What are the logical motivations for having children in light of difficult social conditions and widespread corruption? Will having a child in these circumstances benefit religion or society, especially since having children can be a burden and a cause of their misery, despite His, the Almighty's, saying: "Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world"?
Objecting to procreation goes against sound human nature (fitra) and reason. The strength of nations and societies lies in their individuals, who multiply through procreation. Striving for one's children and raising them is one of the greatest acts of righteousness (birr). A servant spends on them seeking the Countenance of Allah, and this expenditure is considered charity. Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak even considered earning for one's family to be better than jihad, and that the father's act of covering his children (i.e., providing for them) is better than the work of the mujahidin. The love of offspring is innate, and the glory of Islam may be achieved through them if they are well-raised. The benefit of children is not limited to their care for their parents in old age; rather, it extends beyond the parents' death through their righteous supplications.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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