Birth control due to a necessity

Q: I received a letter in which a man informs me that when his wife becomes pregnant, she suffers pains for two months before and after pregnancy, and as such she began taking contraceptive pills for one year during which she was relieved. When he asked about the permissibility of doing this, he was told that it is normal for her to suffer some pains before and after delivery as is the case with all women. Now he is asking about the legal opinion in this regard.

A: The basic rule is that birth control and birth planning are not permissible, as they contradict the Shari`ah (Islamic law) which strongly forbids celibacy and encourages marrying prolific women. Thus, (Part No. 19; Page No. 319) it is not permissible to take contraceptive pills or use other methods to prevent pregnancy, except in few necessary cases, such as when a pregnant woman suffers from abnormal pains or diseases beyond the usual. Only in these cases, it is permissible for the woman to take contraceptive pills as a cure, not as a birth control method. Allah (Glorified be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can He also says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.