Do you believe Muslims should use birth control? Umar once wrote, “The greatest weapon in the hand of the Muslim Ummah is the womb of the Muslim mother.” From that perspective, I think the answer would be ‘no.’ But many scholars have concluded that family planning is permissible.
Here’s an article with the latest information, if you’re considering birth control for family planning.
null 9:04 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
In regards to scholars concluding that family planning is permissible – honestly, I’ve never heard an opinion from scholars that states otherwise. Which isn’t to say that large families with many children aren’t encouraged and seen as a blessing.
I’m not married, but I fully intend to use family planning when I get married, inshaAllah. In theory, I like the idea of a large family. In practice, I don’t know how realistic that will be.
Len 7:58 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
Deobandi scholars on birth control:
An impermissible reason would be to limit family size.
But a permissible reason would be for the wife to maintain her figure for her husband.
Go figure.
(seach askimam.org for “birth control”)
null 9:31 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
Which is to say that the permissibility of family planning is dependent on your intentions (whether we agree with the Deobandi scholars’ characterization of good/bad intentions is a separate issue). Even this somewhat extreme position is a far way from a blanket ban on birth control or condemnation of family planning.
Len 11:50 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
The link John provided has a qualifier attached (“if there is some Shariah need”)…OK, so what’s a shariah-compliant need for birth control? Besides legitimate health concerns (and vanity, apparently), is there any good reason according to them? Financial fear or trouble isn’t a reason (advancing one’s career might fall under this category), limiting family size for the sake of having a small family isn’t one…
Spacing the children out over time might be one they concede, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that wasn’t considered a good excuse either.
I was just kind of surprised that the reasons that we in the US generally accept as pretty valid reasons for family planning are bad according to (the Deobandi brand of) shariah. And it’s not even just that: the ones we consider to be pretty shallow (such as maintaining one’s figure) are just fine.
Len 11:50 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink
Or at least I consider shallow anyway.
null 12:11 am on October 24, 2009 Permalink
I read the link as saying that one should not kill/abort their children for fear of poverty. That’s different from using family planning to or trying to avoid falling pregnant in the first place.
Len 12:18 am on October 24, 2009 Permalink
I was referring to the Deobandi fatwa site when I said that.
null 12:18 am on October 24, 2009 Permalink
I agree it’s a somewhat shallow reason. We know spouses should try their best to remain attractive to each other, but I wonder if the Deobandis are dispensing any awsum tipz to the menfolk to maintain their figures?
We were among some tablighs a couple of weeks ago, and amongst the rolly polly men was one lone slim young man. My brother leaned over to me and whispered, “He must be new…”
Len 12:19 am on October 24, 2009 Permalink
lol.
null 9:07 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
Also, in regards to “the greatest weapon in the hand of the Muslim Ummah is the womb of the Muslim mother” – obviously one has to take quality into account, and not just quantity.
Dan 9:14 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
As someone who mostly agrees with what Umar says, I think his views on birth control is idiotic at best. His views on that issue are shaped mostly from living in the U.S., but if he were from a Muslim country where overpopulation is a major problem, he would shift a major tune. He’s entitled to his opinion, but I can’t help but to think how flawed it is.
I agree with null because it’s not going to help our reputation when a majority of the Muslim world is regressive and illiterate.
johnpi 10:29 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
One of the points that struck me about the article I link to is that it discusses the risks of pregnancy as a factor to consider for women of all ages in choosing to use birth control. I’ve seen discussions about pregnancy risks in the context of women over the age of 35 before, but not for women of all ages.
I notice just in my own responses that the conversation has been limited to one about whether or not to increase the family/have kids, not whether or not women want to risk their health doing it. Obviously, my response is anecdotal and particular to me, but I’m pretty widely read in the MSM, so I feel moderately confident saying that the limitations of my perspective may be representative.
The author quoted from another report:
null 10:45 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
If you read radical feminist sites, you’d know all about how dangerous (and insidiously patriarchal) nature is for lumping women with pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, vaginas and breasts.
It’s one thing to be aware of the risks of pregnancy – and more importantly how best to look after your health and diet to minimise any health complications you might suffer – but it’s quite another to try and scare women out of having children.
My grand-aunt delivered her own baby. In the dark.
johnpi 11:04 am on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
lol. “insidiously patriarchal” nature – you’re supposed to shake your fist at the window when you say that…
johnpi 12:05 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
I’m curious – do you perceive that article coming from the perspective of trying to scare women out of pregnancy? I didn’t get that sense. I know that author to be more of a ‘knowledge is power’ feminist.
null 9:57 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
I tried to reply a couple of times John, but my message doesn’t come up…? *sad face*
Shams al-Nahar 9:14 am on October 24, 2009 Permalink
null, you must have have some link that is rejected.
happens a lot.