—one that has been foisted upon the Muslims and that may have influenced some naïve people or those whose faith is weak, so they became affected by it. Their duty is to erase this notion from their minds, to seek children, and to increase their numbers. Provision is in the hand of Allah, and a multitude of offspring brings with it goodness, for Allah does not create a soul without also creating its sustenance and facilitating the means by which its interests are served. Provision is in the hand of Allah. Those who complain or warn of economic crises and claim that a large population necessarily leads to shortages of food and livelihoods are echoing nothing but the promptings of Satan and the followers of Satan—people who do not believe in Allah or in His decree.

As for those who believe in Allah, they depend on Him and put their trust in Him: “Whoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him; surely Allah brings His command to fruition” (al-Ṭalāq 3). When the polytheists used to kill their children out of fear of poverty, Allah forbade them, saying, “Do not kill your children for fear of destitution; We provide for them and for you. Indeed, killing them is a grievous sin” (al-Isrāʾ 31); and He said, “Do not kill your children because of poverty; We provide for you and for them” (al-Anʿām 151).

These verses show that sustenance is controlled by Allah alone and that He allots provision to every soul. With many children, provisions increase, production expands, and the number of workers grows.