Artificial Insemination

28-4-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am married and have a son 4 years old. We would like to have another child, but because of my age I have difficulty getting pregnant. My doctor advised me to take medicine and do (IUI) intra uterine insemination which means the doctor introduces my husband's sperms into my uterus to increase my chance for pregnancy. Is this ok or is it against our Islamic way? Your response is highly appreciated.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If the operation cannot be done except by uncovering a woman's ‘Awrah (parts of body to be covered) in front of another man (not her husband) or woman, then it becomes impermissible since we are ordered to cover our ‘Awrah as stated in a sound Hadeeth: "Cover your ‘Awrah.” [Abu Daawood, at-Tirmithi and others]

It means that the woman has to cover her ‘Awrah except for her husband. The Law Maker (Allah and His Messenger) excludes a husband and if one is in dire need.

Know that your state (i.e. to become pregnant) is not included in the above exception. In other words, you are not allowed to uncover your ‘Awrah for two reasons: (1) you are not sterile, and you have a child by Allah's favor; and (2) it is possible to become pregnant naturally. So, you are advised to resort to Allah and supplicate Him to grant you good progeny, since He is The Giver, The Omnipotent.

However, if such the operation can be done between you and your husband, then there is no blame on you.

For more benefit on artificial insemination, please refer to Fataawa 81889, 120049, 90358, 87640 and 87523.

Allah knows best.