VASECTOMY FROM A QUR’ANIC CONTEXTUAL PERSPECTIVE: BETWEEN REGULATING PROGENY AND TERMINATING REPRODUCTION

Abstract

This article examines vasectomy as a contemporary reproductive issue from the Qur’anic perspective, particularly in relation to the tension between birth regulation and reproductive termination. The study is significant because vasectomy is often understood dichotomously: either as a prohibited act due to its association with permanent sterilisation, or as a value-neutral medical procedure. Although the Qur’an does not explicitly mention vasectomy, it provides an ethical framework through verses concerning the protection of offspring, family responsibility, the prohibition of rejecting children for economic reasons, spousal consultation, human nature, and public welfare. This study employs qualitative library research using a thematic Qur’anic interpretation approach (tafsīr mauḍū‘ī) and contextual analysis. The primary data consist of selected Qur’anic verses, including QS al-Nisā’/4:9, QS al-Baqarah/2:233, QS al-An‘ām/6:151, QS al-Naḥl/16:72, QS al-Rūm/30:21 and 30, and QS al-Nisā’/4:119. The findings show that vasectomy should not be equated with castration, as it does not remove male sexual function; however, it cannot be regarded as a value-free procedure because it directly affects reproductive capacity. Vasectomy becomes problematic when it is intended as permanent reproductive termination, carried out unilaterally, or motivated by the rejection of children. Conversely, it may be considered a form of responsible birth regulation when undertaken by a couple who already have children, through mutual consultation, for health-related reasons, and for the welfare of the family. The article concludes that a Qur’anic contextualisation of vasectomy requires a balanced consideration of ḥifẓ al-nasl, ḥifẓ al-nafs, spousal consent, medical counselling, and family responsibility.