In vitro fertilization has opened up new possibilities for couples struggling with infertility. For Muslim families, understanding how IVF works and whether it aligns with Islamic beliefs can help you confidently take the next steps toward your family-building journey.
Curious about surrogacy? Check out this article to learn more.
In this article, we’ll break down the IVF process, explore the foundational beliefs Muslims and IVF and address ethical concerns within Islamic teachings.
Muslims and IVF: Is IVF Permitted in Islam?
In Islam, marriage and procreation are highly valued. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of family, and having children is often seen as part of the divine plan for married couples. However, Islam also acknowledges that not all couples will have children naturally, and the religion is generally supportive of seeking medical help to address infertility.
The Qur'an encourages seeking cures for ailments, including infertility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is recorded in the Hadith about procreation in Islam as saying, "For every disease, Allah has made a cure." This principle supports the idea that Muslims may seek medical interventions like IVF to fulfill their desire for children, as long as the process adheres to Islamic values.
Is IVF Halal in Islam?
Yes, IVF is halal in Islam under certain parameters. The permissibility of Islam and IVF largely depends on the how it’s used. The consensus among many Islamic scholars is that IVF is halal (permissible) under certain conditions:
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The Use of a Married Couple’s Gametes: The sperm and egg used in IVF must come from the married couple. Any use of donor sperm in Islam, donor eggs in Islam, or surrogacy involving a third party is considered haram (forbidden) because it interferes with the sanctity of marriage and lineage.
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Timing: IVF must occur within the confines of a valid marriage. If the couple separates or one partner dies, further use of stored embryos or sperm is not allowed.
Some Islamic organizations and institutions, such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, have issued rulings that IVF is halal as long as it strictly involves the married couple and respects the principles of modesty and morality.
Shia Islam and Egg Donation
In Shia Islam, the use of donor gametes, such as donor eggs, can be considered halal under specific conditions. One way this can be facilitated is through a temporary marriage, known as a Mut'ah marriage. In this context, an intended father can marry the donor temporarily through Mut'ah, a contractual marriage that lasts for a defined period, ranging from a few hours to several years, with mutual consent.
Sunni Islam, on the other hand, does not permit the use of donor gametes and views Mut'ah marriages as impermissible, adhering to stricter rules regarding marriage and family formation.
Before many any decisions regarding donor eggs, you may consider speaking with your family and local Imam. Using egg donor profiles, many egg donor clinics can help you find a Muslim egg donor
Muslim and IVF Resources
For personalized help, reach out to your local mosque or Islamic center, many of which have connections to professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by Muslim couples.
Is Surrogacy Haram in Islam?
Surrogacy is generally considered haram in Islam, particularly within Sunni teachings, which hold that surrogacy violates the sanctity of marriage and family structure by involving a third party in the conception process.
Islamic law emphasizes that children should be conceived naturally within the confines of a marriage, and surrogacy—especially if it involves sperm or eggs from donors—can complicate issues of lineage and inheritance, both critical aspects of Sharia.
However, some Shia scholars are more lenient and may allow surrogacy under specific conditions, such as when the surrogate is only carrying the biological child of the married couple.
Find a Surrogate
At American Surrogacy, we can help you find a surrogate who either shares your Muslim faith or respects your Muslim values throughout the surrogacy process. We understand the importance of ensuring that your surrogacy journey aligns with your religious and cultural beliefs, and we offer pre-screened surrogates who are open to working with intended parents of all faiths.
Surrogacy and Respecting Your Islamic Beliefs
Surrogacy can be a sensitive topic for Muslim intended parents, but there are ways to pursue it while respecting your Islamic beliefs. If you and your spouse are able to create embryos using your own sperm and eggs, your child will share no genetic relation to the surrogate, which addresses some concerns in Islamic law about lineage.
Additionally, there are legal processes in place to ensure that you are recognized as the child’s legal parents from birth. By working with a reputable surrogacy agency, like American Surrogacy, you can navigate both the legal and ethical aspects of surrogacy, ensuring that the process respects your faith and values while giving you the opportunity to build the family you’ve always dreamed of.
Freezing embryos is allowed in Islam, provided they are used by the same married couple later on. However, the destruction of embryos is a more complex issue, and many scholars advise against creating more embryos than will likely be used. Learn more about the embryo freezing process here. Islamic teachings emphasize fairness and balance, which extends to gender selection. While choosing the gender of a child for non-medical reasons can be seen as problematic, some scholars allow it when there is a medical reason involved, such as avoiding a genetic disorder. Surrogacy involving a third party is generally forbidden in Islam Sunni, as it introduces a third person into the reproductive process, disrupting the lineage and marital bond between the couple. Common Ethical Questions Regarding Muslims and IVF
Begin Your Journey to Parenthood
IVF offers hope to many Muslim couples who face infertility, and understanding the process in the context of Islamic teachings can provide clarity and peace of mind. If you're unsure about the next step, consider consulting with both medical professionals and spiritual leaders to make an informed decision that feels right for you.