Why Muslims Are Encouraged to Have Many Children

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Evidence from Qur'an and Sunnah

The encouragement to marry women who are fertile and to have many children is firmly established in authentic Islamic texts. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Marry the loving and fertile, for I will boast of your great numbers before the nations on the Day of Resurrection." (Sunan Abi Dawud 2050, Sahih al-Jami' 2945 – authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani)

Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله) considered this hadith authentic (sahih) and used it as evidence for the desirability of having many children.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"Wealth and children are adornments of the worldly life..." (Surah al-Kahf 18:46)

And He says:

"Your wealth and your children are only a trial..." (Surah al-Taghabun 64:15)

The Wisdom Behind This Encouragement

1. Increasing the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) explained that having many children serves the purpose of increasing the Muslim community, which brings pride to the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Resurrection. He stated in Majmu' al-Fatawa (15/355) that the Prophet's boasting of his Ummah's numbers includes both quantity and quality.

2. Continuation of the Human Race and Civilization

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) said:

"Having many children is from the natural disposition (fitrah) and is a means of preserving the human race, populating the earth, and establishing civilization – all of which are objectives of Islamic law." (Sharh Riyadh al-Salihin, 3/118)

3. Raising Righteous Scholars and Callers

Your observation about raising children to become scholars ('ulama), jurists (fuqaha), and callers to Allah (du'at) is excellent. Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله) was asked about having many children and responded:

"Having many children is desirable if the parents can raise them upon the correct Islamic teachings. If a Muslim raises righteous children who pray, fast, and call to Allah, then this is from the greatest deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'When a person dies, his deeds cease except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.'" (Sahih Muslim 1631; Majmu' Fatawa Ibn Baz, 21/161)

4. The Example of the Prophets

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan (حفظه الله) noted that the Prophets themselves asked Allah for many children. Prophet Zakariyyah (عليه السلام) prayed:

"So give me from Yourself an heir who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Ya'qub..." (Surah Maryam 19:5-6)

Addressing the Concern About Muslim Population Decline

Your observation about the Jewish community's population growth is noteworthy. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) warned:

"If Muslims neglect having children while others increase their populations, the Muslims will become weak and their voice will be lost in the world. Having many children is a form of strength for the Ummah." (Liqa'at al-Bab al-Maftuh, 1/214)

However, we must be careful not to make this purely about competition with other communities. Rather, our intention should be:

1. To please Allah by following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
2. To increase the Ummah that will bear witness over other nations
3. To raise righteous servants of Allah who will worship Him and benefit humanity

Important Conditions and Balance

Quality Alongside Quantity

Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله) emphasized that the Islamic objective is not merely numbers but righteous individuals. He said:

"The Prophet ﷺ will boast of his Ummah's numbers, but this boasting is only meaningful if they are upon true faith and practice. A large number without faith brings no honor." (Silsilat al-Huda wa al-Nur, no. 620)

Not at the Expense of Children's Rights

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) also cautioned:

"A person should not have children beyond his ability to provide for them properly – not just financially, but also in terms of religious education and moral training. Every child has rights over their parents." (Fatawa al-'Aqidah, 1/214)

Medical Considerations

If a woman has health conditions that make pregnancy dangerous, scholars permit contraception. Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله) permitted temporary contraception (like 'azl or birth control) for valid reasons such as the mother's health, while discouraging permanent sterilization without necessity.

Practical Advice

1. Marry with the intention of having children – choose a spouse who desires children
2. Have sincere intention (niyyah) – to raise a righteous generation for Allah's sake
3. Do not delay marriage unnecessarily due to financial fears – Allah provides
4. Trust in Allah's provision – He says: "And do not kill your children out of fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you." (Surah al-Isra 17:31)
5. Focus on quality of upbringing – teach them Qur'an, Sunnah, and beneficial knowledge
6. Be patient with the challenges – children are a test and a trust from Allah

Conclusion

The Islamic guidance to have many children is rooted in profound wisdom: increasing the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ, preserving the human race, populating the earth with worshippers of Allah, and raising a generation of scholars and righteous people who will benefit humanity.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah summarized this beautifully:

"The purpose of marriage includes reproduction, increasing the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ, and raising children who worship Allah alone. This is one of the greatest acts of worship." (Majmu' al-Fatawa, 32/65)

May Allah grant us righteous offspring who will be the coolness of our eyes and a source of benefit for the Ummah. Ameen.

And Allah knows best.