First of all, it should be known that, one of the main aims of marriage in Islam is procreation. Islam encourages its followers to reproduce in large numbers in order to increase the size of the Ummah of our Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace).
Birth Control & Contraception
By Shaykh (Mufti) Muhammad Ibn Adam (HA)
Question: What is the Islamic verdict on contraception and birth control in general? Is it only permissible at times of need?
Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
First of all, it should be known that, one of the main aims of marriage in Islam is procreation. Islam encourages its followers to reproduce in large numbers in order to increase the size of the Ummah of our Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace).
Allah Most High says in the Qur'an:
"So now hold intercourse with your wives and seek (the children) what Allah has ordained for you." ( Surah al-Baqarah, V: 187)
In a Hadith recorded by Imam Abu Dawud, Imam an-Nasa'i and others, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
"Marry women who are loving and reproduce in abundance, for I shall outnumber the other nations by you."
It is clear from the above, that Shariah encourages its followers to abstain from practicing birth control, especially, when it is given a formal, organized and general approach. Therefore, one should refrain from practicing contraception unless necessary.
As far as the Shar'i ruling is concerned, there are two categories of birth control and the ruling of each is different. The ruling of each category is as follows:
Permanent Irreversible Contraception
This type of contraception is carried out when the couple decide never to have a baby. It is done with a sterilization operation carried out either on the man (Vasectomy) or the woman (Tubectomy) and renders the couple incapable of ever having children.
The ruling with regards to this is that, it is unlawful (Haram) to carry out such operations. There are many Narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and clear texts of the Fuqaha (Jurists) which determine this.
The Companion, Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (Allah be pleased with him) said:
"We use engage in Jihad in the company of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and our wives did not accompany us. We said: O Prophet of Allah! Shall we not castrate ourselves? He forbade us from doing so." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The great Hanafi Jurist, Allama Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) says:
"Castration of humans is Haram." (Radd al-Muhtar).
Imam al-Ayni (Allah have mercy on him) says:
"Castration (and sterilization, m) is prohibited with the consensus of all the scholars." (Umdat al-Qari)
However, in cases of extreme necessity, Irreversible contraception will become permissible. For example, a woman's life is in danger or repeated pregnancies gravely damage her health, etc. This however, should be advised by a Muslim qualified doctor.
Temporary Reversible Contraception
There are many methods by which reversible contraception can be performed. Coitus interruptus (Withdrawal method), the pill, using of the condom, i.u.d, spermicidal, just to mention a few.
The ruling on reversible contraception is that, it is somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihan) if practiced without any reason. If there is a genuine reason, then it will be totally permissible with the permission of the wife. Some of the reasons (for the permissibility of reversible contraception), which the Fuqaha mention, are:
aPhysical state of the woman,
bWeakness and illness,
cThe couple are on a distant journey,
dThe couple's relations are unstable and divorce is likely,
eSpacing out children in order to give them adequate care and attention,
If contraception is practiced due to a reason contrary to the teachings of Shariah, then it will not be permissible. Some of these reasons are:
bFear of poverty and not being able to provide,
bFor the fashion of keeping small families and imitating the Kuffar,
cBeing ashamed of having a girl,
There are many narrations from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) which signify the permissibility of reversible contraception, but at the same time indicate it to be undesirable.
Sayyiduna Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) says:
"We used to practice Coitus interruptus (Withdrawal method) while the Qur'an was being revealed. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) knew of this and did not prohibit us." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim )
This has more or less been mentioned by the scholars in their books. (See Imam Nawawi in his commentary of Sahih Muslim, Mulla Ali al-Qari in al-Mirqat, Ibn Abidin in his Radd al-Muhtar and others.
For more details, please refer to my book on this subject titled Birth Control and Abortion (Revised Edition), available from the Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK.
And Allah Knows Best
[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK
The Morning-After Pill
By Shaykh (Mufti) Muhammad Ibn Adam (HA)
Question: I have been under the impression that in Islam it is forbidden to use the morning after pill as it is an abortive method of birth control. A friend recently argued that it was not, and that it is permissible to use it. Could you please provide a detailed response as to what the majority of scholars say regarding this issue?
Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
The Morning-after pill (emergency contraception) is estimated to prevent about 85% of pregnancies. It is thought to work by:
aStopping the ovaries from releasing an egg,
bPreventing sperm from fertilizing any egg that may have already been released; or, (importantly)
cStopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself into the womb lining. (See: The official brochure of Schering Health Care Limited, manufacturers of Levonelle pills).
Other experts state:
"Popularly dubbed the morning-after pill, the drug Levonelle can actually be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse. The 1861 Offences against the Person Act prohibits the supply of any "poison or other noxious thing" with intent to cause miscarriage. SPUC's argument is based on the fact that the drug stops an embryo from implanting in the lining of the womb. The organisation successfully applied last year for leave to bring a judicial review of the government's decision to reclassify the drug as suitable for over-the-counter sale. The court will be asked to consider "what is the precise moment at which a woman becomes pregnant." Is it when the egg is fertilized, or when the resulting embryo is implanted in the womb? If it is the former, then the court could rule that emergency contraception causes a miscarriage and is illegal."
From an Islamic perspective, temporary contraception is permitted in cases of individual needs as explained in earlier posts. The various methods of temporary and reversible contraception prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg, hence they are permitted. However, if a particular method was to expel the fertilized ovum and prevent it from attaching itself into the womb lining, then the ruling would be somewhat different.
Shaykh Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) states whilst discussing the employment of a loop as a means of contraception:
"In the first case where the loop acts as a preventive measure against fertilization, it is similar to any other contraceptive and the rules regarding al-Azl (withdrawal method & temporary contraception in general) may be applied to the loop also, i.e. its use is permissible in Shariah in cases of individual needs, like the sickness or the weakness of the woman where pregnancy may endanger her health.
In the second case, however, (when fertilization takes place, and the fertilized ovum is expelled from the uterus by the loop), the rules of al-Azl cannot be applied, because in that case it is not merely a preventive measure; rather, it expels the fertilized ovum from the uterus after conception. Therefore, it acts as a device to effect an abortion. Hence, the rules of abortion shall apply....As the loop expels the fertilized ovum within two weeks, its use cannot be held as prohibited totally. However, being a device of abortion, its use is not advisable and it should be restricted to the cases of the real medical needs only." (Contemporary Fatawa, P: 136-137)
In light of the above Fatwa, it becomes clear that if a reversible contraceptive device acts after the sperm has fertilized the egg and the device merely prevents a fertilized egg from implanting itself into the womb lining, then the ruling on employing such a contraceptive device would be different. The ruling on such contraceptive devices would be similar to that of carrying out an abortion at an earlier stage, which is impermissible unless there is a genuine and valid reason.
Therefore, the morning-after pill will have the same ruling as the loop, for it may work by stopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself into the womb, as mentioned above.. Thus, the rules of an early abortion would apply in this case also; and hence it should only be used in extreme medical conditions.
In conclusion, the ruling on employing the loop, the morning-after pill or any other method that may act after the egg has been fertilized as a means of contraception is somewhat different to the general ruling on reversible contraception (al-Azl). Reversible contraception is generally permitted if practised on an individual level, whilst employing any method that may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting itself into the womb will not be allowed except in certain medical conditions, for which one should consult a reliable scholar of knowledge and piety.
Selling the morning-after pill
As far as selling the morning after pill is concerned, one should keep in mind the juristic (fiqhi) principle which states:
"Everything that it is possible to use in a permitted manner is lawful to sell" (See: Radd al-Muhtar, 6/391)
Hence, it would be permitted (halal) to sell the various types of contraceptives including the morning-after pill, as they have legally permissible uses. The morning-after pill (as explained earlier) can be used in cases of medical need; hence, it would be permitted to sell it. It is analogous to selling a knife, in that one may use it to cut a fruit, but unfortunately it could be used to stab someone.
Thereafter, if it does end up being used unlawfully, the seller will not share the sin or blame, because that unlawful action was purely through the deliberate wilful action of the purchaser, not because of one's selling. One does not even need to ask or investigate about why it is being used. Assume it is a lawful use.
