Disinclined To Bear Children
QUESTION:
Please advise if the desire of a female to not have children is Haraam?
ANSWER:
From the outset, it should be borne in mind that being blessed with children or not, is the sole decision of Allah Ta’ala. At times, one may not want to have children but despite adopting all the means to prevent having a child, a woman may still conceive.
Notwithstanding the above, it is incorrect for one to harbour the desire of not having children. Consider the following Hadith:
عن معقل بن يسار، قال: جاء رجل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال: إني أصبت امرأة ذات حسب وجمال، وإنها لا تلد، أفأتزوجها، قال: «لا» ثم أتاه الثانية فنهاه، ثم أتاه الثالثة، فقال: «تزوجوا الودود الولود فإني مكاثر بكم الأمم. )سنن أبي داود(2043#
A person came to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and said: “I have found a woman who is of good lineage and beautiful, but she cannot have children. Should I marry her?” He answered, “No.” Then he came to him a second time, but he forbade. Then he came to him thrice, whereupon he said, “Marry the one who is loving and fertile for I will be proud of your large numbers before the nations on the Day of Qiyaamah.”
Imam Abu Dawood Rahimahullah has cited the above Hadith under the chapter, “Marrying child-bearing women.” Therefore, it can be clearly understood from the above narration that one should have the desire to bear children as this will be a means of honour for Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam on the day of Qiyaamah.
Unfortunately, the western mindset has led us to believe that having children restricts one from fulfilling one’s life’s ambitions and goals, whereas children bring along so much joy and Barakah (blessings). Furthermore, taking care of children and bringing them up upon righteousness is a means of acquiring great reward, and ultimately, they become a means of Sadaqah Jaariyah (perpetual reward) for the parents.
In conclusion, we advise you to make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to bless you with what is best for you.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 10 Dhul Qa’dah 1447 / 28 April 2026
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb