What is the ruling of Islamic law on one who believes that the poverty, weakness, and backwardness of Muslims result from population explosion and an increase in progeny that exceeds economic progress, and what is the advice for such a belief?

Islam views the opinion of those who claim that overpopulation is a cause of poverty as incorrect, because Allah the Almighty is the Provider, and His provision does not run out with the multitude of creation. Rather, He sends down provision in due measure, for a wise purpose. The call to birth control or reduction contradicts the command of the Prophet, peace be upon him, to increase the nation, and it contradicts what Allah has guaranteed to all creatures in terms of provision. Fighting population growth, believing that resources are insufficient, is a denial of Allah’s Lordship, and it resembles the belief of the polytheists who used to kill their children for fear of poverty. The multitude of the nation is a blessing that necessitates gratitude, and it is a cause of might and victory. Economic experts believe that the future strength of nations lies in population growth alongside technological advancement. The West encourages birth control in Islamic countries while striving to increase its own population. Numbers alone are not sufficient for progress; rather, they must be accompanied by strong education, sound upbringing, justice, combating corruption, and faith and piety. The enemies of Islam are concerned about the large numbers of Muslims and support calls for birth control to serve their interests. The conclusion is the need to increase offspring while Islamizing development plans, systems, and laws, and benefiting from modern sciences.