The Holy Quran and the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) place great emphasis on childbearing and population growth. This is while many societies today are facing the serious challenge of population decline. By examining religious teachings, it becomes clear that from the Islamic perspective, childbearing is not merely a social tradition but a divine duty, one that paves the way for the realization of religious ideals and the spread of justice and monotheism throughout the world.
The Holy Quran regards children as a divine blessing, and Islamic narrations likewise emphasize the positive effects of population growth within the Islamic community. Therefore, a proper understanding of Islam’s viewpoint on childbearing can help address many of the demographic challenges of the modern era.
Why Are Population Growth and Childbearing a Necessity?
Population growth is not merely a statistical matter; rather, it is a key strategy for the development and advancement of societies, especially Islamic societies. The religion of Islam places strong emphasis on childbearing and the continuation of generations, considering it a means of strengthening the Islamic community, increasing power and dignity, and realizing divine goals.
On the other hand, global studies show that population growth is one of the important indicators of a country’s level of development.[1] Population decline can lead to numerous negative consequences, including weakened political power, reduced economic growth, increased vulnerability to threats, and an aging population.
Therefore, policymaking in the field of population is regarded as a strategic necessity for ensuring a bright future for Islamic societies. In what follows, the Quranic perspective on population growth and childbearing will be examined and explained.
The Quranic Perspective on Population Growth and Childbearing
The Holy Quran, the book of guidance and life, addresses the issue of childbearing and population growth in numerous verses. In this discussion, six categories of these verses are examined to understand how the Quran considers childbearing and population growth not only a natural right, but also a divine duty and a factor in strengthening the Islamic society. These verses, directly or indirectly, emphasize the importance of population growth and childbearing.
First Category: The Lack of Any Connection Between Poverty and Childbearing or Population Growth
One of the major concerns of modern societies is the fear of poverty and the inability to meet living expenses. For this reason, some people refrain from having children. However, the Holy Quran, with a hopeful outlook toward the future, explicitly declares that God is the Provider of sustenance for all His servants, and that fear of poverty should not prevent population growth and family formation.
«وَ لا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلاقٍ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ و َإِيَّاكُمْ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خَطَأً كَبِيرًا»
“And Do not kill your children for the fear of penury: We will provide for them and for you. Killing them is indeed a great iniquity”.[2]
This verse clearly forbids killing children due to fear of poverty and emphasizes that God provides sustenance for all human beings. Exegetes believe that this verse does not only refer to the physical killing of children, but also includes abortion. Through this verse, God reassures people that if they place their trust in Him, their sustenance will be provided, and there is no need to worry about the future.[3]
«…وَ لَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ مِنْ إِمْلَاقٍ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَ إِيَّاهُمْ…»
“…And you shall not kill your children due to penury, We will provide for you and for them…”.[4]
In this important verse, God forbids people from committing major sins. He states that associating partners with God is the greatest sin, commands kindness toward parents, and explicitly prohibits killing children due to poverty. God promises to provide sustenance for everyone, leaving no room for concern in this regard.[5]
«وَ ما خَلَقْتُ الْجِنِّ و َالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ مَا أُرِيدُ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ رِزْقٍ و َمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ يُطْعِمُونِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ…»
“And I did not create the jinn and the humans except that they may worship Me. I desire no provision from them, nor do I desire that they should feed Me. Indeed it is Allah who is the All-provider, Powerful and All-strong…”.[6]
In these verses, God Almighty clearly states that the creation of jinn and humans is solely for His worship, and that He does not seek any provision or sustenance from His servants. This is because God is the powerful and self-sufficient Provider, whose ability to grant sustenance never diminishes.
According to Tafsir Noor, God has no limitation in providing sustenance and will always, in all circumstances, provide for His servants.[7] Therefore, economic excuses and fear of poverty cannot be obstacles to childbearing and population growth.
When God Almighty is introduced as the infinite Provider, it becomes evident that childbearing is always a commendable and divinely approved act, and that population growth is a divine will.
