What is the ruling on conceiving a baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF) if one of the spouses cannot conceive except by this method, and is it permissible to store sperm or fertilized eggs in the hospital for future use, and is it permissible to choose the sex of the baby or the number of embryos?

Artificial insemination (IVF) is permissible in certain scenarios, such as taking sperm and an egg from a married couple, fertilizing them outside the womb, and then implanting the embryo into the wife's own uterus. This is subject to specific Islamic guidelines: the woman's unveiling should be only out of necessity, and the treating physician should be a Muslim woman, or a non-Muslim woman, or a trustworthy Muslim male doctor, or a non-Muslim male doctor, in this order, with no private seclusion (khalwa). This method is Islamically acceptable due to the need for a child, but it should only be resorted to in cases of extreme necessity, provided the conditions are met. As for storing sperm or eggs in special banks, there is a difference of opinion, and the preponderant view is to prohibit storing the surplus after fertilization to avoid admixture and tampering. It is permissible to implant more than one fertilized egg in the womb to conceive more than one child, and gender selection is permissible, but it is better to leave the matter to Allah and be content with what He has destined. A Muslim should be good to Allah, rely on Him, and frequently seek His forgiveness.