However, if in a particular case, the seller was certain of it being used unlawfully, it would best be to avoid selling it to that particular individual.
(Based primarily on my soon to be published work (Insha Allah) Birth Control and Abortion (Revised Edition), from www.whitethreadpress.com)
And Allah Knows Best
[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK
Permanent Contraception (Female Sterlisation) - Does Intention affect Permissibility?
By Shaykh (Mufti) Muhammad Ibn Adam (HA)
Question:A 26 year old woman presented to a general gynaecology clinic requesting sterilisation. She worked as the manager of a large legal practice in London. She had never been pregnant. She was five years married and her husband used condoms for contraception. At the age of 17 she had discovered that she had a serious congenital heart defect. Neither she nor her husband had any desire to have children, and they had spoken about this at some length. The reasons she gave for requesting sterilisation were that she had no desire to have children and did not have faith in other forms of contraception (and did not wish to change her lifestyle or threaten her financial status; she saw children as a financial burden; felt that children would prohibit many important life choices, including the opportunity to travel; thought the world was already burdened with enough people; and had serious anxieties about the risk of medical complications during a pregnancy as her cardiologist had told her that pregnancy would be risky). The gynaecologist suggested alternative and reversible methods of contraception, including the intrauterine progestogen system. He also asked whether her partner would consider vasectomy. He explained the risks of laparoscopic sterilisation, which include a small risk of death and a risk of about 1 in 300 of requiring an emergency laparotomy to repair damage done to internal organs. The patient declined the intrauterine system and refused to ask her husband to have a vasectomy as he was only 25. She explained that, should she die prematurely, her husband might meet a new partner who wanted to have children.
1Is her request for sterilisation permissible (Islamically, whether she is Muslim or not)?
2Is the doctor allowed to carry out this procedure? (muslimah doctor)
3Would the ruling change if her main reason for requesting a sterilisation was not that she did not want children, but that it might be risky with her given congenital heart condition (medical reason)? I.e. does her intention matter, whether she doesn’t want a child (against God’s will?) or whether she wished to preserve her own health (conforming to God’s will for medical reasons?)
4If sterilisation is permissible in any of the cases, is the husband’s permission required? (E.g. in 'azl, it is generally with mutual consent... can sterilisation be viewed Islamically as permanent 'azl?)
5Hypothetically, if there was a 100% fool-proof method of contraception that was temporary (i.e. not sterilisation, so no defacing or altering the creation of Allah (swt), then would this form of contraception be allowed given that possibility of conceiving with the contraceptive is absolutely zero?
5Hypothetically, if there was a 100% fool-proof method of contraception that was temporary (i.e. not sterilisation, so no defacing or altering the creation of Allah (swt), then would this form of contraception be allowed given that possibility of conceiving with the contraceptive is absolutely zero?
Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
T
Under normal circumstances, female sterilization is considered to be absolutely and decidedly prohibited (haram) in Shari’ah. The irreversible nature associated with both the male and female sterilizations clearly contradicts one of the primary purposes (maqasid) of marriage which is to have children, as mentioned by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali in his Ihya’ Ulum al-Din.
Furthermore, sterilization is a form of mutilation of one’s body (muthla), which has been clearly forbidden in the Shari’ah. Allah Most High mentions in al-Nisa’ the words of Satan, when he said:
Furthermore, sterilization is a form of mutilation of one’s body (muthla), which has been clearly forbidden in the Shari’ah. Allah Most High mentions in al-Nisa’ the words of Satan, when he said:
“I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah.”
However, in cases of absolute necessity, sterilization does become permitted. The well-known principle of Islamic jurisprudence based on the guidelines of the Qur’an and Sunna states:
“Necessities make prohibitions lawful.” (Ibn Nujaym, Al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir 85)
Cases of absolute necessity include a woman’s life or her permanent health being severely threatened by pregnancy, or her facing the risk of losing her life with additional births after having gone through Caesarean operations on previous occasions. As such, if unbiased and professional medical advice is taken, and one comes to the conclusion that the life or permanent health of a woman would be seriously affected by pregnancy and that there is no other cure for her illness, only then would female sterilization be permitted.
