A number of couples live without children, and this is due to the man's inability to procreate; is it better for the man to seek treatment with patience and seeking reward, or to look for an alternative?
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The questioner : Noble Shaykh, a number of couples live without children, and this is due to the man's inability to procreate; is it better for the man to seek treatment with patience and seeking reward, or to look for an alternative? I ask for guidance, may Allah guide you.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that delayed procreation may be due to the man being sterile, or it may be due to an illness that can be cured by treatment. In that case, we advise the one whose procreation has been delayed to present himself to doctors, because having many children is a matter sought by the Shari'ah. So let him look into it. If they say he is sterile, then praise be to Allah, for one does not know what is best. If they say he is weak, let him use tonics. The important thing is that he presents himself to doctors so that he may find a cure. This does not contradict placing reliance on Allah; in fact, taking the means is part of placing reliance on Allah.
However, I understood something else from the question, which is: does the woman remain patient and seek reward with this man, or does she have the right to demand annulment? We say: she should look at what is in her interest. If she sees that it is in her interest to remain with him as he is, then that is better. If she says that she wants children, let her ask his permission and request that he annul the marriage or divorce her.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that delayed procreation may be due to the man being sterile, or it may be due to an illness that can be cured by treatment. In that case, we advise the one whose procreation has been delayed to present himself to doctors, because having many children is a matter sought by the Shari'ah. So let him look into it. If they say he is sterile, then praise be to Allah, for one does not know what is best. If they say he is weak, let him use tonics. The important thing is that he presents himself to doctors so that he may find a cure. This does not contradict placing reliance on Allah; in fact, taking the means is part of placing reliance on Allah.
However, I understood something else from the question, which is: does the woman remain patient and seek reward with this man, or does she have the right to demand annulment? We say: she should look at what is in her interest. If she sees that it is in her interest to remain with him as he is, then that is better. If she says that she wants children, let her ask his permission and request that he annul the marriage or divorce her.