What is the status of the Hadith concerning Al-'Azl and creation?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

When Al-'Azl was mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he asked, "Why would none of you do that?" He did not prohibit it by saying, "Do not do it," affirming that it is not a created life that Allah does not create. The Hadith is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh). Furthermore, when a man mentioned he practiced Al-'Azl because he disliked his slave woman becoming pregnant, and mentioned that the Jews claim Al-'Azl is the lesser form of infanticide, the Prophet responded, "The Jews lied. If Allah intended to create him, you would not be able to prevent it." This narration is reported by Abu Dawud.