Fatawaa

Subject : Islamic Ruling on Using Contraception without Husband`s Knowledge
Fatwa Number : 4476
Date : 21-05-2026
Classified : Rights of spouses (conjugal rights)
Fatwa Type : Summarized Fatawaa

Question :

What is the ruling on a woman using contraception without her husband's knowledge if he is mistreating her?



The Answer :

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

It is not permissible for a woman to use any means of delaying pregnancy without her husband's knowledge, consent, and mutual agreement. This is because having children is a sharʿī right belonging to both spouses equally in Islamic law. Imām al-Māwardī, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: "The right to a child from a free woman is shared between them both" — meaning between the two spouses. [al-Ḥāwī al-Kabīr, 9/320]

It is therefore not permissible for either spouse to make a unilateral decision regarding the prevention of pregnancy without the consent of the other. We advise both spouses to discuss the matter with wisdom and mutual respect, so as to resolve any disagreement and arrive at a suitable solution that serves the interests of them both. And Allah the Almighty knows best.






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