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:

Assalm-o-Aliekum
Is there any restriction on number of kids, Obviosly we believe that Allah is the creator and He gives us kids, then How can we say I don`t want any more kids. Or when can I say that religiously i have enough kids.

Thank you 

 

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Answer:

 

Restriction on number of children

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.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 42 Surah Ash-Shura verses 49-50:

49      To Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth.  He creates what He wills.  He bestows (children) male or female according to His Will.

50      Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whom He Wills: for He is Full of Knowledge and Power.

 

The bestowing of off-spring is based entirely upon the Decision and Decree of Allah Subhanah, the Lord and Creator of everything in existence.  Islam has not laid any restriction on the number of children one may have or try to have, but it would not be considered righteousness or piety in Islam to declare that one is not in need of any more children.

 

Islam has permitted the believers to space their children, if they wish to do so.  But to stop having more children only because one fears for their sustenance, or fears who will feed or clothe them, or that having more children will effect their finances, etc…..then such fears and beliefs are absolutely unwarranted and forbidden in Islam.

 

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 6 Surah Anaam verse 151 (part):

You should not kill your children for fear of poverty; for We provide sustenance for you and will provide sustenance for them also.

 

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 17 Surah Israa verse 31:

Do not kill your children for fear of want; for it is We Who provide for them, and for you as well.   Indeed, their killing is a heinous crime!

 

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

 

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

 

Burhan