Is it permissible to fertilize using only male sperm to conceive a boy after three daughters?
The sex of a baby can be determined by three methods: The first is natural, such as through diet, and there is no harm in it. The second is by medical intervention to select the sex of the fetus, which is not permissible except in cases of therapeutic necessity for hereditary diseases. The reason for the prohibition lies in the presence of Shar'i (Islamic legal) concerns, such as masturbation and the exposure of awrah (private parts). The third method is determining the sex of the fetus during in vitro fertilization (IVF) for those who need it due to the inability to conceive through the usual method. It appears there is no harm in this, as it follows the permissibility of IVF with its stipulations. The Islamic Fiqh Academy has ruled the permissibility of selection through natural methods and prohibited medical intervention except for therapeutic necessity, with its stipulations, and the necessity of oversight over hospitals and medical centers.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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