Birth Control, Family Planning, and Artificial Insemination from an Islamic Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the issues of birth limitation, family planning, and fertilization from an Islamic perspective. The continuation of human lineage is an essential part of the divine system, yet due to social and medical reasons, family planning has become a subject of discussion. Islam adopts a balanced position, neither absolutely rejecting nor unconditionally permitting it. Legitimate reasons include protecting the mother’s health, ensuring proper child upbringing, and postponing childbirth for a suitable time. However, if the intention is to escape divine decree or dislike children, it is considered impermissible. Based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and juristic reasoning, the ruling depends on intention and method; temporary medical means are allowed, while permanent sterilization is prohibited.