Is Birth Control Haram?
Is it permissible for Muslims to use contraception or birth control?
Islamic Ruling
Temporary contraception (contraceptive pills, condoms, IUDs):
- Generally permissible for valid reasons: spacing children, financial hardship, health of the mother, or mutual agreement between spouses.
- The Prophet ﷺ did not prohibit azl (coitus interruptus — the classical form of contraception), calling it a matter of personal choice.
Permanent sterilization (vasectomy, tubal ligation):
- Generally prohibited when done solely for the purpose of avoiding having children permanently.
- Permitted if there is a genuine medical necessity threatening the mother's life.
Abortion (as a form of contraception):
- Prohibited after ensoulment (around 120 days by majority opinion, 40 days by some scholars).
- Scholarly disagreement on very early-stage abortion (before 40 days) when there is hardship.
Note: Using contraception requires mutual agreement of both spouses.
Quranic Evidence
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Quran 2:233
Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing.
Hadith Evidence
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Sahih Muslim 1438
"We used to practice azl (coitus interruptus) during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. When this reached him, he did not prohibit us."
Views of the Four Madhabs
Hanafi
Temporary contraception permissible with wife's consent. Permanent sterilization makruh or haram.
Maliki
Permissible with mutual consent for valid reasons.
Shafi'i
Permissible with conditions on consent and reason.
Hanbali
Permissible with conditions.
Scholar's View
OIC Fiqh Academy: "Temporary contraception is permissible for valid reasons with mutual spousal agreement."
This ruling is presented for educational purposes based on established scholarly sources. For matters specific to your personal situation, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar (mufti) from your madhab.
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