Faith leaders change tune on family planning

A number of faith groups across the globe bar their following from using contraceptives or any other family planning method. The concerned faith groups argue that God mandated them to conquer the world by bearing as many children as possible.

However, the trend is set to change following the partnership Health Policy Project (HPP) has established with faith leaders, which aims at mobilising believers to take key roles in population growth management through family planning.

Our reporter WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR finds out from Qadriah Muslim

Association of Malawi (QMAM) programme officer, Ousmane Chunga, on whether this is not against the teachings of their faith.

Does the Qur’an say anything regarding the number of children one can have?

The Qur’an is not very specific about the number of children a family can have. However, the holy book emphasises that a family must have children that are manageable.

Does this mean that Islam isn’t against use of contraceptives?

Allow me to refer to the Qur’an. Surah 2 verse 233. It states that a family must suckle a child for two years before considering to have another one. This, in essence,-+   means all Muslims are supposed to space childbirths and ensure that children receive utmost care and love during the first days of their lives.

Islam doesn’t stop followers from taking contraception where necessary. However, I should emphasise here that our religion doesn’t support permanent family planning methods such as vasectomy.

Does the Qur’an mandate conquering the world through births?

Our Prophet Muhammad challenged men to be protectors of women. By bearing children without taking into consideration the health of the wife, one would certainly be risking his wife’s life and not protecting it.

What are the problems of having more children in a family?

Inadequacy of resources to support the family’s livelihood would be the first challenge. Other problems would be deterioration of health among childbearing women. Having more children can also affect the country’s economy in so many ways such as lack of social services.

Explain your partnership with HPP

This partnership has helped us understand our role in controlling population growth in light of global socio-economic crises. Our members have begun to understand that government has no sinister motive when advising us to consider spacing our children. It is simply trying to help us live a healthy life. Since we started working with HPP and government, there has been a significant decrease in the number of children born.

Give us a picture of the number of children born to your followers in a month or year?

That cannot be easy off-hand. However, it is pleasing to note that more and more families, including Christians, are embracing family planning initiatives.