and precise conclusion on this matter.
This is because different research works have been done to the effect that errors have been made in this regard several times in Medical History.
This said, while it is permissible and very okay to use these tests as pointers and as guide, you should realise that everything in the end lies in the Hands of Allāh.
Lastly, know that this decision, if the Techniques she wants to use are not permanent, must he reached by the couple together, and with Medical Advice, and not one she is to make alone.
And Allāh knows best.
Bārakallāhu Fīkum
Jazākumullāhu Khayran.
📚IslamNode
