What is the ruling on limiting and regulating the number of children?

Question:
This message has reached us from one of our listeners, Sa'd Saleh al-Fajri, from al-Ayn in al-Hasa. He says: Many people support limiting the number of children. When Allah blesses them with several children, they are content and give their wives birth control pills. He says: We seek the advice of the Muslims. Our advice is general in this matter, as I believe that this is imitating the West and is among the practices of the West.

Answer:
There is no doubt that limiting the number of children is not permissible, and it has many harms: it weakens the Muslim community and reduces its numbers. The Shari'ah came with exhortation to the causes of procreation and encouragement thereof. Among this is His saying (peace and blessings be upon him): And in another wording: So, marry women who are fertile, as the Lawgiver has encouraged this. Also, because having many children increases the number of the Muslim community that worships Allah alone.
Also, perhaps they will make du'a for him as they do for their father, and he will benefit from that. And perhaps they will perform great deeds that benefit the Muslims, such as seeking knowledge and deeds that benefit the community in its immediate and ultimate affairs. Thus, he will have much good in that if his intention is sound and he helps them in this good, or makes du'a for them to help them in this good.
So the point is: he is in a good state and the community is in a good state, if they are numerous and righteous. Success is in the hand of Allah. It is upon you to do the causes and turn to Allah seeking guidance for them and success for them, while taking the measures that lead to their guidance: such as good upbringing, guidance, observation, care, and restraining the foolish one, among other things.
So limiting the number of children is not permissible. Also, because those who are present may die. One may limit the number when he has three, four, or five, and they die; so he regrets it to the utmost. There is no justification for limiting the number. But if there is a pressing need or dire necessity for it, because the woman is ill and pregnancy harms her, as certified by doctors, or because she gives birth to one after another quickly and it is difficult for her to raise them; then giving her what prevents pregnancy for a year or two until she is able to raise them and attend to the affairs of the children, there is nothing wrong with this on a temporary basis. Yes.