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Is it permissible to prevent one's wife from conceiving as a way of disciplining her for her sharp tongue, or to ascertain the desire to continue the marriage with her, especially since she yearns for childbirth?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Marriage was legislated for tranquility, psychological stability, and the procreation of offspring, based on the Almighty's saying: "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy," and based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Marry the affectionate and fertile, for I will boast of your numbers before the nations."

The husband must treat his wife well, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives." And remember that what you dislike in her is balanced by good character, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another." As for a wife's disobedience (nushuz), its remedy is explained in Fatwa No. 38421. However, not having children is not a remedy, because it goes against the objective of Islamic law for marriage, and the wife has a right to have children, which it is not permissible to prevent her from.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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