The Ruling on Sterilisation and Being Childless Question: What do the scholars of Islam and the scholars of Islamic Jurisprudence say regarding the question of birth control, human sterilisation and vasectomy – whether voluntary or compulsory? Is it permissible in Allaah’s religion? Please give a clear explanation in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, may Allaah reward you, because the scholars in our country, India, have differed regarding this question, some of them declaring it permissible, while others declared it forbidden, and still others remain silent. We, the Muslims in India, are in doubt regarding this matter and we do not know whether it affects our religion or not. And is this behaviour an interference in the Muslim’s religion or not? And is it permissible for any government which calls for freedom of religion and noninterference in religious affairs to forcefully implant birth control and to concentrate on the Muslims in this matter, whether voluntary or by force? Please explain and educate, may the Inventor of all things reward you with the best of rewards. And may the peace of Allaah and His mercy and blessings be upon you. Answer: All praise and thanks be to Allaah alone, and may peace and blessings be upon him after whom there is no Prophet and upon his family and Companions. As for what follows: It is well known in the Islamic religion that the action mentioned in the question is detested and an act of injustice towards the Muslim peoples. Indeed, it is an injustice against all mankind. It is not permissible for any government – whether Islamic or otherwise – to implement it, because sterilisation for men or women is a great injustice which includes many kinds of corruption and evil consequences. It contradicts the legal evidences from the book (of Allaah) and the Sunnah, and it goes against the innate nature upon which Allaah created His creatures, and it contradicts that which is demanded by sound intellect, which implores seeking the general good of mankind. If this occurs among the Muslims, there lies therein a great harm. It causes reduction in their numbers, against their enemies, and it contradicts the established authentic Ahadeeth from the Messenger of Allaah (saw) in which there is guidance to embrace the increase of population. He (saw) said that he will have the largest number of followers on the Day of Resurrection. Likewise therein (i.e. in birth control) there is a reduction in the number of those who worship Allaah Alone and call to His Law, and help in the establishment of justice in the land. In short, the aforementioned sterilisation is one of the most evil acts of injustice and Allaah, the Almighty, the AllPowerful has said:
“And whoever among you does wrong (i.e. sets up rivals to Allaah), We shall make him taste a great torment.”1 And the Prophet (saw) said: “Beware of injustice, because injustice is darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”2 The proofs for the prohibition of sterilisation, and that it is a form of injustice – the performance of which is forbidden by the Book (of Allaah) and the Sunnah – are very numerous. So we ask Allaah to guide whoever does this detested deed to return to what is correct, and to grant success to the Muslims in every place to achieve what strengthens them and unites their voices upon the Truth, and to help them against those who violate the Command of their Lord. Verily, He is AllHearing, Near. And may peace and blessings be upon his servants and His Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad (saw). (Shaikh Ibn Baaz)
1
Surah AlFurqan Muslim no. 2578.
2