Sex and Society in Islam: Birth Control Before the Nineteenth Century

by Basim F. Musallam

In this study of birth control in the classical Islamic world, Basim Musallam demonstrates the wide range of evidence available to dispel many assumptions that are rampant in many people's beliefs. Medieval Arabic discussions of contraception and abortion in Islamic jurisprudence, medicine, materia medica, belles lettres, erotica and popular literature show that birth control was sanctioned by Islamic law and opinion. Contraceptive methods were available throughout pre-modern times and were used to meet social, economic, personal and medical needs. Sex and Society in Islam considers the impact of birth control as a factor in demographic change, and therefore in social history.

Genres: Islam, History, Gender, Sexuality, Spirituality, Nonfiction

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a wealth of primary source material on this subject: hadiths, Islamic jurisprudence, popular literature. Unfortunately it is not possible to get much of a statistical sense from these sources, but it does seem that both Islamic law and popular opinion sanctioned birth control. This included coitus interruptus, contraceptive devices, popular remedies, and abortion prior to four months (the point at which the fetus was believed to become ensouled). Information about contraception was widely available.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, more a catalogue, i.e. the listing of herbs, flowers etc. that prevent contraception.
Interesting tidbits, like Japanese post partum contraception. Alas, he beats to death the Prophet on what is allowed because that is really the theme of the book, but in the end, the most known and probably most practiced methods : oil (lubrication) and withdrawal (Coitus interruptus) are sure ways for avoidance. Good footnotes which are 60 pages in themselves.

[G J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short read that might defy your expectations on how permissive and progressive Islamic views on sex were before the modern century. I'll never get over the right of women to sexual fulfillment was used as a legal argument - hard to imagine our own courts doing the same!

[Ila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars