Navigating the Desire for Another Child: Islamic Guidance on Family Planning

Seeking Another Child: Understanding Islamic Perspectives and Financial Concerns

Question: I am not financially stable. I have a daughter who is three years old, Alhamdulillah, and now I want to have another child. Upon visiting the doctor, I found out that some treatment is needed, which my husband and I cannot afford. However, I have a strong desire for a second child. This has led to a fight with my husband, who says that one child is enough for now. Has he displeased Allah, and how can he seek forgiveness from Allah so that Allah forgives him and grants us another child without treatment?

Answer: Fundamentally, you need to understand two things first.

The first thing is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed men to marry women who are likely to bear many children.

The second thing is that during the Prophet’s time, disbelievers used to kill their children out of fear of poverty, and even today, non-Muslims tend to have fewer children to avoid the burden of providing for them. However, Allah has informed us that He provides sustenance for both the children and the parents. Therefore, do not kill your children out of fear of poverty. Allah says in the Quran:

"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin." (Al-Isra: 31)

In light of these two points, your husband’s thinking is incorrect and goes against the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Therefore, he should correct his thinking.

Secondly, if Allah has granted a woman one child, she can have another child as well, so there is no need for any treatment. Simply fulfill the marital rights with your husband and pray to Allah in your own words for children. Before that, correct your husband’s faith and thinking according to the Quran and Hadith, and first instill in him the mindset that a Muslim should have. Giving children is Allah’s work, and making efforts is the work of Allah’s servants. When there is a legitimate reason to delay pregnancy, there is no harm in it, but it is not appropriate according to Shariah to prevent childbirth without a reason, imitating non-Muslims.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