[sally]

I must say that some people are jumping to rash conclusions here. On the other hand, some valid points are being conveyed in an indecent fashion.

Let us remember that the people during the time of the Prophet S.A.W and the Sahabah implemented the practice of basic birth control in their lives and it was obviously completely permissable. Now, Islamically also, children are a great blessing and it should be noted that the Prophet S.A.W ALSO emphasized that Muslims should have many children because it increases the Muslim Ummah, etc etc.

Why, then, would the need for birth control arise or even become an issue during the Prophets time? Simply because when times were really tough, Muslims most likely put two and two together and realized that wait, Allah DOES provide for every individual human being, HOWEVER, I SHOULD probably tie my camel and thus, maybe put off having children until things get a little better.

Also, in Islam, a single man is not encouraged to think of getting married until and unless he has some way of supporting his new wife, and future children. We're not saying that he has to have a crapload of money in the bank, or a $100,000/yr job, but common sense dictates that there needs to be some flow of funds in order for a man to even think of a new wife (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) or potential offspring. Now obviously the case is different when a multi million dollar businessman or a man with a steady income who has a couple kids and a wife and is living lavishly and suddenly has something tragic happen to him, ultimately resulting in him and his family ending up on the streets.

But of course there are extremes on every end. Because on the other hand, you have people who have a decent flow of funds and the basic necessities of life who constantly think that they can't afford to have a kid. That's their own business but if you get to know some of these people, you might find their thought process a little strange because they'll say something like, 'oh, we're not thinking of having kids because honestly, there's no way we can afford to send them to a private college 18 years down the line'. God forbid their kid ever has to work a little bit for his lavish lifestyle or $100,000 degree.

Anyway, isn't it true that as it gets closer to Qiyaamah, people will stop looking out for each other and hence, chaos will ensue?