Sunni Muslims believe that the Quran is God's literal word and they follow its teachings to guide their lives. One of the major teachings of Islam on sexuality is that it should be practiced within marriage for procreation, pleasure, and intimacy.
This leaves many couples who want to practice birth control without an option. This article explores how Sunni teachings on contraception mediate the tension between personal sexual desire, religious duty, and marital satisfaction.
Contraception can be divided into three categories: permanent, temporary, and natural. Permanent methods are those that prevent pregnancy forever like sterilization while temporary methods last for a certain time like condoms. Natural methods include withdrawal before ejaculation and the rhythm method where partners abstain from intercourse during ovulation. The Quran does not explicitly discuss these methods but there are some passages that could support them.
"And when he hath reached his monthly courses again, then let him keep his wife alone in the bed, and let her take care of herself from that she taketh from him" 2:223. Some scholars interpret this verse as encouraging couples to use natural methods.
Permanent methods like sterilization are forbidden by the majority of Sunni scholars because they consider it to be mutilating one's body which is prohibited according to Quranic verses such as ".and do not cut yourselves nor make any marks upon your bodies" 4:15.
Some scholars allow permanent contraception if the couple agrees with it or if they need to avoid having more children due to medical reasons. Temporary methods are permissible according to most schools of thought as long as they don't cause harm to either partner. The only exception is condoms since they block sperm, which some scholars say destroys it and therefore violates God's commandment to procreate. Natural methods are also permissible according to the majority of scholars because they believe that they don't disrupt the natural process of reproduction.
Sunni teachings on contraception create a tension between personal sexual desire and religious duty. Couples who choose to practice birth control may feel guilty for disobeying God's commandment to procreate. They might also worry about being punished by Allah for their actions.
Scholars argue that birth control is acceptable under certain circumstances and can even improve marital satisfaction.
If a couple has many children and cannot afford to care for them financially, they should limit the number of children. If a woman's health is at risk during pregnancy, couples should use temporary contraceptives until she recovers. In these cases, birth control can be seen as an act of mercy towards oneself and one's family.
Sunni Muslims have varying opinions on contraception but they agree that it can be used in specific circumstances such as overpopulation, poverty, and health issues. By following these guidelines, couples can enjoy a fulfilling sex life while also respecting Islamic values.
How do Sunni teachings on contraception mediate the tension between personal sexual desire, religious duty, and marital satisfaction?
The Sunni Islamic teaching discourages using any kind of artificial means for contraception because it considers it an act against nature that can lead to severe divine punishment. The Quran states that God created human beings with free will and made them responsible for their actions. Therefore, when they commit sinful acts such as adultery or fornication, they should not blame others but accept responsibility for their behavior.