Introduction
The development of modern times has brought significant changes in how people view marriage and family. One emerging and widely discussed phenomenon is childfree, which refers to a married couple’s decision not to have children. In Indonesia, this trend became popular around 2020, especially after several public figures openly shared their choice.

In a society that generally values having children, children are often seen as the main goal of marriage and a source of happiness. However, changing lifestyles and more individualistic values have led some couples to choose not to have children. This has sparked debates, especially from the perspective of Islam, which has its own views on marriage and offspring.

Definition of Childfree

Childfree refers to a condition where individuals or married couples consciously and voluntarily choose not to have children. This is different from childless, which means not having children due to factors beyond one’s control, such as infertility or medical conditions.

Concept and Phenomenon of Childfree

The childfree phenomenon is not new globally, but it has become a recent trend in Indonesia. In Western countries, this idea has existed for a long time, even since the 18th century, alongside the rise of feminism and gender equality movements.

In modern contexts, childfree is often seen as a form of personal freedom, including the right to control one’s body and choose not to become a parent. It is also influenced by increased awareness of mental health, parenting challenges, and family dynamics.

Factors Behind Childfree Decisions

Several factors influence the decision to be childfree, including:

• Economic factors: concerns about the cost of living and education
• Psychological factors: childhood trauma, mental unpreparedness, anxiety about parenting
• Personal factors: desire to focus on career and personal freedom
• Social and environmental factors: cultural pressure and changing family values
• Philosophical views: belief that the world is not ideal for raising children
• Overpopulation concerns

The Purpose of Marriage in Islam

In Islam, marriage has noble purposes, including:

• Creating peace, love, and compassion (sakinah, mawaddah, rahmah)
• Protecting faith and morality (hifzh al-din)
• Continuing human lineage (hifzh al-nasl)

Having children is considered an important goal in marriage, as it ensures the continuation of future generations.

Islamic View on Children and Offspring

In Islam, children are seen as:

• A blessing and gift from Allah
• A trust (amanah) that must be cared for and educated
• A source of happiness (qurrata a’yun)
• The next generation that continues religious values

Children also play an important role in the afterlife, as they can pray for their parents after they pass away.

The Ruling on Childfree in Islam

Based on scholarly discussions:

• There is no explicit text that strictly forbids being childfree
• Having children is recommended (sunnah), not obligatory

However:

• Childfree goes against one of the main purposes of marriage in Islam
• If done without valid reasons, it is not in line with Islamic teachings
• If based on strong reasons (such as health issues), it can be tolerated

Therefore, the ruling is contextual.

Evidence Encouraging Having Children

Islam encourages having children through various teachings, such as:

• The prayer of Prophet Zakaria asking for good offspring (Ali-Imran Verse 38)
• Qur’anic verses describing children as blessings and comfort
• Hadith encouraging marriage with fertile partners

There is also a hadith stating that a person’s deeds continue through a righteous child who prays for them after death.

Analogy with the Concept of ‘Azl

In Islamic jurisprudence, childfree can be compared to ‘azl (coitus interruptus), a method to prevent pregnancy.

The rulings are:

• Permissible if temporary
• Considered leaving something better, not sinful
• Becomes prohibited if done permanently without valid medical reasons

Islamic Solutions

Islam provides solutions for couples not ready to have children, such as:

• Delaying pregnancy through family planning
• Spacing births
• Preparing mentally, financially, and spiritually
• Avoiding permanent decisions to reject having children

Islam allows planning, but does not encourage complete rejection of offspring.

Conclusion
The childfree phenomenon is part of social changes in modern society. In Islam, choosing not to have children is not explicitly forbidden, but it does not align with one of the main purposes of marriage, which is to continue the lineage.

Islam views children as a blessing, a trust, and a source of happiness in both this life and the hereafter. Therefore, while childfree may be tolerated in certain situations, Islam encourages having children with proper preparation.

Source

Fadhilah, E. (2022). Childfree dalam perspektif Islam. Al-Mawarid Jurnal Syari’ah & Hukum, 3(2). https://journal.uii.ac.id/JSYH/article/view/21959

Zakiyyah, E., & Mursalin, H. (2023). Fenomena childfree dalam perspektif Islam. Mauriduna: Journal of Islamic Studies, 4(2), 192–203.