«و َإِذَا الْمَوْءُودَةُ سُئِلَتْ بِأَيِّ ذَنْبٍ قُتِلَتْ»
“And when the girl buried-alive will be asked, for what sin she was killed”.[8]
In Surah al-Takwir, the Holy Quran addresses the horrific practice of burying daughters alive during the Age of Ignorance in a severe and reproachful tone, strongly condemning this abhorrent act.
Various reasons have been mentioned for this barbaric practice. One of the most important reasons was gender discrimination and the lower value placed on girls. Severe poverty and concern over providing for daughters, especially in a society where women had little role in production and the economy, was another major factor.
Fear of girls being taken captive during wars and the resulting damage to family honor also contributed to this practice. Unfortunately, this brutal act is repeated in another form in the modern era. Abortion, especially the abortion of female fetuses, is in some ways a continuation of the same misguided and discriminatory mindset.[9]
Although the reasons for abortion in the modern age have become more diverse, poverty and economic hardship remain among its significant causes. By referring to the burial of daughters alive, the Holy Quran clearly states that poverty and lack of resources can never justify the killing of an innocent human being.
«وَ إِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُمْ بِالْأُنْثَى ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُ مُسْوَدًّا و َهُوَ كَظِيمٌ يَتَوَارَى مِنَ الْقَوْمِ مِنْ سُوءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِ أَيُمْسِكُهُ عَلَى هُونٍ أَمْ يَدُسُّهُ فِي التُّرَابِ أَلَا سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ»
“And When one of them is brought the news of a female [newborn], his face becomes darkened, and he chokes with suppressed agony. He hides from the people out of distress at the news he has been brought: shall he retain it in humiliation, or bury it in the ground! Behold! Evil is the judgement that they make”.[10]
During the Age of Ignorance, daughters were regarded as a heavy burden and responsibility for families. For this reason, many Arab fathers buried their daughters alive in order to rid themselves of what they perceived as a burden. The Holy Quran refers to this heinous act in strong language and condemns it severely.
Islam assigns great value to daughters and regards them as equal to sons. The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) strongly emphasized this principle.[11] Moreover, by granting Lady Fatimah (AS) the status of being the daughter of the Prophet, God highlighted the lofty position of daughters.
Concern over economic difficulties should not prevent childbearing and population growth. God Almighty is the Provider of sustenance for all His servants, and believers must place their trust in Him. At the same time, governments should create suitable economic conditions to facilitate childbearing, so that population growth and a vibrant young generation may flourish within society.
Second Category: Prophets’ Supplications for Children
Another group of verses that indicate the importance of childbearing and population growth are those in which divine prophets ask God to grant them children:
«رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ فَبَشَّرْنَاهُ بِغُلَامٍ حَلِيمٍ»
“My Lord! Give me [an heir], one of the righteous. So We gave him the good news of a forbearing son”.[12]
Prophet Abraham (AS) prayed to God for a righteous child, one who could continue his path and fulfill his divine mission. With these beautiful words, he asked God: “My Lord, grant me from among the righteous”. God answered his prayer and granted him righteous sons such as Ishmael and Isaac.[13]
«هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَ جَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا لِيَسْكُنَ إِلَيْهَا فَلَمَّا تَغَشَّاهَا حَمَلَتْ حَمْلًا خَفِيفًا فَمَرَّتْ بِهِ فَلَمَّا أَثْقَلَتْ دَعَوَا اللَّهَ رَبَّهُمَا لَئِنْ آتَيْتَنَا صَالِحًا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ»
“It is He who created you from a single soul, and made from it its mate, that he might find comfort with her. So when he had covered her, she bore a light burden and passed [some time] with it. When she had grown heavy, they both invoked Allah, their Lord: ‘If You give us a healthy [child], we will be surely grateful”.
In verse 189 of Surah al-Araf, Adam and Eve ask God to grant them a righteous and healthy child so that they may give thanks to Him. As stated in Tafsir Majma al-Bayan, they sought comfort and peace from God, comfort that can only be provided by a righteous child.[14]
«قَالُوا لَا تَوْجَلْ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ …»
“They said: Do not be afraid. Indeed we give you the good news of a wise son”.[15]
When Prophet Abraham (AS) heard the news that he would have a child in old age, he was understandably astonished, since according to natural laws, such an event seemed almost impossible. Nevertheless, he had firm faith in God’s infinite power.
