The birth of a child is a momentous occasion. The happiness that it brings is indescribable. For the fortunate parents it is Allah's greatest nemat. Our children are the extensions of our hopes and personalities and most importantly they are the perpetuation of the progeny of Imaan. As Rasulullah (S.A.) has said "Marry, because on the day of judgment, I will be proud of my large ummat."

To bear and bring up a child is indeed a great responsibility. In today's frenetic pace of life all of us are faced with this million dollar question: When to have a child and how big should an ideal family be? Family planning and birth control have become increasingly popular today. Islam guides us along the right path, the middle path. As Rasulullah (SA) has said "It is a dilemma to have many children and little wealth. Having few children is one of two good fortunes".

The prevention of sperms from entering the uterus with the consent of the woman is permissible. Sometimes medical reasons makes contraception necessary. If such cases arise dua mubarak should be beseeched, along with proper medical advice.

The all encompassing truth is that life and death are in Allah's hands and therefore many a time modern techniques of birth control fail.

In that particular eventuality abortion, if considered is the rejection of Allah's nemat; it is forbidden for it is like taking a life.

Abortion of female fetuses has been a practice amongst some tribes throughout history. Quran e Majeed strongly condemns this act. In fact Rasulullah (SA) has said that the first born, if a daughter, is considered good fortune for the mother.

Our beloved Maula(TUS) father of all mumineen says, "Imam Husain na wasila si, khuda tamari gaud farzand si bhari dejo." Let us hope that Allah blesses every mumin with the wealth of children.