The Ruling on Human Cloning and Treating Infertility Through In Vitro Fertilization

Question:
The caller from Riyadh says: What is the ruling on treating infertility through in vitro fertilization? And what is the ruling on cloning, which the media have started talking about? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
These two matters are frivolous. As for test-tube babies, as has been discussed in the fiqh academies, some have permitted it and some have prohibited it. The better course is to leave it and avoid it because of the problems involved, and because it may lead to issues regarding lineage and the like. One should avoid it and the exposure of private parts. It is obligatory to seek offspring through the means prescribed by Allah the Exalted, such as marrying a second, third, or fourth wife, and the Muslim should wait until Allah grants him offspring and not despair. As for cloning, it is invalid, to the point that even the disbelievers have rejected it and prohibited it. Yes.