This verse shows that even divine prophets prayed for children, indicating how important childbearing was to them. Moreover, their request for righteous offspring highlights the importance of proper upbringing and moral education.
This also means that childbearing is commendable even in old age, and physical weakness should not be considered an obstacle to population growth.[16] In several other verses as well, we observe prophets praying for children, which further demonstrates the importance of childbearing and population growth in their view.[17]
Third Category: Children as a Symbol of Power and Strength
Another group of verses explicitly states that children are a means of increasing power and strength. This clearly shows that from a religious perspective, population growth is considered desirable and commendable.
«وَ يُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَ بَنِينَ وَ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَارًا»
“And aid you with wealth and sons, and provide you with gardens and provide you with streams”.
The word Imdad (reinforcement) refers to continuous help and support that assists a person in achieving their goals. Wealth and children are among the most fundamental forms of this support, helping human societies progress toward their objectives.[18]
«كَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ كَانُوا أَشَدَّ مِنْكُمْ قُوَّةً وَ أَكْثَرَ أَمْوَالًا وَ أَوْلَادًا فَاسْتَمْتَعُوا بِخَلَاقِهِمْ…»
“Similar to those who were before you, who were more powerful than you and more abounding in wealth and children: they enjoyed their share [of worldly existence]…”.[19]
In this verse, hypocrites are described as a group that possessed greater power than the Muslims, particularly in terms of wealth and number of children. This is a direct reference to the role of children in increasing the strength and influence of a group, showing that from the Quranic perspective, having children is a positive and empowering factor.[20]
Fourth Category: Children as a Divine Blessing
Another set of verses introduces children as valuable blessings from God, bringing numerous benefits to human life. Having children is a divine gift that can greatly assist parents in various aspects of life, including economic support and emotional companionship.
«وَ وَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَ يَعْقُوبَ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا وَ نُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِهِ دَاوُودَ وَ سلَيْمَانَ وَ أَيُّوبَ وَ يُوسُفَ وَ مُوسَى وَ هَارُونَ وَ كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ»
“And We gave him Isaac and Jacob and guided each of them. And Noah We had guided before, and from his offspring, David and Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron, thus do We reward the virtuous”.[21]
In these verses, God bestows upon Abraham (AS) a great blessing: righteous children and a blessed lineage, which are considered among the greatest divine gifts.[22]
«وَ اللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا وَ جَعَلَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَزْوَاجِكُمْ بَنِينَ وَ حَفَدَةً وَ رَزَقَكُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ…»
“Allah made for you mates from your own selves and appointed for you children and grandchildren from your mates, and We provided you with all the good things…”.[23]
In the interpretation of this verse, it is stated that God granted spouses as a precious blessing so that they may assist one another in meeting life’s needs and overcoming difficulties. Spouses are companions and supporters, and through their cooperation, many hardships of life become more bearable.[24]
«و َوَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَ يَعْقُوبَ نَافِلَةً وَ كُلًّا جَعَلْنَا صَالِحِينَ»
“And We gave him Isaac, and Jacob as well for a grandson, and each of them We made righteous”.[25]
God saved Lot from the wrongdoing people and granted him and Abraham (AS) righteous offspring, establishing a pure and blessed lineage. This demonstrates that God regards children as a great blessing, one that ensures the continuation of generations, contributes to population growth, and strengthens society.
Fifth Category: God’s Lordship and the Provision of Sustenance
The verses of the Quran remind us that God is the Provider of all existence, and that worrying about the sustenance of children is meaningless. God has guaranteed the provision of sustenance for everyone and never leaves anyone alone in meeting their needs.
