Is IVF allowed in Islam?
Yes, within marriage. Major Islamic fiqh councils allow IVF when it uses the husband's sperm and the wife's egg, during their marriage, and the embryo is placed in the wife's womb. Donor eggs, donor sperm and surrogacy are not allowed according to the majority of Sunni scholars.
Seeking treatment is encouraged
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5678). Infertility is a medical condition, and treating it is part of using the means Allah provided. See Are vaccines halal for Muslims?
Children are a gift from Allah. Seeking them through lawful treatment while trusting His decree is fully in line with faith.
What's allowed
- IVF using the husband's sperm and the wife's egg.
- The embryo transferred into the wife's own womb.
- Treatment while the marriage is ongoing.
- IUI (insemination) with the husband's sperm.
- Freezing embryos for the same couple, according to many scholars.
What's not allowed
- Donor sperm or donor eggs: a third party enters the marriage, which scholars say confuses lineage.
- Surrogacy: carrying a couple's embryo in another woman's womb is not allowed by most Sunni scholars.
- Using frozen embryos after divorce or the husband's death: the marriage has ended.
Some Shia scholars hold different views on donors. If this applies to you, ask a scholar from your tradition.
Practical questions
- Clinic procedures: ask how samples are labeled and protected from mix-ups.
- Extra embryos: discuss with the clinic what happens to unused embryos. Many scholars allow letting them expire or donating them for research, but not to other couples.
- Sex selection: scholars generally discourage it except for medical reasons.
When treatment doesn't work
Infertility can be heartbreaking. Remember that some of the greatest prophets, like Ibrahim and Zakariyya, waited many years for children. Your worth isn't measured by having children, and your patience is seen by Allah. Many couples also find fulfillment in fostering or caring for orphans, which Islam praises highly. See Can I adopt a child as a Muslim?
For the opposite question, see Can I use birth control as a Muslim?
- IVF is allowed with the married couple's own egg and sperm.
- Donor eggs, donor sperm and surrogacy aren't allowed for most Sunni scholars.
- Treatment must happen during the marriage.
- Trust Allah's decree, whatever the outcome.
People also ask
Do I have to fast during Ramadan if I have diabetes?
Not if fasting would harm you. Follow your doctor's advice, make up days later, or give fidya. Here's how it works.
Read the full answer →Can I donate my organs as a Muslim?
Most contemporary scholars allow organ donation to save lives, with conditions. Some disagree. Here's what Muslims should know before signing up.
Read the full answer →Can I use birth control as a Muslim?
Yes, most scholars allow temporary birth control within marriage with mutual agreement. Here's what's allowed and what scholars caution about.
Read the full answer →Can I be cremated as a Muslim?
No. Cremation isn't allowed in Islam, and the body keeps its dignity after death. Here's why, and how converts can make their burial wishes clear.
Read the full answer →Can I be buried next to my non-Muslim family as a Muslim?
Most scholars say Muslims are buried with Muslims, but Muslim sections exist in many Western cemeteries. Here's how to plan and write your will.
Read the full answer →