Islamic fatwah now allows use of artificial contraceptives

DAVAO CITY — Over 300 Muslim religious leaders from all over the country announced on Wednesday the official Islamic canonical decision (fatwah) on reproductive health and family planning.

The new fatwah allows the use of both natural and artificial contraceptive methods, except for tubal ligation and vasectomy.

"The assembly finds reproductive health and family planning program, as practiced under valid reasons and recognized ancestries, are in accordance with the teachings of Islam," the fatwah stated.

However, it stressed that family planning for the Muslim community in the Philippines should be anchored on the principles of non-coercion, responsible parenthood, and informed choice.

"All methods of contraception are allowed as long as they are safe, legal, in accordance with the Islamic Shariah, and approved by a credible physician, preferrably a Muslim, for the benefit of both the mother and the child," the fatwah further stated.

Many Muslim religious leaders were strongly against the use of contraceptives in the past until religious leaders resolved last November to craft a fatwah that would tackle the issue.

Last January, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and the Grand Shiekh of Al Azhar University gave their blessing on the fatwah during a consultation of the Darul-Iftah of the Philippines, paving the way for its official implementation.

The fatwah was announced the other day through a Tanzim Al-Usra (A Call to Greatness) solemn ceremonies held here at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel where calls to prayer, motherhood, education, love were made before the final qur’anic call was announced.

Shiekh Omar Pasigan Muhammad, considered to be the Grand Mufti of Central Mindanao, spoke extensively on the fatwah and invoked blessings for the assembly and the need to heed the Tanzim Al-Usra.

The document was accepted by the Muslim religious leaders that signalled the start of its implementation.

Pasigan expressed confidence that those opposed to family planning will finally support it as it as one way of addressing poverty in Muslim communities.

Department of Health Undersecretary Milagros Fernandez said the national government would intensify its campaign on family planning in Muslim-dominated areas where the fatwah shall be implemented.