An Intrauterine Device (IUD), or (اللَوْلَب) in Arabic, is a type of modern birth control method. The IUD is a ‘T’-shaped device that is inserted into the woman’s uterus and prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing a woman’s eggs. It is a form of long-acting reversible contraception, meaning it is effective in preventing pregnancy for a long period without the woman having to do anything. An IUD can last from 3-10 years depending on the type.
In terms of its ruling, then the Scholars of Islam have ruled it is impermissible except for a need. The following are some of the verdicts of the Scholars:
Fatwa Shaikh al-Albani (may Allah have mercy upon him)
Questioner: What is the ruling on these IUDs?
Shaikh: Of course, placing it requires a woman to uncover her Awrah?
Questioner: Yes
Shaikh: This is haram and what is haram is not permissible unless due to a necessity. A necessity is determined by the extent needed. So if there is a necessity and the extent needed is determined, then it is permissible [to engage in that amount]. Otherwise no” [Silsilatul-Huda wan-Nur (no. 55)]
The Shaikh said in another Fatwa: “IUD is a type of ‘Azl ( but it is different than ‘Azl. I first one to say that it is a type of ‘Azl and ‘Azl has many Legislated rulings which apply to it. However, it is different than ‘Azl from an aspect in that a woman needs to uncover her ‘Awrah to the one who wants to put the IUD in for her, especially if the one placing it is a man. Then this is haram and not permissible” [Silsilatul-Huda wan-Nur (no. 437)]
Verdict of Shaikh Bin Baz (may Allah have mercy upon him)
Question: the questioner Fahd Abdullah from Yemen asks: what is the ruling on using IUD to prevent pregnancy in relation to women. Is using it haram opposing the ruling of Allah in having children? And what is the advise in allowing his wife to use the likes of the IUD?
Answer: “Using the IUD and the birth control pills to prevent pregnancy is not allowed. It is recommended to look to increase the lineage and it is recommended for the two spouses to be eager in increasing children and the Ummah as the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
تزوجوا الولود الودود فإني مكاثر بكم الأمم يوم القيامة
Marry women who are loving and very prolific, for I shall outnumber the nations by you [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood no. 2050]
However, if the reason for using them is a sickness which makes it difficult to be pregnant and nurse for her and her husband, or the need of the child for her breast milk and pregnancy will prevent this milk when she needs it to nurse her child, then there is no harm in using birth control pills or the IUD for this Legislated benefit or to deflect harm which will come upon her. As for using it without a harm or due to benefit then it is not permissible” [https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/11484/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%84%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84]
The Fatwa of Shaikh Muqbil bin Haadi al-Wadi’ee (may Allah have mercy upon him)
Question: Is it permissible to ingest birth control pills and use an IUD, especially if there exists a special circumstances for a woman?
Answer: “That which we advise with is ‘Azl. This is reported. As for the birth control pills, then it has harms. It involves imitating the enemies of Islam. From its harms is that it might lead to infections in the womb, which then needs treatment. Sometimes a woman is cured while other times she is not. As for the issue of IUD, then perhaps it will cut, or become corrupted, or perhaps sperm will come out because when a man ejaculates his private part enlarges. So perhaps the IUD will fall out with its strings. So we advise with ‘Azl and that is what is reported and the Prophet permitted” [https://www.muqbel.net/fatwa.php?fatwa_id=751]
Fatwa of Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him)
Question: Oh Virtuous Shaikh, the questioners says: what is the ruling on using an IUD?
Answer: “It is not permissible to use an IUD except due to a necessity. If a woman is compelled to use it with the consultation of specialized doctors who advise her to use it, then she uses it. As for using it without consulting specialized doctors, then it is not permissible for her to do that due to what it can cause of harmful effects” [https://safeshare.tv/x/t5M-bGiCIeI#]
Conclusion:
Based on the above verdicts of the Senior Scholars it becomes clear that IUD’s are not permitted for women to use unless there is a Legislated reason for it alongside consultation of a reliable Muslim doctor. There are other forms of birth control that a husband and wife can use, such as ‘Azl (Coitus Interruptus). In addition, IUD’s have side effects which are harmful for woman. This includes pain or discomfort because of the procedure and possibly infection. IUD’s can disrupt a woman’s monthly cycle either making it heavier, or lighter, or prolonged, or cause spotting. This causes much confusion for woman in terms of knowing when she is purified or not. Shaikh Ibn ul-‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: “A great problem was created due to the IUD according to what we hear from the women that it is a cause for prolonging of the menstrual cycle” [Fatawaa Haram al-Makki 1413-06b]
And Allah Knows Best
Faisal bin Abdul Qaadir bin Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan
