Fatwa ID: 01937
Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Question:
Assalamu alikum, I'm a PhD Student. I'm going to get married .My fiancé is going to do higher studies in distance learning. Hostel which I'm staying does not permit kids (or babies).Only Couples are allowed. We are basically from India .We will be leaving this country after my studies. We also planned to spend some time in the path of ALLAH swt after my graduation.In this case reversible contraception is permissible for us or is it just ok to stay without any intermingling.
Answer:
Islam encourages reproduction in large numbers with the sole aim of increasing the size of the Ummah.
The Prophet of Allah 
has said: “Marry women who are loving and reproduce in abundance, for I shall outnumber the other nations by you.” (Mishkat P267)
The fuqaha (jurists) have said that to practice temporary reversible contraception like the withdrawal method, the pill, using condoms etc…is somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihi) without any reason. If there is a genuine reason, then it will be permissible with the permission of the wife. (See Sunan Ibn Majah p.138)
Some of the reasons are:
- Physical state of the women like repeated pregnancies have an ill effect on her health.
- Spacing out children in order to give them adequate care and attention. (Jadeed Fiqhi Masaail P 289 v1)
If contraception is practiced for the following reasons then this will not be permissible:
-
Fear of poverty. Allah
has said in the Holy Qur’an: “And do not kill your children for fear of poverty.” (Surah Bani Israeel v31)
- For the fashion of keeping small families. The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said: “He who imitates any group of people is from them.” (Sunan Abu Dawud P559 v2)
In regards to your question, as you and your wife are in a distant land you can practice temporary contraception.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
