Is it lawful for a husband to help his wife practice birth control?

Q: Some men ask their wives to use contraceptives permanently or for a short period of time for any reason. Is there any sin on them for doing this? Some women miscarry themselves after two months of pregnancy; is there any sin on them for killing the fetus?

A: It is Haram (prohibited) for a woman to use contraceptives continually. (Part No. 19; Page No. 321) It is also Haram for the husband or anyone else to help her in this matter. Both of them will be considered sinful unless they are doing so to prevent harm to the woman, especially if delivery involves surgery. However, it is permissible to use contraceptives temporarily but its ruling depends on the reason for using them. If it is for a medical reason or to preserve the woman's health, it will be permissible. On the other hand, it will not be permissible if it is for the sake of decreasing the number of children as this signifies mistrust of Allah (Exalted be He). Self-induced miscarriage before the breathing of the soul into the fetus has the same ruling. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.