Resorting to birth control due to having many children and fearing for the wife

Q 1: Please clarify the ruling on undergoing a tubal ligation operation to prevent pregnancy forever in the following cases:1. If the woman has many children, up to twelve or more, and she is physically exhausted and cannot use temporary contraceptives for health reasons.2. If she does not deliver except through a cesarean section and she already underwent five or more operations.3. If she suffers from a serious cardiac disease and pregnancy takes a toll on her health while she already has many children.4. If she suffers from a chronic, but not serious diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.; bearing in mind that the risk of these diseases increases during pregnancy.5. What is the ruling on using the intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive? The IUD is a birth control device placed in the uterus to prevent the fertilized ovum from attaching to the uterine wall. Thus, the ovum gets out with the menses blood, bearing in mind that the ovum remains only for few days before the next period is due.

A: It is not permissible to use contraceptives unless pregnancy may pose a risk to the (Part No. 19; Page No. 314) mother's life. This is because pregnancy is religiously commendable and putting it off is a great loss for the individual and the society. However, if there is a necessity to prevent it agreed upon by a group of skilful trustworthy physicians, it is permissible to do so. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family, and Companions.