Short answer
Temporary, reversible contraception is permissible for a married couple with a valid reason and the wife's agreement, based on the Companions' practice of 'azl (withdrawal). It is makruh without a real reason. Permanent sterilisation is not allowed except for a serious medical need. The four schools broadly agree.
'Azl and other reversible methods are permissible with the free wife's consent; later Hanafi scholars allowed it without her consent in hard times. Avoiding children only out of fear of poverty, or as a lifelong choice without need, is disliked. Permanent sterilisation is haram except for a serious medical reason.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Jabir said the Companions practised 'azl (withdrawal) while the Quran was being revealed, and the Prophet ﷺ knew of it and did not forbid it. He also said that if Allah has willed a soul to come into being, it will come. From this the scholars took that preventing pregnancy for a time is allowed, while trusting that children are a gift from Allah.
The Hanafi conditions:
- A valid reason: the mother's health, spacing children, a weak or sick wife, or real hardship. Doing it only from fear of not being able to feed children goes against trust in Allah.
- Mutual consent: children are the right of both spouses, so the wife should agree.
- Reversible methods such as condoms, pills, injections and the coil are judged like 'azl, as long as they prevent conception and do not end a pregnancy, and are safe for her.
- Permanent methods, vasectomy or tubal ligation, are not allowed unless a qualified doctor advises that another pregnancy is a serious danger.
Ending a pregnancy is a different and much more serious question, and is treated in our health category. For a specific product or medical case, ask a mufti along with your doctor. On children as a blessing, see dua for family.
Ask a mufti about your own case. This answer explains the general ruling. When the details of your situation matter, as they do here, ask a qualified mufti and give them the full facts. Where to ask a scholar.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Al-Israa 17:31
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍۢ ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًۭٔا كَبِيرًۭا ﴿٣١﴾
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin.
Children are not to be avoided or harmed out of fear of poverty; Allah provides.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5208
Sahih... كنا نعزل والقرآن ينزل ...
"We used to practise withdrawal while the Quran was being revealed."
The basis for allowing contraception.
Sahih Muslim 1438
Sahih... ما عليكم أن لا تفعلوا ...
"It does not matter if you do not do it, for every soul that is to exist until the Day of Resurrection will exist."
Contraception does not override Allah's decree, so it is allowed but not encouraged without need.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab Nikah al-Raqiq, on 'azl. 'Azl from a free wife needs her permission.
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Nikah, Bab Nikah al-Raqiq, on 'azl and blocking the womb. Later scholars allowed it without her consent in corrupt times, and discussed blocking conception.
- al-Mughni (Ibn Qudama), Kitab al-Nikah, on 'azl. The Hanbali view that 'azl from a free wife needs her permission.
This answer is pending review by the scholars on our team. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.