𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (329)

Ruling on Using a Contraceptive Patch and Its Impact on Ghusl and Menstrual Rulings A sister inquires: "I am getting married soon, in sha Allah, and as a student, having children immediately would be quite challenging. My course involves extensive lab work, and pregnancy would prevent me from attending due to potential harm from chemical exposure. Therefore, I believe it would be best to delay pregnancy for a year until I complete my degree, in sha Allah. I am considering using the contraceptive patch, but I would like to ask whether it is permissible to wipe over it during ghusl. Additionally, would the withdrawal bleeding be considered part of the menstrual cycle, or would it be classified as irregular bleeding, meaning I would still be required to pray and fast?" Answer: Before quoting the statements of the mashāyikh, it is appropriate to first introduce three key points: POINT 1: A fundamental requirement for a valid ghusl is that water must directly reach the body. Any obstruction preventing direct contact would render the ghusl invalid. This is the default ruling. POINT 2: However, if there is a legitimate medical reason to have something affixed to or wrapped around the body during ghusl, then concession is given. Ibn ’Umar (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: «من كان به جرح معصوب، فخشي عليه العنت، فليمسح ما حوله ولا يغسله». "Whoever has a bandaged wound and fears harm from washing it, let him wipe around it and not wash it." [Reported by Ibn Abi Shaybah] Based on this Athar, the correct approach is to wash the exposed areas and wipe over the covered parts. Note: If someone needs to use a bandage, splint, or plaster, they must ensure that it does not extend beyond the necessary area. POINT 3: Regarding contraception, Sheikh ibn Baz rahimahullah states: "It is NOT PERMISSIBLE for a man to abandon having children out of fear of either tiredness in seeking a livelihood or due to difficulty, or due to expenditure, or due to a desire to enjoy one’s wife and other than that. It is also not permissible for a woman to do this, rather it is obligated on both of them to pursue the means of having offspring–be eager to seek the means to having children so that the Ummah becomes numerous and to fulfil what the Prophet ﷺ stated. However, if the woman either suffers a lot of pain due to an illness of the womb or she cannot give birth except by way of surgical operation, then this is an excuse not to have children. If the surgical operation (or caesarean) will harm her –it is feared that something will happen to her- and also if the children are many- being born at close intervals and bringing them up becomes difficult upon her, then there is no hindrance in either taking some pills (or contraception) or some preventative measures for a year or two – the period of breastfeeding- so that she becomes strong enough to nurture the children and able to nurture the other newly born.” Source: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/11853 ____ Responses of the Mashāyikh: 1⃣. When the question was posed to Sheikh Muḥammad Bā Jammāl (ḥafidhahullāh), he asked, "Is it a free-mixed university?" I responded, "It appears so." He then stated, "It is not permissible for her to continue." Source: https://t.me/womensbenefits/708 2⃣. Sheikh Muḥammad Al-’Ansi ḥafidhahullāh said: First and foremost, when a woman is blessed by Allāh with marriage, she should not entertain thoughts of avoiding pregnancy or childbirth. This contradicts one of the fundamental purposes of marriage, which has great objectives, including seeking offspring. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Marry loving and fertile women, for I will boast of your numbers before the nations on the Day of Judgment." Furthermore, the prophets (peace be upon them) would supplicate to Allāh to grant them righteous offspring. So, O (female) servant of Allāh, how do you know that your pregnancy might not be a means of bringing forth immense goodness unknown to you? Perhaps delaying what is currently feasible could later lead to difficulty in conceiving.