Ruling on IVF (Sh. Albani)

Question: The questioner asks: What is the Islamic ruling on in vitro fertilisation (IVF), knowing that some doctors extract a man's sperm and place it into the egg of a woman who is not his wife? Please provide the evidence. May Allāh reward you. Sheikh Albāni rahimahullah: I initially assumed the question would pertain to transferring a husband's sperm to his own wife, as that is the matter which might confuse some people. However, the case of transferring a man's sperm to a woman who is not his wife represents a modern method of mixing lineages—something typically associated with the act of adultery. This, in essence, is a form of adultery carried out through a so-called medical technique that deceives many people. Otherwise, what is the point of such questions repeatedly appearing in newspapers and magazines, endlessly circulating, while people remain in deep moral confusion and spiritual loss? This act is impermissible and should not even be a subject of inquiry for a Muslim. The proper question one might ask is whether it is permissible to transfer a man’s sperm to his wife using these modern medical techniques. That is the scenario that might genuinely cause confusion. So, is it permissible for a man to allow a doctor to transfer his sperm to his wife? We say: No, it is not permissible, because such a procedure necessitates, at the very least, that the doctor will view the woman’s private parts. It is well known and indisputable that exposing women’s private parts is forbidden. What is forbidden by Islamic law cannot be committed except in the case of necessity—and we cannot imagine any scenario where it becomes necessary for a man to have his sperm transferred to his wife through this prohibited method. Moreover, the process may sometimes—though I cannot confirm this definitively, as it depends on the doctors—involve the exposure of the man's private parts as well. If that is the case, then the doctor would be committing two violations: the first by uncovering the woman’s private parts, and the second by exposing those of the man. Both are impermissible. In addition to these concerns, resorting to such methods indicates two dangerous trends: 1. Imitating Europeans in all that they introduce and adopt. This is not permissible. As I have mentioned before, the Prophet ﷺ said: "You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, inch by inch and cubit by cubit, even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them." In another narration reported by At-Tirmidhi and others: "Even if among them there was someone who had intercourse with his mother in public, there would be among you someone who would do the same." We are indeed following in the footsteps of disbelievers. The innovation of IVF came from them, and now we occupy ourselves trying to derive religious rulings that permit Muslims to expose their private parts in pursuit of having a child through such means. 2. A lack of acceptance of Allāh’s decree. A man who has not been granted a child through the natural and divinely ordained marital relationship is essentially demonstrating discontent with Allāh’s will and decree. He seeks to overcome it, even by resorting to impermissible means. If the Prophet ﷺ commanded Muslims to pursue lawful means when seeking sustenance and earning a living, then it is even more incumbent upon them to seek lawful means when striving to have children. The Prophet ﷺ said: "O people, the Holy Spirit has inspired in my soul that no soul will die until it has completed its sustenance and lifespan, so pursue your needs beautifully and lawfully." That is, pursue lawful and morally sound ways in your quest for sustenance. He further said: "What is with Allāh cannot be attained through that which is forbidden. Take what is lawful and leave what is forbidden." Therefore, we say: Follow the permissible and lawful means, and Allāh will grant you lawful sustenance and righteous offspring. Leave these deviant paths taken by those who do not believe in Allāh or the Last Day.