Using contraceptives until she performs Hajj

18-9-2007 | IslamWeb

Question:

Asalam aleikom! I would kindly like to ask you for help in this issue. I am getting married in a few months inshAllah and my husband and I are confused over what decision to make regarding contraception. Since my husband has already gone to hajj but I haven’t, we would really like to go to hajj together next year inshAllah. But that would mean that I would have to take contraceptives in order to prevent a pregnancy. My is, would it be best to not take anything and leave it for Allah to decide whether I get pregnant and don’t go to hajj next year, or is it permissible to take contraceptives for a limited time until I can ensure that hajj is possible for me next year inshAllah. Note that I don’t like the idea of taking pills or hormones into my body, but for me, hajj next year would be a dream. We’re confused over what decision is the most correct one so please help. Your will be much appreciated, many thanks

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

The scholars stated that a woman is permitted to use contemporary contraceptives in order to achieve a religious benefit, provided this is done with the consent of the husband. Therefore, it is permissible for you to use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy until you perform your obligatory Hajj.

However, you should resort to the least harmful contraceptive method, like coitus interrupts [withdrawing before ejaculation]. 

Allaah Knows best.