{ xujaan }

Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of family, marriage, and having children. However, it also recognizes that not everyone is capable of having children, and some may choose not to for personal or other reasons. The decision to have children is a personal one, and in Islam, what is important is for individuals to make decisions that are in line with their own beliefs, values, and responsibilities, and to fulfill the rights and obligations they have towards others, including their children if they have any.

One of the Hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), states, “he who gives up marriage for fear of child-birth is not of us.” This Hadith is a rejection of the belief at the time that avoiding marriage and having children was a way to achieve spiritual enlightenment or avoid the difficulties of raising children. In this Hadith, the Prophet is emphasizing the importance of marriage in Islamic society and is encouraging individuals to overcome any fear or hesitation they may have about having children.

It is important to note that this Hadith does not imply that every individual must marry or have children. The decision to marry and have children is a personal one, and individuals may have different circumstances and priorities. Ultimately, what is important in Islam is for individuals to make decisions that are in line with their own beliefs, values, and responsibilities.

In the book “Ihya Ulumuddin” or “The Revival of the Religious Sciences” written by Imam Al-Ghazali, the chapter on marriage emphasizes the importance of having children and the benefits they bring to a marriage. However, Al-Ghazali also acknowledges that there may be circumstances in which individuals or couples are unable to have children, and in such cases, they are not blamed or criticized. Instead, they are encouraged to engage in other forms of worship and good deeds to fulfill their purpose in life.

In conclusion, while Islam emphasizes the importance of family and having children, it also recognizes that the decision to have children is a personal one, and individuals may have different circumstances and priorities. The Hadiths encourage individuals to overcome any fear or hesitation they may have about having children and to make decisions that are in line with their own beliefs, values, and responsibilities. In either case, individuals are encouraged to fulfill their purpose in life through worship and good deeds.