Islam and contraception: A missed opportunity

Abstract

AbstractRapid population growth is observed in many Muslim countries which presents an obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Islam has considered the question of contraception with objectivity being a religion that underscores the importance of planning in all individual and societal affairs. There is no verse in the Quran which forbids the husband or wife to space pregnancies or reduce their number and the companions of the Prophet were allowed to practice coitus interruptus. Contraception opponents, on the other hand, claimed that any form of contraception violates God's intentions and that Islam called for a Muslim population that does not stop growing. Lack of knowledge of the position of Islam towards contraception and the religious misinterpretations that were propagated among grassroots resulted in the gap between Muslims and their doctrine regarding contraception. Raising awareness of how Islam perceived contraception and addressing questions of religious acceptability at the grassroots is one of the key factors in promoting the uptake of contraception programs in Muslim countries which will eventually scale up development efforts.