The Ruling on Preventing Pregnancy Between Spouses for a Period of Years

Question:
This questioner, Abu Salim, says: If the husband and wife agree to prevent pregnancy for more than three or four years so that the wife can enjoy good health and the children can be raised properly, what is your opinion on this? May Allah reward you.

Answer:
Spacing out pregnancies is permissible if it is for a valid reason, such as the woman being weak or suffering from an illness that prevents her from bearing consecutive pregnancies, and if the doctors advise it. In that case, there is no harm in her taking some treatment to delay pregnancy. However, if this is done out of a dislike for pregnancy or a dislike for having many children, this is not permissible. As long as her health is sound and she is not suffering from a clear harm, it is not permissible for her to interfere with the matter of pregnancy by interrupting or delaying it, except in cases of pressing need or dire necessity that call for it.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you and bless you.