• A new method of contraception is on the market. A patch of plaster is put on one’s arm. It has to be changed once a week, and it gives the same results as contraceptive pills. Is it permissible to use this new method?

  Answer: All forms of contraception hitherto existing and all forms which will still be invented, are unnatural ways and means. All methods which suppress and interfere with the natural bodily functions created by Allah Ta’ala are most assuredly harmful and injurious to the body. This applies to even the tablets which some women take to suppress their monthly haidh (menses) cycle. The effect of these tablets is the creation of complications, sickness, displacement of the normal cycle and the unpredictability of the cycles. Confusion between haidh and istihaadhah is also among the effects of the unnatural tablets which compels the absorption and assimilation of filth and impurities by the body. At one time the contraceptive pill as well as other methods of contraception were marketed as ‘safe’ measures. But later, the western medical establishment itself confirmed the great harms of these unnatural methods invented to fight the Taqdeer of Allah Ta’ala. We are not aware of this new plaster method.

  However, despite its overt ‘safety’, we are almost certain that time will expose the harms of even this method. Nevertheless, if there is a real, valid, pressing need to use it, for example, the ill-health of the woman, it will be permissible. But, do remember: no one can thwart the decree of Allah Azza Wa Jal. The soul whom He has decreed to appear on earth, shall do so regardless of whatever contraception is used.