Most married couples want children. Unfortunately, not all couples can have a biological child. Some of them put lots of effort into getting pregnant. But then they fail to have children and end up divorcing. What should they do?
Islamic Teaching on Children
Islam teaches that one of the main purposes of marriage is to have children. Islam encourages men to marry women who can have lots of children! “… ‘marry those who are loving and fertile, …’” (Narrated Ma’qil ibn Yasar, Hadith, Abu Dawud 11:2045).
If a spouse is infertile, Islam also allows divorce. “’Umar b. al-Khattab, ABPH, said to a castrated man who was married: Did you inform her that you are sterile?’ He said he had not. Umar said: ‘Go and inform her, and let her choose’” (Reported by ‘Abd al-Razzaq in al-Musannaf, no 10347).
Christian Teaching on Children
God’s Holy Book teaches that having a child is God’s grace (Taurat, Genesis 4:1; 33:5). He wills to give or not give children. He even takes children back according to His will (Job 1:21)!
To those who can’t have children, God says. “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD” (Zabur, Psalm 113:9). God can give children to the infertile! But this can only happen only through His grace.
God Doesn’t Allow Divorce
God doesn’t allow divorce for those who are infertile,. “‘For I hate divorce!’ says the LORD, the God of Israel. ‘To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. ‘So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife’” (Nabi Malachi 2:16).
Every Couple Needs Peace from Isa Al-Masih
The Bible teaches that being faithful and loving one’s spouse is more important than having a child. But if you are infertile, God wants you to come to Him. He is able to give you a child according to His grace. He is also able to give hope and grace in difficult times, including barrenness.
He also wants to give you rest. Isa Al-Masih says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Injil, Matthew 11:28). Come and receive Isa into your life. He will carry your burden!
[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6) For a deeper understanding of Jesus, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]
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1.Why does Islam teach that a couple must have many children?
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3. What does the Bible teach about infertility?
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