Childfree ideology contradicts main purpose of marriage - Mufti
If a couple agrees not to have children without any reason considered valid by Shariah, such as the desire to be free from responsibilities, then the act is considered Makruh.
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
KUALA LUMPUR - Couples who decide not to have children due to the 'childfree' ideology are considered to be acting against the primary purpose of marriage.
Furthermore, couples who adopt this lifestyle to be free from responsibilities and as a principle that denies human nature were also not aligned with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which encouraged the growth of a quality Muslim community.
According to the Federal Territories Mufti's Office, if couples agreed not to have children without any Sharia-considered reasons, such as wanting to be free from responsibilities, this act is considered Makruh (discouraged).
"However, if a couple chooses to remain childless forever and takes steps, including medical procedures, to permanently eliminate reproductive abilities (permanent sterilisation) and abort pregnancies without medical confirmation and valid Sharia reasons, such actions are haram (forbidden)," Federal Territories Mufti's Office said in a statement recently.
The statement also addressed couples who agreed not to have children for reasons considered valid under Sharia.
"Especially if there are harms and difficulties, such as risking death, worsening existing medical conditions, and so on, it is permissible provided that the method of preventing pregnancy does not cause harm and is in accordance with Sharia," it added.
The Federal Territories Mufti's Office emphasised that marriage and having children were natural and had specific purposes within Islamic law.
The statement further stressed that Islam did not mandate couples to have children, nor did it prohibit them from remaining childless.
"Based on the review, the mutual agreement between spouses to remain childfree is permissible if it serves the specific interests of the couple.
"This choice must be mutually agreed upon because having children is a right for each individual in a partnership," it said.
Therefore, the Federal Territories Mufti's Office advises couples planning to marry to consider family planning, viewing the presence of children as a blessing rather than a burden.
"Moreover, children have the potential to be a source of ongoing sustenance for their parents.
"As Muslims, marriage is seen as a means to achieve religious completeness, including in matters of having children if understood and managed properly," the statement added. - Awani
