Likewise, once four months of the pregnancy have elapsed, the soul has been breathed into the foetus; therefore, if she aborts it after that point, the expiation we mentioned becomes obligatory.

This is a serious matter that must not be treated lightly. If, owing to illness, a woman cannot endure a pregnancy, she should take medication that prevents conception before it occurs—such as pills that postpone pregnancy for a time—until her health and strength return. But if conception has already taken place, she must be patient and seek the help of Allah.

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Using Birth-Control Pills

Question: Some jurists—and certain physicians as well—permit women to take birth-control pills. Are they correct in what they claim? Please clarify.

Answer: I do not believe that any jurist permits the use of birth-control pills except when there is a legitimate reason in the Sacred Law—for example, when a woman cannot carry a pregnancy because it would endanger her life. In that situation she may take birth-control pills, for she is no longer capable of bearing a pregnancy and pregnancy would threaten her life; in such a case there is no harm because of necessity.

The same applies to taking birth-control pills—or, more accurately, delaying pregnancy for a period—because of a temporary circumstance: for instance, when the woman is ill, or when her deliveries have come in rapid succession and she cannot feed the children. She may then take pills that defer pregnancy so that she can focus on welcoming the next child