You state that the woman in question has a serious congenital heart condition and as such her becoming pregnant might be risky. In light of the above explanation, she will need to obtain professional medical advice ideally from an experienced and upright Muslim doctor (who knows the severity of the prohibition of sterilization in Islam) and then act accordingly. If the medical expert feels that pregnancy is a severe risk to her life or permanent health, then she may undergo sterilization.
The other reasons outlined in your question do not justify sterilization. In fact, some - such as seeing children as a financial burden thus fearing poverty and thinking that the world was already burdened with enough people - are in direct conflict with the teachings of Islam. Even reversible contraception is not permitted due to “such” reasons and intentions in mind.
As for the doctor and medical practitioner, if sterilization is justified (in light of the above-mentioned explanation), then it is permitted to carry out the operation on the patient. If, however, it is not Islamically justified, such as when there is no absolute necessity, or when alternatives are available, then it is not permitted for the Muslim doctor to perform the operation, since this would be held as assisting another in a sinful act.
You state that the woman in question has a serious congenital heart condition and as such her becoming pregnant might be risky. In light of the above explanation, she will need to obtain professional medical advice ideally from an experienced and upright Muslim doctor (who knows the severity of the prohibition of sterilization in Islam) and then act accordingly. If the medical expert feels that pregnancy is a severe risk to her life or permanent health, then she may undergo sterilization.
The other reasons outlined in your question do not justify sterilization. In fact, some - such as seeing children as a financial burden thus fearing poverty and thinking that the world was already burdened with enough people - are in direct conflict with the teachings of Islam. Even reversible contraception is not permitted due to “such” reasons and intentions in mind.
As for the doctor and medical practitioner, if sterilization is justified (in light of the above-mentioned explanation), then it is permitted to carry out the operation on the patient. If, however, it is not Islamically justified, such as when there is no absolute necessity, or when alternatives are available, then it is not permitted for the Muslim doctor to perform the operation, since this would be held as assisting another in a sinful act.
And Allah Knows Best
[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK
http://www.askimam.org/public/question_detail/24639
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Contraception can be divided into two categories:
1) Irreversible (or permanent) contraception
2) Reversible (or temporary) contraception[1]
Irreversible contraception
Irreversible contraception is usually carried out by means of a sterilisation operation. Normally, there are two types sterilisation operation; one is performed on the male and the other on the female.
Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
Male 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]
Female sterilisation (tubectomy or tubal ligation)
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.
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.
As the ovaries aren’t affected by this procedure, periods will continue as normal, with the ovaries continuing to release the same hormones. Tubal occlusion doesn’t cause menopause or affect a woman’s sexual desire or pleasure. [3]
As the ovaries aren’t affected by this procedure, periods will continue as normal, with the ovaries continuing to release the same hormones. Tubal occlusion doesn’t cause menopause or affect a woman’s sexual desire or pleasure. [3]
Islamic viewpoint on irreversible contraception
Under normal circumstances, irreversible contraception, whether it is in the form of vasectomy or tubectomy, is absolutely prohibited in Shari’ah.
Islamic law has prohibited castration. Sa῾d ibn Abi Waqqās radiallahu anhu narrates,
“The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam forbade ῾Uthmān ibn math῾ūn radiallahu anhu from abstaining from marriage. If he had allowed him, we would have castrated ourselves.”[4] (Sahīh al-Bukhāri)
Abdullah ibn Mas῾ūd radiallahu anhu says,
“We used to engage in Jihād with the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam and we had no one (with whom we could fulfil our desires). So we asked if we could get ourselves castrated. The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam forbade us from doing so.”[5]
Ibn Abidīn rahimahullah categorically states that castration is impermissible.[6]
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. Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri rahimahullah states that the action of permanently preventing reproduction is impermissible, hence under normal circumstances irreversible contraception is impermissible.[7] Mufti Khalid Saifullah Rahmani hafizahullah states the same in kitāb al-fatāwā.[8] The impermissibility is further endorsed in Ahsan al-Fatawa.
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] The scholars should be consulted to gauge the necessity in any specific case.
Reversible contraception
Contraceptives work by preventing a man’s sperm from fertilising a woman’s egg, and this can be done in several different ways.
There are two main types of contraception:
1) Barrier methods - which physically prevent sperm from swimming into the uterus and fertilising the woman’s egg.
The general ruling with regards to reversible contraception:
Allāmah Kāsāni (Allah have mercy on him) states in Bada'i` al-Sana'i`,
"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.
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]
The Fuqahā’ further mention that to practice reversible contraception without any reason is somewhat discouraged (makrūh tanzīhī).
If reversible contraception is practiced due to a valid reason, then it will be permissible without any dislike whatsoever. For example:
a) A woman is weak and unable to sustain pregnancy at the moment.
b) Being on a journey or away from home.
c) When there is discord between the husband wife and divorce seems likely.
d) Fear of older siblings being subjected to any form of difficulty if another child is born.
e) Fear that the child will become corrupt due to the corruption in the time and area one dwells in.
f) Spacing out children in order to give them adequate and equal attention.[12]
Some forms of contraception are enumerated below:
1) Coitus interruptus/withdrawal method (῾azl)
Coitus interruptus, also known as 'withdrawal' or 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]
This was a common method in the time of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam. [14]
This method is permissible as explicitly stated by the Fuqahā.
2) The rhythm method
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.
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.
This method is also permissible by way of analogy on the withdrawal method.
3) Condoms
There are two types of condoms; 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.
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. [15]
Using a male condom is permissible also. A condom will not be regarded as a foreign object being inserted into the female’s private part. Instead, it will be regarded as a tābi῾ (follower in ruling) of the male private part as without the male reproductive organ it cannot be used. Hence, it is dependent on the male reproductive organ.
However, a female condom will be disliked as it is inserted into a female’s inner private part independently.
4) Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD)
This is also known as IUCD, coil, loop and the copper T. An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in copper or contains hormones. The IUD is inserted into one’s uterus by a doctor. A plastic string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the cervix into 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. Research shows an IUD works before fertilisation occurs.[16]
Types of IUDs
Hormonal IUD:
The hormonal IUD, such as Mirena, releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of the hormone progestin. The hormonal IUD appears to be slightly more effective at preventing pregnancy than the copper IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for at least 5 years.
Copper IUD:
The 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.
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]
This is somewhat disliked and discouraged. The Fuqahā have stated that it is disliked to insert something into a woman’s private area without any pressing need.[18]
5) Diaphragms
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped bowl made of thin, flexible rubber that sits over the cervix. The diaphragm keeps sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the cervix. For added protection, spermicide is put into the bowl of the diaphragm and along its edges before inserting the diaphragm high into a woman’s genital’s so it covers the cervix.
The diaphragm is inserted up to 6 hours before having relations. More spermicide must be used each time a girl has relations while wearing the diaphragm. 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’s private parts to pull it out.
This is somewhat disliked and discouraged also. The Fuqahā have stated that it is disliked to insert something into a woman’s private area without any pressing need.
6) Oral contraceptive pills
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.
Most 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]
Oral contraceptive methods are permissible to use also provided there is no harm. One should consult a doctor before using these pills.
7) Contraceptive injections
Contraceptive injections contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries.
There 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. The main way they work is to stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). They also:
· Thicken the mucus from the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg.
· Make the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
The hormone is injected into a muscle, usually into one’s bottom. Depo-Provera can also sometimes be given in the arm.[20]
This method is permissible also provided there is no harm. One should again consult a doctor to see if it is a suitable method for one.
8) Implant
An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under the skin in the upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries and works for up to three years.
The main way it works is to stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also:
· Thickens the mucus from the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through the cervix and reach an egg.
· It makes the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
This method is permissible also provided there is no harm. One should again consult a doctor to see if it is a suitable method for one.
9) progestogen-only pill (POP)
The progestogen-only pill (POP) contains a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries.
The POP works in a number of ways:
· It mainly works by thickening the mucus from the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg.
· It makes the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
It sometimes stops the ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation). This is the main action of one POP, Cerazette. This may mean that Cerazette is more effective than other POPs, but research has not yet confirmed this.[21]
This method is permissible also provided there is no harm. One should again consult a doctor to see if it is a suitable method for one.
10) IUS (Intrauterine system)
An IUS is a small T-shaped plastic device which releases a progestogen hormone. This is similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries.
A trained doctor or nurse will put the IUS into the uterus (womb). The IUS has two soft threads at one end which hang through the opening at the entrance of one’s uterus – cervix – into the top of one’s private organ.
This is somewhat disliked and discouraged. The Fuqahā have stated that it is disliked to insert something into a woman’s private area without any pressing need.[22]
11) The contraceptive vaginal ring
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, transparent, plastic ring. It is placed in the vagina where it releases two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones that women produce in their ovaries and are like those used in the combined pill.
The vaginal ring releases a constant dose of hormones into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. The main way it works is to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
It also thickens the mucus from the cervix. This makes it difficult for a sperm to move through it and reach an egg. It makes the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
12) Birth control patches
The birth control patch is a thin, beige, 1¾-inch (4½-centimeter) square patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs.
The combination of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the patch prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries during a girl's monthly cycle). If an egg isn't released, a girl can't get pregnant because there's nothing for a male’s sperm to fertilise.
The hormones in the patch also thicken the mucus produced in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus so that if the egg is fertilised it will have a hard time attaching to the wall of the uterus.[23]
This method is permissible provided there is no harm. One should consult a doctor to see if it is a suitable method for oneself.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Faraz Ibn Adam,
Student Darul Iftaa
Student Darul Iftaa
http://www.askimam.org/public/question_detail/15927
I am going to get married soon inshallah. I would like know whether it is permissible in Islam to use reversible contraception ( like condoms) if the husband wants to enjoy his sexual life during the first 1-2 years after marraige? I do not want to practic econtraception because of fear of poverty but just to enjoy quality time with the wife.
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
CONTRACEPTION
Reversible
Chemical - the pill which is taken orally spermicidal jellies used locally. Mechanical - use of condom intra-uterine device Physical - coitus interruptus rhythm method Permanent - sterilization operation - tubal ligations - vasectomies.
Question 1
Is the Practice of contraception allowed in Islam? If so, under what circumstances?
Answer
Contraception is permissible on a limited scale for valid reasons - reasons considered by the Shariلh to be valid. The circumstances which will permit reversible and permanent contraception differ.
REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION
Among the reasons accepted by the Shariلh as valid for practising reversible contraception are:
(A) Physical weakness.
(B) Sickness
(C) The wife maintaining her beauty or figure for the sake of her husband.
(D) The couple being on a journey or in a distant land.
(E) Adverse political conditions, e.g. children are forcibly separated from their parents as is advocated by communism; etc.
(F) The couple decide to separate in the near future.
(G) The wife is an immoral person.
(B) Sickness
(C) The wife maintaining her beauty or figure for the sake of her husband.
(D) The couple being on a journey or in a distant land.
(E) Adverse political conditions, e.g. children are forcibly separated from their parents as is advocated by communism; etc.
(F) The couple decide to separate in the near future.
(G) The wife is an immoral person.
There are valid grounds for practising reversible contraception. Poverty or the fear of poverty are not valid reasons for contraception. It is not permissible to practice contraception on account of a fear of not being able to provide for a large family. Such a fear is an attribute of non-Muslims. According to the Qurمn Shareef: 'There is not a living creature, but its sustenance is the responsibility of Allah.'
Similarly desire to curb sexual desire which may stem out of piety is not a lawful ground for contraception. If practised for any reason which is unlawful in Islam, then contraception will likewise be unlawful, e.g. for indulgence in illicit sex.
PERMANENT CONTRACEPTION
Permanent contraception is permissible only if the woman's life is in danger or her health is seriously threatened.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah
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