What is the ruling on using an IUD as a contraceptive, and is there any scholarly disagreement on this matter?

It is not permissible to use contraceptives for complete birth control (permanent sterilization) except in cases of proven necessity, such as when childbirth is abnormal or pregnancy causes unbearable hardship for the woman. This should be done using the least harmful methods. Coitus interruptus and regulating sexual intercourse are the safest options, followed by contraceptive pills. The IUD should not be resorted to if alternatives exist, because it necessitates exposure of the impermissible 'awrah. It is absolutely impermissible to prevent childbirth under the pretext of having a sufficient number of children or any other reasons not recognized by Sharia. It is permissible to space out pregnancies for a certain period (such as a few years between each pregnancy) for the sake of caring for the previous child. Fatwas have been issued by the Council of Senior Scholars and the Islamic Fiqh Academy prohibiting birth control and encouraging population growth, while permitting contraception or delaying pregnancy for proven necessity.