Salam alaekum warahmotullahi, what is best way in Islam for the couples to protect their self from un-expected pregnancy"

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, it should be noted that contraception may be permanent and may be temporary. Permanent contraception is not permissible unless in case of a dire necessity, while temporary contraception is allowed when there is a need provided that this is done with the consent of both spouses because each spouse has the right in having children.

Ibn Qudaamah said: "Since she (the wife) has the right to have children, and practicing coitus interruptus with her harms her, so it (coitus interruptus) is not permissible except with her permission." [End of quote]

One of the best methods of contraception is coitus interruptus, which was practiced by the Companions .

Jaabir said: "We used to practice coitus interruptus during the time of the Prophet and he was informed of this and did not forbid us from doing it." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Whoever needs to use contraceptive methods other than coitus interruptus, then he should use the easiest and the least harmful. So, he does not resort to the loop (intrauterine device) when other alternatives exist. This is because the loop may require exposing the ‘Awrah (to the doctor), in addition to the fact that it may lead to disrupting the menstrual cycle.

Finally, it should be noted that if there is pregnancy, then it is not permissible to abort the fetus even if this is at the Nutfah stage (sperm-drop) unless there is a sound Islamic excuse. The prohibition is even confirmed if it is after the soul is breathed into the fetus; in which case, it is not permissible except for necessity. For more benefit on abortion, please refer to Fataawa 87467 and 133269.

Also, for more benefit on contraceptives and its methods, please refer to Fataawa 385597, 173427, 87155 and 83837.

Allah knows best.