Is It Permissible to Delay Having Children?
Yes. Temporary contraception by mutual agreement is permitted by the majority, based on the Companions practising ‘azl during the Prophet’s ﷺ lifetime without prohibition. Permanent sterilisation without medical need is a different matter and generally prohibited.
Answers are more useful when you can see the working, so the evidence is set out below.
The evidence
Jabir said they practised ‘azl while the Quran was being revealed, and the Prophet ﷺ knew and did not forbid it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5209).
The decision requires the agreement of both spouses; scholars treat children as a shared right.
Abortion is a distinct question with its own rulings and is not covered by the permission for contraception.
In practice
- Decide together; a unilateral decision infringes a right the fiqh recognises.
- Distinguish spacing from permanent avoidance without reason — the rulings differ.
- Medical sterilisation for genuine health reasons is assessed separately.
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What Are the Conditions of a Valid Marriage Contract?
The consent of both parties, a wali for the bride on the majority view, two witnesses, and a mahr. The offer and acceptance must be clear and in the same sitting.
Can a Woman Refuse a Marriage Proposal Chosen by Her Family?
Yes, absolutely. Her consent is a condition of validity, and the Prophet ﷺ annulled a marriage contracted against a woman’s will when she brought the matter to him.
What Are the Rights of a Wife Over Her Husband?
Maintenance according to his means, kind treatment, fair division of time in polygamous marriages, her mahr in full, and that he not harm her — with excellence, not mere adequacy, as the standard.
What Are the Rights of a Husband Over His Wife?
Cooperation in the marriage, guarding his property and honour in his absence, not admitting into the home those he dislikes without reason, and responding to him within the bounds of health and ability.