Is male birth control halal?

Question:Is the newly developed male birth-control pill—reported to have passed early human safety trials with no side-effects—halal for Muslim men to use? Answer:The default ruling in Islamic jurisprudence is that it is permissible in principle for a Muslim man to use a safe contraceptive method, but its use should be based on a valid need … Read more

What is the ruling on secret or ‘urfi marriages without a guardian (walī)?

Question: What is the ruling on secret or ‘urfi marriages without a guardian (walī)? Answer: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ، نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ، وَمَنْ تَبِعَهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. The validity of a marriage contract in Sharīʿah is based on certain conditions, among … Read more

Can I breastfeed my sister’s children to make them mahram?

Question:Is it permissible in Islam for my sister-in-law to breastfeed my son in order to make him her mahram? Answer:Yes, it is permissible under certain conditions. If there’s a real need for the child to become a mahram—like for living arrangements or medical genetic issues—then it is allowed. However, if there’s no such necessity, then … Read more