Islam_in_Focus_text

dren is fundamental. Besides, it is one of the major purposes
of marriage, and rnan desires by nature to have children to
preserve his name and strengthen the family bonds. In a situ-
ation iike this a man has one of three ordinary alternatives;
dren:
(i) To forget it and suppress his natural desires for chil-
(ii) To divorce his childless wife through a course of
separation, adultery or otherwise; and
(iii) To adopt children and give them his name.
None of these alternatives fits the general outlook of Is-
lam on life and nature. Islam does not encourage or approve
suppression of anyone's legitimate desires and natural aspi-
rations. It helps to realize those aspirations and desires in a
decent and legal vvay because suppression in such a case is
not part of its system. Divorce under these circumstances is
not justifiable. because it is not the wife's fault that she can-
not have children. Besides, divorce is the most detestable
thing in the Sight of God and is permissible only when there
is no other alternative. On the other hand, the wife may be in
nccd of the support and companionship of her husband. It
will be cruel to let her go when she is in need and desperate,
and when she has nobody particularly interested in her,
knowing that she is unable to give birth.
Adoption is also out of the question, because Islam or-
dains that every child must be called by his real father's