The Use of Birth Control Pills When There Is a Need

Question: Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and after that:
O my beloved, your noble letter dated 23/9/1388 AH has reached us, may Allah guide you. The question it contained regarding the permissibility of using birth control pills was clear.

Answer: From Abdulaziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz to the honorable brother, Mr. A. A. Q., may Allah grant him success in all good. Amen.
Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and after that:
O my beloved, your noble letter dated 23/9/1388 AH has reached us, may Allah guide you. The question it contained regarding the permissibility of using birth control pills was clear.
The answer is: This issue requires detailed explanation. If the reason for using them is to limit the number of children, then it is forbidden. However, if they are used for a temporary reason, such as the woman’s illness and her suffering from pregnancy, or to postpone pregnancy until the child is weaned, then it is permissible, because it is for a temporary cause. This permissibility is contingent upon the continuation of that cause.
As for the situation you mentioned, which is that the woman does not care for the upbringing of her children, this situation does not necessitate the use of those pills. You can guide the woman and help her, as much as possible, to fulfill her duties toward her children and to be patient with them. If it is possible to have a maid, if you are among those who can afford it, to help her with the household chores and the children, that is good.
It is well known that women are weak, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) advised well regarding them, saying: He (peace and blessings be upon him) described her in another hadith, saying: What I see for the beloved is to seek reward in guiding her and being patient with her, and this will have an effect on her in the future, if Allah wills.
Know that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged having children and said:
There is no doubt that when a son of Adam dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: a continuous charity, knowledge that benefits people, or a righteous child who prays for him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us of this. You will not lack, if Allah wills, a righteous child from these children whom many people wish for, and with whom you have become fed up. Do not leave a path for Satan’s whispers to enter your heart. Ask Allah, the Exalted, to make them grow up well, and do your utmost with all the help you can provide in raising them with a good Islamic upbringing. There is no harm in using the pills between every two children to the extent of the pressing need for raising the child and devoting oneself to him; because his benefit is apparent.
May Allah guide me and you and all our brothers to that which brings Him pleasure, and grant us all beneficial knowledge. He is the best of those asked. And peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Vice President of the Islamic University of Madinah
Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz