Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I was told by someone that birth control was forbidden. I am a 22 year old sister, single and not sexually active. My doctor put me on birth control to regulate my menstral cycle and because I had a high count of male hormones. Is it still lawful for me to take these pills since I am not using them for a sexual purpose. PLEASE ADVISE. 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Use of Birth Control

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Although permanent birth control is prohibited, the scholars are of the opinion that there is no harm if one uses birth control to space the birth of the children.

In your particular case, there is absolutely no harm if for medical reasons your doctor has prescribed you particular birth control medication, to regulate your menstrual cycle.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan