Islamic clerics have been called upon to take a more active role in sensitizing their followers on the benefits of child spacing and family planning, with emphasis on both health advantages and alignment with religious teachings.
Delivering a sermon in Sokoto, Sheikh Bello Mai Nasiha, a prominent Islamic scholar, said that family planning is not only crucial to safeguarding the health of mothers and children but also firmly rooted in the principles of Islam.
He said that Islam upholds moderation, responsibility, and the protection of life values which, he noted, resonate with the concept of spacing births.
“Many misconceptions about family planning arise from ignorance and misinterpretation of religious texts. Clerics must guide their followers with wisdom and correct understanding”
The scholar further noted that properly spaced pregnancies reduce maternal mortality, protect women from preventable health risks, and ensure the overall wellbeing of families.
Beyond health, he added, family planning enables parents to provide adequately for their children’s education, nutrition, and upbringing which are basic obligations that Islam regards as a sacred trust.
“It is unjust to bring children into the world without the means to care for them. Justice and compassion are key values in Islam, and family planning helps families live up to those values,” he added.
Sheikh Mai Nasiha urged religious leaders, who command deep respect in society, to use their influence to dispel myths and promote accurate knowledge on family planning.
He warned against dismissing it as a “Western idea,” insisting that its essence is rooted in Islamic wisdom and responsibility.
He also encouraged couples to seek medical advice alongside religious guidance when making decisions about child spacing.
The cleric appealed to fellow scholars and Imams across mosques in Sokoto and beyond to integrate discussions on child spacing into their sermons and teaching sessions, noting that such efforts would help reach grassroots communities across both rural and urban areas.
He further called on government agencies and non-governmental organizations to partner with religious leaders in awareness campaigns, saying collaboration would bridge the gap between medical science and religious understanding.
“With proper guidance from clerics, families will come to appreciate child spacing not just as a health necessity but also as a means of fulfilling their religious and social responsibilities,” Sheikh Mai Nasiha concluded.
Observers note that interventions by respected scholars like Sheikh Bello Mai Nasiha remain critical to breaking cultural and religious barriers that hinder the acceptance of family planning across Northern Nigeria.
“By leveraging their influence, religious leaders are expected to drive a new narrative that harmonizes faith with health and ensures healthier families, stronger communities, and a more prosperous society”, Said Nuhu Hussaini, a father in Sokoto.
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