«وَ كَأَيِّنْ مِنْ دَابَّةٍ لَا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا اللَّهُ يَرْزُقُهَا وَ إِيَّاكُمْ وَ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ»
“And How many an animal there is that does not carry its own provision. Allah provides them and you, and He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing”.[26]
God, the infinite Provider, grants sustenance to all creatures, from the smallest insect to human beings. His boundless knowledge and power guarantee the provision of sustenance for all beings.[27]
Many animals go about their daily lives without concern for their livelihood, and God continuously provides for them. So why should human beings, who possess greater abilities and capacities, be worried about sustenance?
God is fully aware of everyone’s needs and provides for all. Even when we were in our mothers’ wombs and incapable of doing anything for ourselves, God sustained us. Now that we are more capable, we should place our trust in Him and abandon unnecessary worry.[28]
«مَن يَتقِ الله يجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجاً وَ يَرزَقُهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِبُ…»
“Whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make for him a way out [of the adversities of the world and the Hereafter] …”.[29]
God promises His faithful servants that He will provide for them from sources they could never imagine. Whoever places trust in God, He is sufficient for them, and God carries out His affairs in the best manner.
Believers should not fear poverty, for God has guaranteed their sustenance. Fear of scarcity due to piety and God-consciousness is unfounded. God is fully capable of fulfilling His promises and will never deprive His servants of His blessings.
«قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَ يَقْدِرُ لَهُ وَ مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَ هُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ»
“Say, Indeed my Lord expands the provision for whomever of His servants that He wishes and tightens it, and He will repay whatever you may spend, and He is the best of providers”.[30]
God, the All-Powerful and All-Knowing, expands or restricts the sustenance of each servant according to His wisdom. He grants abundant provision to whom He wills and limited provision to whom He wills.
Even for believers, sustenance may sometimes be abundant and at other times limited. This fluctuation is not a sign of God’s pleasure or displeasure, but rather a manifestation of His wisdom and what is in the best interest of His servants.
Therefore, abundance or scarcity of sustenance is not a criterion for a person’s goodness or worth. Since God provides sustenance for all His servants, fear of poverty and economic hardship should not hinder population growth.[31]
Surah Hud, verse 6, and Surah al-Shura, verse 19, also offer guidance encouraging population growth and discouraging fear regarding the provision of sustenance.
Sixth Category: Encouragement of Marriage and Population Growth
The Holy Quran assigns a special status to marriage and childbearing and addresses this subject in numerous verses. In this section, some of the verses that explicitly or implicitly affirm childbearing and population growth are mentioned. In the Quran, God encourages His servants to marry and says:
«وَ أَنْكِحُوا الْأَيَامَى مِنْكُمْ وَ الصَّالِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَ إِمَائِكُمْ إِنْ يَكُونُوا فُقَرَاءَ يُغْنِهِمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ…»
“Marry off those who are single among you, and the upright among your male and female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His grace …”.[32]
This noble verse points to the importance of marriage and family formation, assuring believers that if they lack the means to afford marriage, God will provide for them. As stated in Tafsir Noor, the continuation of the human race is tied to marriage, and raising a righteous generation is among the most important duties of parents.[33]
Prominent commentators, such as Allamah Tabatabai, have also emphasized that God has promised His servants that if they take steps toward marriage despite fearing poverty, He will expand their sustenance.[34]
God Almighty also describes the creation of spouses as one of the signs of His power and mercy. He says:
«وَ مِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَ جَعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ مَوَدَّةً وَ رَحْمَةً…»
“And of His signs is that He created for you mates from your own selves that you may take comfort in them, and He ordained affection and mercy between you …”.[35]
This noble verse beautifully highlights the role of marriage in providing emotional and psychological tranquility and in strengthening affectionate bonds between spouses. As noted in Quranic exegesis, one of the most important outcomes of marriage is the inner peace that a person experiences alongside their spouse.
Furthermore, childbearing and population growth, among the blessings of marriage, can further enhance this sense of tranquility. Thus, by creating spouses and enabling childbearing, God Almighty has prepared the ground for human happiness and perfection.[36]
Conclusion
The Holy Quran, through various approaches, emphasizes the importance of family formation and the growth of future generations. Quranic verses not only directly encourage marriage, childbearing, and population growth, but also dispel concerns by describing children as divine blessings, highlighting their role in strengthening the family and society, and reassuring believers regarding sustenance and provision.
