Voluntary C-section
Question
My wife is considering an elective caesarean section primarily to avoid the pain of natural labour. From an Islamic perspective, is natural birth preferred over a caesarean? Are there any specific Islamic benefits or virtues linked to natural childbirth, or is it permissible to choose a caesarean purely out of comfort?
Answer
Your wife should give natural birth rather than voluntarily opting for a caesarean. There is no way to avoid the pain of natural childbirth. Similarly, the recovery period from a caesarean is approximately 4-6 weeks, during which time she will experience pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is not befitting for a Muslim to voluntarily put themselves in difficulty. Also, due to the unnecessary exorbitant costs, it is not allowed without valid reason. However, if there is a valid medical reason to do a caesarean, then it will be permissible.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
وَأَنفِقُوا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى ٱلتَّهْلُكَةِ وَأَحْسِنُوٓا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
(سورة البقرة 195)
- Answered by
- Mufti Muhammad Isa Ali
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb
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