What is the Islamic ruling on family planning?

The questioner : What is the Islamic ruling on family planning?

The Shaykh : We say that family planning is not something that should be done, because what is appropriate for the Muslim community is to increase the number of offspring. Indeed, the increase in offspring is a blessing from Allah (Mighty and Majestic), as Allah the Exalted said regarding Shu'ayb when he said to his people: Shu'ayb (peace be upon him) made it clear that Allah’s increase of their numbers was a blessing from Allah upon them. Likewise, Allah bestowed this blessing upon the Children of Israel, as He said: The community is undoubtedly strengthened by the increase in its members, and this also serves to spread the Shari'ah and work by it. This is something the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) took pride in. However, there is no harm if a person sees that it is necessary to regulate the number of children if the wife cannot bear consecutive pregnancies. It is permissible to regulate the number of children, meaning that a child is spaced every year and a half or every two years, depending on the woman’s condition and circumstances. By circumstances, I mean physical conditions. As for raising the children and the like, that is up to Allah, and Allah the Exalted helps a person according to his burden. The more children there are, the more Allah increases a person’s energy in raising them, provided his intention is good. The important point is that limiting the number of children is not permissible, whereas regulating it is not a problem if there is a need for it. Yes.