These verses teach Muslims that childbearing, and consequently population growth, is a commendable and desirable act. By placing trust in God, believers can confidently pursue family formation and the upbringing of a righteous generation. In other words, Islam, by presenting various reasons and perspectives, regards childbearing and population growth not merely as a natural right, but as a divine duty.
Notes
[1] . Jokar, Modernity, Lifestyle Change, and Population Decline in Iran, p.40.
[2] . Al-Isra:31.
[3] . Tabatabai, Tafsir al-Mizan, vol.13, p.116; Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.12, pp. 102–103; Qeraati, Tafsir Noor, vol.5, p.52.
[4] . Al-Anam:151.
[5] . Tabatabai, Tafsir al-Mizan, vol.7, p.516.
[6] . Al-Dhariyat:56–58.
[7] . Qeraati, Tafsir Noor, vol.9, p.270.
[8] . Al-Takwir:8–9.
[9] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.26, p.178.
[10] . Al-Nahl:58–59.
[11] . Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.104, p.94.
[12] . Al-Saffat:100–101.
[13] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.19, p.104.
[14] . Tabrisi, Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, translated by Sotoudeh, vol.10, p.134.
[15] . Al-Hijr:53.
[16] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.11, p.100.
[17] . Al-Maryam, 49; Al-Anbiya, 89; Al-Anbiya, 83.
[18] . Tabatabai, Tafsir al-Mizan, translated by Mousavi Hamedani, vol.20, p.45.
[19] . Al-Tawbah:69.
[20] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.8, p.32.
[21] . Al-Anam:84.
[22] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.5, p.324.
[23] . Al-Nahl:72.
[24] . Tabatabai, Tafsir al-Mizan, translated by Mousavi Hamedani, vol.12, p.431.
[25] . Al-Anbiya:72.
[26] . Al-Ankabut:60.
[27] . Qeraati, Tafsir Noor, vol.7, p.165.
[28] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.16, p.332.
[29] . Al-Talaq:2–3.
[30] . Al-Saba:39.
[31] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.18, p.117.
[32] . Al-Nur:32.
[33] . Qeraati, Tafsir Noor, vol.6, p.178.
[34] . Tabatabai, Tafsir al-Mizan, translated by Mousavi Hamedani, vol.15, p.157.
[35] . Al-Rum:21.
[36] . Makarem Shirazi, Tafsir Nemooneh, vol.16, p.392.
References
- The Holy Quran.
- Hosseini Hamedani, Sayyid Muhammad Hasan, Anwar-e Derakhshan, Tehran: Lotfi Dehqan Bookstore, 1404 AH.
- Jokar, Mahboubeh, “Modernity, Lifestyle Change, and Population Decline in Iran”, Islamic Journal of Women and Family Studies, 1393 SH.
- Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwar, Beirut: Muassasat al-Wafa, 1404 AH.
- Makarem Shirazi, Naser, et al., Tafsir Nemooneh, Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1362 SH.
- Qeraati, Mohsen, Tafsir Noor, Tehran: Cultural Center Lessons from the Quran, 1383 SH.
- Tabatabai, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn, Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran, translated by Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Mousavi Hamedani, Qom: Jameeh-ye Modarresin (Society of Seminary Teachers), 1374 SH.
- Tabrisi, Fadl ibn Hasan, Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, translated by Ali Karami, Tehran: Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, 1380 SH.
Source of the article | Adapted from:
- Eshaqi Maskouni, Sajjad; Eshaqi Maskouni, Salman; Karimi, Mohammad. “Childbearing and Population Growth from the Perspective of the Verses of the Holy Quran”, Autumn and Winter 1400 SH, Issues 117 and 118, pp. 185–200.
- net Website, “Examining and Explaining the Obstacles to Population Growth with Emphasis on Islamic Teachings”.
- Mousavi, Seyyed Hossein. Kayhan.ir Website, sections from the book “3+ (Positive Three)”.
- ir Website, Cultural Center Lessons from the Quran, “Promoting Population Growth and Childbearing”.
